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Buying a bike tonight - question

little.dipper's picture
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started by little.dipper on October 3, 2007

So I'm likely picking up a bike I found on Craigslist tonight. Assuming the bike fits me, I'll be getting a 2000 Lemond Zurich with lots of extras including an extra saddle, aerobars, spare tubes and tools kept in the saddle bag. They've now offered me up his trainer for an extra $75. I'd planned on getting one eventually, but I really haven't had time to research them yet. It's a Blackburn Trackstand fluid trainer. Anyone have any experience with this, or a similar trainer and any idea if that's a good deal? I see they retail for around $230, but if it's not a decent quality trainer, I'd rather hold out. I'm in Michigan, so I'll probably give it some good use during the winter. Thanks for any help.

Leroy Bonkers's picture
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Leroy Bonkers posted 39 weeks ago.

That sounds like a good deal on the trainer, if it is in good shape.

Will this be your first/only bike? I don't know how much it will cost, but a used steel frame with the old school quill stem should be very inexpensive.

little.dipper's picture
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little.dipper posted 39 weeks ago.

Now you've got me nervous. What do you consider very inexpensive? The bike is $600 including the extras I mentioned above. I also just found out that they're throwing in an extra stem he bought but never ended up using (don't know the details of the stem just yet). The componentry is all stock (Ultegra across the board). Please let me know if this isn't a good deal - I guess I thought it was when I saw it. And yes, it's my first road bike. Currently riding a mountain bike.

Leroy Bonkers's picture
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Leroy Bonkers posted 39 weeks ago.

Well, that price is probably about right. But consider that for around $850 you could get a new aluminum frame (lighter) with a carbon fork and a modern threadless stem. I would personally find these items to be of a much higher value than older Ultegra level components.

I wouldn't consider the extras too much. Those are cheap to upgrade, frames are not. Tubes are cheap and the spares you are getting may be too too old to be reliable. The rubber erodes over time, particuarly if it's been rubbing around in a saddle bag. The saddle only makes a difference if it is one that fits your particular butt bones. I'd say that not all aerobars are created equal either, particularly if you are trying to "tri up" a road bike.

But if all you have is $600, then it is what it is! Don't forget to factor in the cost of shoes/clipless pedals.

wllmsylv's picture
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wllmsylv posted 37 weeks ago.

I couldn't help but to reseach this a little myself and being the gear head that I am this sound like good advice. I just sold my wifes 2006 specialized allez for $600. I'm sure you can find similar deals on ebay or CL.