1) What size bike would I need? 2) ? regarding buying used bikes...?
Question:I'm 5'11", what size bike would I need? is it a matter of preference? i'm in the market for a bike, and i've seen some online listed by inches and also described as medium or tall...i have relatively short legs for someone 5'11", i believe.
also, i'm on craigslist looking for a used bike. i'm new to cycling so would you recommend purchasing a used bike? i'd try it out for sure...but because i'm new, i don't know how many hours i'll be logging on it, so if i spend $400, it might be too much if i only ride twice a month.
here's a listing i found interesting. they looked solid in the pics too:
Black Trek 800, medium 18" frame, twist grip Shimano gears, 26" alloy wheels, V-brakes,nice shape. $135.
White Specialized Rock Hopper, tall 21" frame, black 26" alloy wheels,Shimano 400LX components with rapid fire shifters, new Softail saddle, very good condition. $175.
are the prices fair? i noticed a lot of the bikes seemed affordable (below $200). do bikes depreciate?
Answers:
What is a specialized sirrus bike like?
these bikes seem OK and the sizes may work for youbut if you really want to know what size is right for you, go to your local bike shop and get fitted
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you definitely need to try out any bike, but i think 18-21" or so would be about right. i am 5'10" with a 32" inseam and 18 is the largest i would go, but i have a preference for smaller bikes (i have a 16" and used to have a 14" that i loved).in some ways it depends on where you want to ride. if you're doing road or gentle trails larger is usually more comfy. if i was getting a bike for mainly road duty i would probably get larger since it would be a bit nicer on my back. however if you really want to do some serious trail riding, i'd get smaller. for trails i love having a low center of gravity.
on top of all that, sizes, even when measured in inches, size isn't the same from bike to bike or manufacturer to manufacturer. the 18" is the height of the seat tube, however other factors such as top tube length can make a big difference. especially if you have a longer than average torso. so you just have to try them out.
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