OT: Looking for a Road Bike Options

[BahnBrenner914]

So I'm here at College in Angola, IN and my fiesta is getting a new head in Virginia (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif) (refer to my summer roadathon thread), so I figure now is the time to look around for a good road bike to get around town, save gas, and stay fit.

So here's the deal. I dont have a lot of money, but I'm willing to shell out about 300 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/pinch.gif) max so I get something decent that wont fall apart on me. I have a 30-31" inseam which is a 56cm frame (yes?).

Nobody here in town has roadbikes new or used except the Schwinn dealer, which from my friends who ride say isnt the best place to do business. And as far as craigslist (IMG:style_emoticons/default/type.gif) and such, there's pretty slim pickings for anything within an hour of here (which is as far as I'd ask my roomates to drive (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif) ).

The other option is Ebay (IMG:style_emoticons/default/type.gif) . There are a few roadbikes new and used for around 300 like a mercier (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif) (which I've never heard of but apparently was lance armstrong's first bike?). Also some used bikes from 200 to 300 and the GMC (?!?) bikes that are somewhere in the 100's.

Ideas, comments, wisdom? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/pray.gif)

[rjames]

Found this on Craig's list

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/bik/406628026.html

No picture, so I can't tell what's on it.

But.....
Cannondale only makes a few models of frames but puts different components on it to hit different price points. If you can spend the money on a new one outfitted with the cheapest components, you'll have a frame that will last you for a long time that you can upgrade with better parts later if you want.

$300 for a new bike won't buy you much unfortunately, look for used. Single speed would be a good choice $ wise, but a pain in the ass for long rides.