Thinking about buying this bike...

[jlamontagne]

This is my first post so If this is in the wrong section then I apologise.

I've been cycling for a few years now (currently 18), nothing really serious but I used my previous bike (Trek hydbrid bike) to commute to college and ride around the countryside at the weekend. However, 2 months ago my bike was stolen. I've always wanted a proper road bike so I began looking for 2nd hand ones in my area and in my price range (not very high since I'm a student).

I found this bike: http://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/road-bike--reynolds-531/1004883965#gallery-item-full-2

As I'm not experienced with buying bikes, I don't know what to look out for and don't know If I'm getting ripped off. So I was just wondering If any experienced cyclists on here would be willing to give me some advice on this bike and what to look out for in general.

Thanks

 

[craven2354]

You will need to get the correct size bike for you also if you post your budget people will be able to advice a lot better

 

[jlamontagne]

My budget is literally nothing above £200, not looking for anything amazing, just something which is a smooth ride and lightweight

 

[craven2354]

The only good bike I know about near that price is the triban 3 for £299.99 I appreciate that may be to expensive but it has got rave reviews from everybody who owns one

 

[jlamontagne]

I'm wondering whether it is worth getting the bike in the link

 

[craven2354]

Ah sorry I misunderstood I'm sure somebody will be along shortly as i dont know much about that specific bike

 

[Kins]

Seems a tad expensive. I am currently doing up a bike with a 531 frame and looked around as it was given to me and they seemed to go for £120-150 so unless its got extra kit you could probably buy one cheaper in similar condition.

Also like the previous poster said, you need to check frame sizes etc because it might be to big/small for you. As a budget newbie cyclist myself I wasn't aware of the differences etc. If your gonna ride it every day get something that fits.

 

[jlamontagne]

Thanks for your help anyway only found this forum tonight and just from a quick read of a few topics and I know it's full of people who know their stuff, looks like I will be on here a lot.

 

[jlamontagne]

Seems a tad expensive. I am currently doing up a bike with a 531 frame and looked around as it was given to me and they seemed to go for £120-150 so unless its got extra kit you could probably buy one cheaper in similar condition.

It's through your thread (searched around on google about the 531) that I found this forum. From my limited experience I get the impression that it is overpriced as there very little description in the ad, so it seems like the sort of bike that someone is trying to offload and just shoved a quick price tag on without researching it. Although they she does mention that it has some upgraded parts and has been serviced recently. The main thing I am worried about is that if it will fit modern components, and also if it is steel (I can't tell if it is or not).

 

[Kins]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reynolds_531 tells you about the tubing.

It might be worth it but its an old bike and you would probably be better saving another £99 for a Triban 3 with the right frame size for you and then upgrade as you go. New bike with a guarantee and modern cycling. Just my two pennies worth which isn't prolly worth that!

 

[biggs682]

the ad does not give much away at all so with the info given and the pics yes its on the high side . if it is Reynolds 531 then yes it is steel of a sort .

go and have a look and try so you get an idea re size if its local to you .

for that kind of money i would sell you a very clean Carlton Corsair from the 80's with 531 main frame delivered to your door with some change !

 

[jlamontagne]

Cheers for advice guys, I am going to see it on Sunday but I'm thinking of cancelling the visit as it does seem way overpriced for what it is, think I may just wait a bit and get a modern road bike.

 

[AndyRM]

I wouldn't spend your money on that to be totally honest. The components are cheap and you could get much better value for money if you waited a bit and got something new(er). Then, when the bug bites, you can pick up a 531 frame for a fraction of that and build it exactly how you want.

Although if you do end up buying that bike, please turn the QR skewer round on the back wheel!!

 

[Bill-H]

the main thing is ensure you get the right size i brought a road bike cheap on ebay carrera tdf great bike i was just too short to reach the drops comfortably and have since brought a hybrid

 

[jlamontagne]

I don't know why I didn't think of this before but i've had a look on SportsDirect and they have some modern road bikes well within my price range. Definately getting a lot more bang for my buck. I know they won't be amazing, nothing compared to what some people on here have but I'm no professional