Need a bicycle ... any suggestions?

[JulesMaximus]

WTF. Short of that fucker being made of carbon fiber there is no reason a 8 speed Public D should cost $1,150!!!!!!

Bikes are cheap if you don't care about brand, and brand doesn't matter in most cases. Craigslist has tons of roadbikes that go for <$500 that are in great condition and are good.

I picked this up on craigslist a few years ago for $1100 used. I probably have another $1000 into it in upgrades easily. It weighs about 17 lbs and rides like a dream. Still, riding fast and a lot of miles is mostly about the engine, which is you...not the bike.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Just go to costco. These fools replying to you know nothing of price/performance.

I own a 19lb 1200$ trek with all the gizmos and can't tell a lick of difference.

If you can't tell the difference, you must not ride a lot. Braking, shifting, weight, durability, ride, etc will all be noticeable. And $1200 isn't going to get you all the gizmos for a road bike.

However, for the novice/new rider, starting around the $350 would be recommended.

 

[iGas]

What about this from CL? He's asking $350

Complete Bike Includes Everything in the picture.
Parts list: Kona Caldera Frame 7005 Double butted 15" Frame
Deore Hubs
Deore Shifter/Brake lever
XT rear/front de-railer
Deore Front brake
XTR rear brake
175mm XTR Shimano Cranks
Carbon Fiber Manitou- Mars Front shocks
Race Face Stem
*Needs rear tube*

Make sure that the bottom bracket/chain stay/seat stay aren't cracked. And the hubs aren't damaged.

Check to see if it includes rims on hubs because a set of rims ++ spokes & lacing can add an additional $200 to the total price. And, see if it includes seat post and saddle, as well as handle bars & peddles/clips.

 

[iGas]

If you can't tell the difference, you must not ride a lot. Braking, shifting, weight, durability, ride, etc will all be noticeable. And $1200 isn't going to get you all the gizmos for a road bike.

However, for the novice/new rider, starting around the $350 would be recommended.

It could be that the Trek is poorly tuned with sloppy head set, hubs, peddles, untrue rims, and improperly set deraileurs/shifters. It also could be that the Trek is size incorrectly as well was poor seat position & handle bars.

Or, the rider may have one leg longer than the other.

 

[dquan97]

Make sure that the bottom bracket/chain stay/seat stay aren't cracked. And the hubs aren't damaged.

Check to see if it includes rims on hubs because a set of rims ++ spokes & lacing can add an additional $200 to the total price. And, see if it includes seat post and saddle, as well as handle bars & peddles/clips.

Looks like everything is included

 

[iGas]

Looks like everything is included

It is a steal at that price.