Poor melb student buying a road bike for a regular ~15km

[QWERNTY]

Hi, looking to buy my first road bike that is 1. inexpensive and 2. will hold up well. Other elite qualities need not inquire.

I have a budget of ~$200 so am obviously looking for a second hand bike, probably of gumtree.com.au .

So far I have found these posts:
http://cycloculture.blogspot.com.au/200 ... storg.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://biodieselhauling.blogspot.com.au ... slist.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://impossiblehq.com/how-to-buy-a-road-bike-for-150" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

But to be honest I'm looking for something that doesn't require much of a DIY fix up as I'm obviously new to the process.

So far I am most keen on a XDS flat bar fixie and a Reid Griffin but I'm not sure how sturdy they are.

Any other advice for buying a second hand bike in melbourne greatly appreciated!

[WhingingPom]

If that's your budget, the other option is to buy something from Big W/Kmart (sacrilege around these parts) and put a set of decent tyres on it.

I did this until I'd saved enough for a Reid Osprey. The kmart bike has now been relegated to toddler taxi duties.

[loneRider]

Hunt around for Cell Urban Chill 7. It is just 7 speed. No front derailleur. I picked it up from Gumtree for 175 and it is a very nice bike for its price (new one goes for 300 if I remember correctly). I upgraded to Jamis because tackling hills was difficult with just 7 gears. If your commute is on relatively flat terrain then it should be just fine for you.

[rodneycc]

Depending on your size and Melb location... I like these just flicking through the first couple of pages on Gumtree..

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/gowanbra ... 1074309661" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (would be my pick)


http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Avanti-Blade ... 2a4e154097" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/cranbour ... 1074305092" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (just add slick tyres like a number of MTBs you can do the same with).

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/southban ... 1073617687" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (think that might be one of those Reid Create's fixed gear).

Other than that maybe Anaconda?? Their bikes are fairly cheap (and nasty!) They have a Bike dept where they can swap over to some slick tyres for you on a $200 bike.

Only one tip. Don't buy the Reid Condor. Good Luck!

[Thoglette]

I have a budget of ~$200 so am obviously looking for a second hand bike, probably of gumtree.com.au .
...But to be honest I'm looking for something that doesn't require much of a DIY fix up as I'm obviously new to the process.

Budget for a pump, three tubes and a pair of tyres. Anything with good rubber is worth $40 more than something without.

Likewise anything with mudguards.

Use your time. It's (apparently) cheap.

Read Sheldon Brown. Especially about checking and adjusting brakes and cables

Check all the local garage sales and haggle. Likewise watch the local pawn shops. Keep an eye on gumtree.

Does Melbourne have council verge collections? I'm still seeing decent bikes go to the crusher for want of tyres, tubes and a little lubricant.

Do you know roughly what size bike you need?