What's this bike like?

[kirby]

Hey everyone,

I don't really know a whole lot about bikes and was wondering if anyone can give me an idea of whether this bike is any good or not?

http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/bicycles ... /102040687

[vanbree]

Hi ten frame, cheap components!.

[HappyHumber]

Oh I don't know... you could do worse I suppose. I've seen equivalent bikes being sold for a lot more.

The seller looks they are just cobbling together bikes from old bits & pieces. A quick & dirty powder coat, a lick and spit polish of the various parts. Fair enough; they're being enterprising. I thought they might have been re-using sh!tty old steel rims, but from what I can tell they looks like newish cheapy alloys, which are still preferable for a few reasons; namely brake surface and 700c wheel size giving you more modern options tyre wise.

As long as you're not in a rush, just bide your time reading & resarching. I think you'll find you'll probably get something "newer" secondhand with a few better bits & bobs for similar sort of money. Think : someone who threw 2 or 3 times that $ value at something new off the peg, and then soon got bored with it. Look around for S.E. Lagers, Schwin Madisons, Surly Steamrollers etc.

oh - and put a bit of thought into what size frame you need. A bargain isn't a bargain unless it fits. Search for "online bike fit calclulators" and punch in some of your personal body measurements for a better idea of what should suit you. Don't be afraid to take a along a tape measure if a seller is vague (or even if they're confident) in describing the bikes dimensions. They can smell naivety.

[kirby]

Awesome thanks Happyhumber. I found this deal on bike exchange for a S E Lager

Its so cheap! Is it worth it?
http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/bicycles ... /102078157

[HappyHumber]

Its so cheap! Is it worth it?
http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/bicycles ... /102078157

If a small or medium suits you, size wise. Google for frame specs... and I repeat my earlier comment about throwing some of your measurements into a frame fit calculator. I'd say it'd be a false economy if you're a taller person.