good cheap road bikes

I'm just getting into this road bike thing and I'm learning a lot. So, if you are new like me and you're not wanting to spend a tone of cash on a new road bike you may want to consider shopping for a Good Cheap Used Road Bike. We're all etting into the ideas of reclaiming - reusing - and recycling and when it comes to bikes these concepts have been around since the first hand me down!

So, if you’re committed and convinced that buy used is the way to go than may I suggest the following tips form my own experience:

1. Get clear on your budget

You don't want to end up over paying or getting excited and blowing your life savings on a used bike, even if it does look like the hottest best deal of a lifetime! Check your bank account, maybe even doing a little calculating on how much biking vs driving is going to save you, then surf a bit online and get a feel for what you want to spend before you get serious about shopping. Here is a real general guideline - which one are you?

The Cheapskate: You're willing to spend $50 but no more than $200

The Frugal Biker: Willing to spend more than $200 but maximum $500

The Sophisticate: You know your brands are are willing to spend more than $500 to get what you want.

2. Get Fit

No, I know that's the outcome you want from riding! Actually I'm talking about sizing up a bike for comfort and performance that's best suited to your body. Did you know you can go to a bike shop and they will 'Fit' you? Just remember or jot down the numbers they say. There are also some online tools which can help give you a decent idea of your 'fit'.

3. Get Educated

Road Bikes come in in all shapes, sizes, and are made from a wide variety of different materials. The bike frame is probably the most important and definitely starting point when it comes to finding a good cheap bike that will serve you well. After all everything else on your bike is attached to the bike frame so you want to make certain it will hold the add-ons you may want in the future. Also, knowing about brands and construction will help you recognize a good deal when you see it.

4. Part by Part

Part of your education will also be getting to know some of the individual parts. Any bike is going to have a lot of moving parts that experience wear and tear. Knowing ahead of time what it costs to replace certain parts and even if and how to do it yourself can save you aggravation and money in the ling run. As an example, the son of a friend of mine really got into biking and bought a used but expensive Italian road racing bike. He got so excited and just jumped instead of doing his research first. Well first semester into school I noticed him walking and asked why he wasn't riding still. He told me his bike was in 'dry dock' in his apartment. It seems the brakes had broken down and he couldn't afford the $700 prie tag to repair them - Ouch!

5. Compare and Shop

There are so many resources for shopping around these days. Of course the easiest and first stop is typically the internet. Shopping online lets youlook at and compare sometimes thousands of different road bikes. But don't stop there - put heal to the pavement and check out what's on the street. Not everyone advertises online. Sometimes you can find a hot deal which just arrived in your local bike shop also swap meets; bike swaps and even garage sales can be great places to find a good cheap road bike.

6. Negotiate your best deal

By doing your research you will be well armed to negotiate your best deal. Most sellers have an over-inflated value of what they are selling. When you show up armed with printouts of simliar and sometimes even identical road bikes for sale elsewhere at lower prices it gives you the power to get your best deal.

7. Be Kind to your Ride

Once you've found the cheap road bike you know will work for you take care of it! You've done your homework; you've negotiated a great deal and you've saved yourself some cash. It would be a shame to lose it to repairs bills. So, be kind to your ride. Check your tires often, clean and lube your chain regularly; wash your bike and give it the TLC it deserves. Do these things and you will enjoy year after year on your cool road bike!