Second hand bike

[BJMcC]

I have been riding the same mountain bike for over 15 years and time for an upgrade. I have never really done a lot of riding, however over the last few years I have been doing more riding on cycle paths and am looking at a flat bar road bike. I ride about once a fortnight and generally do between 20kms and 40kms each ride. I also do the occasional charity ride of 100kms. I'm looking for advice on what would be a good second-hand flat bar road bike for around $500-$600. I would rather something a bit older, say 5 years old that is better quality than a newer bike of less quality.

[rodneycc]

Not sure why this one has gone through to the 'keeper.... Anyway, you might want to have a look at a secondhand Giant Cross City or the Trek FX range (The equiv Merida I've heard is pretty good also) . I wouldn't go as far back as 5 years (you are more likely to get aging problems that far back) but maybe 2 to 3 years and you can get substantial savings. Just decide if you want hydro discs or not which might add extra $$.

Just for example have a look on GumTree or Ebay for something like this from 2013/14 (btw Gumtree is easier to go and have a test ride ).

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bik ... 896/66371/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/ci ... fx/7_5_fx/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Just remember to get one that fits really well as that's actually more important than most things...

[BJMcC]

They look good. I'll go for something 2 to 3 years old. Thanks for the advice.

[nickobec]

+1 for getting a two or three year old bike, should be about half what the original purchaser paid for it. Two choices, a bike bought by somebody with good intentions but never got into it, (low mileage but maintenance is suspect) or a bike bought by somebody who is now upgrading (higher mileage, but probably well maintained). Talk to the seller and see which catergory they fit in.

[BJMcC]

Thanks for the advice.

[BJMcC]

I ended up purchasing a Giant Cross City RX 2013. I ended up paying less than 1/3 of the original cost. The original buyer had also upgraded the rims to Shimano RS31 rims with 23mm tyres. I was wondering what would be the widest tyres I could put on these rims as I also ride on gravel trails and the 23m tyres are a bit thin. Regards, Brian.

[rodneycc]

I reckon 28s would be about right. Agree 23s are too narrow. Sounds like a good purchase!

[BJMcC]

Apologies in the reply delay, however thanks for the advice. I bought 28s and they are great. Thanks also for the original advice on the types of bikes to look at, the bike is fantastic.