First time road bike buyer

[DuTo!t]

Hi guys i need some advice. Im a first time road bike buyer, Ive looked at almost every bike that's in my price range (as im a student its not to much haha) . There is quite a number of Schwinn fastback bikes on the second hand market. and all the reviews ive read they say its a ok entry level bike. But now ive notices this one its a Schwinn fastback gold label http://easterncape.gumtree.co.za/c-Stuff-for-Sale-sports-bicycles-fitness-Schwinn-Fastback-gold-lable-racing-bike-hardly-used-W0QQAdIdZ362507053 I haven't been able to find allot of info on it on the web. so any advice regarding the bike and pricing would be appreciated.

[Cav']

Just keep checking the classifieds for a good deal, i reckon you might get a bike with 105 in the price range if you wait abit and dont just buy the first bike you see

[Eugene]

I cannot get the link to work, so I'm not sure which model it is exactly. Schwinn's are very nice bikes, but recently they have moved away from high end racing stuff and seem to be offering cheaper, more touring type of bikes.

 

Have you tried Reaction Sports in Charlo for a used bike? They have quite a number for sale and Mark, the owner, is very helpful.

 

What is your budget and do you know the size that you require? If anything that I hear of comes up, I will let you know.

[DuTo!t]

Thanks for the reply`s ive decided to let that one go.. what do you guys think of silverback mountery? there seems to be allot on the market, and this one is only 3k, carbon fork, and 105 groupset... sounds a little good to be true? http://easterncape.gumtree.co.za/c-ViewAd?AdId=363033134&MessageId=MSG.VIEW_AD.REPLY_TO_AD_SENT&mpname=LocClass-R2S&mpuid=%3B363033134%3B67111985%3B3100201%3B4%3B9020%3B%3B%3B%3B1332181820169&secev=AQAAATYlraoAAM0AAAACACIxMzYyYzM5NjMwYS5hMjBiMjc4LjE5NDI2LmZmZmU0YzBhAAAAABWjci4BAAAAKwAAAACy0F4AEInCGSPqzsLQrMeSgwUWsjbWrPU*

 

Eugene. i need about a 56 58... and my budget is 4-5k thanks allot!

Edited March 19, 2012 by DuTo!t

[Eugene]

I replied to your Silverback post too, but didn’t know that it was this particular one you were looking at, so my answer was a bit general.

The one in the link was the first of the Silverback range and came standard with a 9 speed Tiagra groupset. The only 105 part is the rear deraileur. It could be as old as a 2004 model. The ad does say a 105 groupset. Either the ad is wrong or the seller has done some upgrades to 105.

If it is standard, I would say R2 500 is a fair price. If it has been upgraded to full 105, then R3 000 is a good price. Have a look at the shifters and the crank to see whether they are Tiagra or 105.

I know you said your budget was R5 000, but if you could stretch it by another R1 500, you could pick up a brand new Axis with the new Tiagra 10speed for R6 500. At least if you go new, you have the warranty and the bike will be set up perfectly for you.

www.axis-bikes.com

[DuTo!t]

oh okay... Im going to go have a look at it tonight, and then decide on it... the thing is i want to get a bike for my girlfriend as well. so we can ride together,,, and i must still buy helmets shoes ect. so dont think i can stretch by another 1.5. if it looks good and nothing better comes up for the rest of the week i think ill go get it.

Thanks for all the help. If we ever ride together i must buy you a beer or 3 afterwords! Thanks again!