what to look out for in a used road bike - Cycling Mob: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking and More

10-12-2004, 11:44 AM

Good day,

Recently I test rode a few entry-level road bikes at $600-$800, but
I could not decide if I would keep riding.

I think another option is to spend $200 or less on a cheap road
bike as a starting point. I figure, after a few months riding it,
I will know if cycling is for me and what to look for in a road
bike. It is possible that I may not upgrade the cheap bike as I am
not after the latest technology. For example, I don't quite care
the newer derailleurs and STI shifters as long as the drive train
is decent.

What vintage am I looking at? What parts should I look out for? Or
will I be better off buying a new bike?

TIA,
-AG