Newbie - Buying my first bike as an adult

[Sara C]

Hi everyone,
I am new to this forum and have been reading MMM for about 6 months now, loving it! Buying my first bike and seeking a little direction and advice.  The one I am looking at right now is here:
http://auburn.craigslist.org/bik/3795751393.html

I am a 5'6" woman, so this bike may or may not actually fit me.  I will be trying it out tomorrow.  My main questions are: Is this a reasonable beginner bike for a 3-5 mile commute in a relatively flat area (mostly road, but some off-road/gravel shortcuts?  Does $235 seem like a good starting place on this bike, it looks to be an older model, but you all might know better than I do.  Any help/advice/guidance is greatly appreciated!

[Sara C]

Should add that I believe this is a 1999 model.  Any concerns with a bike that is 14 years old?

[twinge]

I was thinking it was a little pricey for that series/age with no mention of customizing it beyond keeping it tuned.  But I could be wrong.

Also, you can look up on an on-line chart based on your height and leg length the range of frame sizes you should consider so you don't have to go driving all over to unsuitable craigslist postings.  Women tend to have longer legs than men so don't go by height alone and the frame sizes differ depending on mountain and road bikes.

http://www.ebicycles.com/bicycle-tools/frame-sizer

[adam]

I have been completely blowing off trying to bike to work, but now that the weather is getting nice and other people are talking about it I'd really like to kick my ass into  gear and do something about it.  But I also need a bike.  I mean, I have this beach cruiser thing in the garage, but I'm not sure if I should be taking that out on these busy roads or not.

[Sara C]

I was thinking it was a little pricey for that series/age with no mention of customizing it beyond keeping it tuned.  But I could be wrong.

Also, you can look up on an on-line chart based on your height and leg length the range of frame sizes you should consider so you don't have to go driving all over to unsuitable craigslist postings.  Women tend to have longer legs than men so don't go by height alone and the frame sizes differ depending on mountain and road bikes.

http://www.ebicycles.com/bicycle-tools/frame-sizer

The price does seem a little high to me as well, but that is one of my main questions to the more experienced bikers on this forum.  I think I can reasonably talk him down some; he has already moved and just needs to get rid of the bike.  Also, his quoted $1200 new is higher than any I have found, if it is in fact a 1999 they retailed for $899.

[napalminator]

there's no size listed, but it looks like maybe a 15", so the fit might be ok. 

however, a mountain bike is not the best choice for on-road commuting and light exercise.  it will work, but a hybrid-type is a better option.  if you get this one, first thing you'll want to do is get slick tires for it.

[Kibryant]

Another adult bike newbie here! I just bought my first real bike last weekend to use for my 4-mile commute to work. I am by no means an expert, but it was extremely helpful for me to go to an actual bike store and talk with people who ride a lot and know what I'm getting myself into. Craig's List is an invaluable resource, but it can also be a scary, dangerous place to spend any real money if you don't know what you're looking for.

My advice? Talk with the pros, get a professional fitting, and ride several styles of bikes to figure out what you like and what feels right.

[Sara C]

I tried out the bike on Saturday, took my Dad who has been a bike rider for many years with me.  It was obviously a little older, but all the components worked well and the frame size, 16.5" was about right for me (maybe a tiny bit small, but was comfortable).  Bought the bike for $220.  Had my first real ride Saturday night, went around 6 miles with no trouble, some hills and changing gears.  I was surprised how easy it was actually, I expected to be more sore the next day.  So far off to a great start! Next step is to get it outfitted for the road (we were just riding in our neighborhood).

[Bakari]

http://biodieselhauling.blogspot.com/2012/01/buying-bikes-from-craigslist.html