Looking for a used road bike

[RockHopper5]

Ok, it's getting really old (and I'm getting lazy) dragging my mt. bike around on my car every time I wanna ride. I've been riding in town a lot more and I think I'd like to try out a road bike, problem is I don't wanna spend $600-800 on my first road bike. Somebody have a friend or know of someone who has a road bike just sitting around in the garage collecting dust? I have a 19" 2003 Specialized Rockhopper I would trade if someone is interested.

On another note, I've heard from a couple different people that I should just put slicks on my mt. bike and ride like that...any advice? Thanks.

[hockeynut]

I've also been a bit scared of putting almost 1000 into a road bike (and having it almost be a lowend component bike)... and since I live right on the Cannon Valley Trail it's easy for me to put on some miles.

I put on some 1.95" Mythos XC semi-slicks on my mountain bike, and love how it feels on pavement (compared to the knobby tires I had been using). I also have been liking what they are like off-road too. Seem to be lighter, and much faster.

my $0.02

Z

[bradpartyka]

I put baldies on my Mountain Bike and their pretty good. I still would be faster on a road bike though.

Check out Gravity Lab!!! They don't sell low end stuff. And they told me they would build me a last years model Litespeed, equipped middle of the row for $1300.00!!! The frame alone is worth that. So, if you decided you didn't like it you could sell it for that price easily!

Or my neighbor has a really old Schwin World Tour he might swap you for your Rockhopper. I have been trying to get him out to the River Bottoms with me and that would be just perfect!!! :cool:

[RockHopper5]

I'm still debating about putting slicks or semi-slicks on my mtn bike. I found a Fuji League and Diamondback Interval that are in to my price range...problem is I don't know how much I'll get for so little? Would bikes of that level be worth buying? Would they hold up?

[bradpartyka]

I'm still debating about putting slicks or semi-slicks on my mtn bike. I found a Fuji League and Diamondback Interval that are in to my price range...problem is I don't know how much I'll get for so little? Would bikes of that level be worth buying? Would they hold up?
Slicks will run you 40 to 80 bucks. I've had them for a year. I switch back and fourth. I still want a road bike. I think I would be happier. I am buying one this fall or next Spring. Slicks will only give you the taste. It all depends on how you really want to ride. With a rode bike there is no opportunity to decide to go on dirt say at Fort Snelling, which can be a mix of both.

[nigel]

For road bikes I seriously suggest staying at least with Tiagra to start and 105 if your in any way serious about getting into it!

Sora=crap does not last long and will more than likely be phased out soon (its 8sp) Tiagra is a world better and 9sp to boot. 105 is a lil lighter and has much better spring tensions in the rear derailleur and shifters.

The only thing with road bikes is they tend to start at $550 or so. Be prepared to fork out some dough to get into it!

Tiagra bikes usually cost bout $700+
105 bikes $850+ (thats a low ball too)

Also frame meterials play into it as well as carbon or non carbon forks! All that weight saving good stuff costs the cash, so if ye wants light pay the piper, but thats more or less the same with mtn bikes.

If you want help shopping for a new one, id be more than willing to go to shops with anyone and explain what ya get or dont get for your money per brand :)

Douglas

[lou1s]

I was in the same boat earlier this summer, until I went downstairs at One-on-One. They actually had several used road bikes in my size (I'm tall), one of which I bought, and I love the thing. Aside from complete bikes, that basement is full of old frames, parts, you name it, so maybe have a chat with Gene to see if he can't build you something.

[RockHopper5]

I decided I didn't wanna buy a cheap road bike and I just put slicks on my Rockhopper. 1.25" FatBoys, I really can notice the difference...the bike flies! Problem is I think it might be geared a bit too low now. Seems like I could almost use some more speed on the top end. The specs on the '03 I've seen say my rear cassette is Shimano HG50, 9-speed 11-34 or 8-speed 11-32t. I believe mine is the 8 speed. I'm guessing here but I would have to go to a smaller cassette to get more top end speed? Would this be a noticable difference...I've seen cassettes on eBay for $30. Is the Shimano HG50 lower than Deore? If anyone has any advice for me on this I'd really appreciate it. Thanks.

[berrywise]

You have fallend into the dilemna that comes from sticking slicks on the bike. Now that you can go faster and want to go faster you can't cause you don't have the gearing for it.

Your rear cassette whether it is 11-32 or 11-34 is about as small a rear cog as you can get (11 tooth). You'd have to get a larger front chainring but that will give your problems because to make a big enough difference the size of the chainring might rub your chainstay and will probably not work with your front derailleur.

My vote is to be like Lance and just get really good at spinning at a high rpm :D

I decided I didn't wanna buy a cheap road bike and I just put slicks on my Rockhopper. 1.25" FatBoys, I really can notice the difference...the bike flies! Problem is I think it might be geared a bit too low now. Seems like I could almost use some more speed on the top end. The specs on the '03 I've seen say my rear cassette is Shimano HG50, 9-speed 11-34 or 8-speed 11-32t. I believe mine is the 8 speed. I'm guessing here but I would have to go to a smaller cassette to get more top end speed? Would this be a noticable difference...I've seen cassettes on eBay for $30. Is the Shimano HG50 lower than Deore? If anyone has any advice for me on this I'd really appreciate it. Thanks.

[RockHopper5]

You have fallend into the dilemna that comes from sticking slicks on the bike. Now that you can go faster and want to go faster you can't cause you don't have the gearing for it.

Your rear cassette whether it is 11-32 or 11-34 is about as small a rear cog as you can get (11 tooth). You'd have to get a larger front chainring but that will give your problems because to make a big enough difference the size of the chainring might rub your chainstay and will probably not work with your front derailleur.

My vote is to be like Lance and just get really good at spinning at a high rpm :D
Ahhh, that's not what I wanted to here!:cryin: Maybe I'll have to ride it some more to see what I think...hopefully it's just the downhill part that I noticed last night.