I want to start road biking but I need a good entry level bike, that is also affordable, don't have much money

Question

I only have about $300, and I was going to buy a Vilano Road Bike, but I haven't yet, so if anyone disagrees, let me know.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Check your local bike store. You can get great deals if they still have "07s. They might be able to hook you up with trade-ins, or know someone who is willing to sell their bike. Check to see if they have a wall with "classifieds". The bike store is a good place to get information and start a good relationship with. It would of been better if you shopped around in the off-market, The way the gas price and bike sales are going up, it might be difficult to buy an 08" when the new '09s come out.

Answer 2

The way I se it is...

if you're just starting out then the bike is not the most important thing. Buy what you can afford. Your next purchase should be a good seat and some decent riding shorts with a gel pad. (believe me you'll thank yourself for it.) When you get a bit fitter and maybe want to race or join a training group then buy a better bike.

Get out and enjoy it!!!

Answer 3

It looks functional, but Tourney and "Shimano SIS" is pretty low-end stuff, about 3-4 levels below Tiagra/Sora IIRC. And 7-speed is fast becoming obsolete. I'd recommend saving a bit more and aim for a $400 bike. Since you're considering mail-order anyway, compare it to this

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/wind...

for about a hundred dollars more. You can spend a hundred dollars just upgrading your rear derailleur these days! If you can't save a bit longer, consider searching for a used bike.

Answer 4

SAVE YOUR MONEY!

Those bikes are junk, they have very old and dated parts.  if you can save for a little longer, you can get a descent road bike for about $750.  Also, many shops offer 90 days same as cash or some type of payment plan, so check into that before you go and waste money on a disposable bike.  Seriously, a bike that has down tube shifters is technology that is dated back to the late 80s...