Low budget for a second hand road bike - Advice

[Bungle88]

Hi all,

I am extremely new to the cycling world and really want to start out. the only problem is i have a budget of around £230 and no more. I have found a couple of bikes for sale on gumtree and I was hoping many of you would be able to help and offer some advice.

These are what I have found;

https://www.gumtree.com/p/bicycles/...am-replica-21-gears-verismo-wheels/1262876728
https://www.gumtree.com/p/bicycles/carrera-road-bike/1262712358
https://www.gumtree.com/p/bicycles/btwin-triban-3-men-s-road-bike-racing-bicycle-/1262733090
https://www.gumtree.com/p/bicycles/carrera-virtuoso-road-bike-2017/1262765670
https://www.gumtree.com/p/bicycles/carrera-vanquish-road-bike-for-sale/1262751932

Thanks in advance

p.s. i'm 5ft 11in if anyone has any suggested bike.

 

[vickster]

Of those 3, the triban was the better bike when new

Size wise, go try it out, youll probably be looking at a 56cm top tube, unless you have extremely short legs or long arms for your height. I'd say a 60cm triban is too big. Don't buy a too big roadbike. £90 is also suspiciously cheap

Be aware that with any used bike, components may need to be changed if worn, chain, cassette, tyres. None of which cost loads but could add up if you have £230 and no more

If buying from gumtree, check that the bike is the seller's to sell. Receipt, proof of ownership, check the frame number against stolen bike registers

 

[Bungle88]

Of those 3, the triban was the better bikevwhen newu

so that's quite the bargain? or should this be taken as too good to be true?

 

[Deleted member 35268]

The Btwin is tidy

 

[vickster]

so that's quite the bargain? or should this be taken as too good to be true?

Edited post, likely too big and suspiciously cheap. I'd be asking to see the receipt and lots of questions

 

[Spiderweb]

Calling @biggs682

 

[Cycleops]

The Btwin is tidy

Sure, it looks tidy but what sort of mechanical shape is it in? Unless you can inspect it know what to look for it could end up costing as much again.
Also suspiciously cheap as previously noted above.

 

[AndyRM]

The Barracuda will be awful, the Carrera's are all solid if unspectacular and I'd agree the Triban seems ridiculously cheap, but is the best you've linked to.

 

[Bungle88]

Edited post, likely too big and suspiciously cheap. I'd be asking to see the receipt and lots of questions

any suggestions on things i should ask/look for?

 

[AndyRM]

any suggestions on things i should ask/look for?

Cycling Weekly had a pretty good summary recently (ignoring the plug for their website).

 

[Cycleops]

Check for play in the BB by wiggling the cranks from side to side. Hold the front brake on and pull and push to feel for play in the head bearings. Check gear selection and no chain slip. Do wheels run true? Are spokes loose? Look for hooked teeth on chainwheel. Do hubs run smoothly and without play? Check for accident damage.

 

[Bungle88]

Check for play in the BB by wiggling the cranks from side to side. Hold the front brake on and pull and push to feel for play in the head bearings. Check gear selection and no chain slip. Do wheels run true? Are spokes loose? Look for hooked teeth on chainwheel. Do hubs run smoothly and without play? Check for accident damage.

thanks for you help...... i may contact the Btwin seller, see what answers they have for such a cheap price (but of course be much more tactical than that)

 

[biggs682]

thanks @Spiderweb

@Bungle88 the btwin is about the right price for one without the carbon forks going on past experiances

i have the following i can offer for just above your budget Broken fr mech hanger Now sorted and up and running

and then this one for well under your budget Raleigh dynatech 401 strada

both are very nice bikes the Perks has full campag spec hence being just over budget whilst the older raleigh is a bit older but dont let that put you off as its great to ride and in final pictures is set for me at 5ft 10" so might just be on the limits of size , i am more than happy to pack and send via a courier to you if yu didnt want to travel and try them

 

[vickster]

thanks for you help...... i may contact the Btwin seller, see what answers they have for such a cheap price (but of course be much more tactical than that)

Ask him if the bike is still for sale. If he says which one, walk away. Ask him if he has receipt, why is he selling it, how many miles, when bought, has he had from new. as many questions as poss. A thief/fence will get fed up, a genuine seller will be happy to answer.

I do still think it's probs too big for you. 57 better imo. So testride it

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/ecuk/m/image/34433.jpg

 

[Lonestar]

@ £90 it's a steal.