Low end road cycling bike?

Question

I just need one for getting around.

Hopefully it's light and fast but it doesn't need to be hi end.

Maybe under 200 bucks?

Not planning to compete..

recommendations?

Answer 1

The most inexpensive road bike I'd recommend is the Schwinn Circuit. It goes for about $269 bucks and comes stock with Shimano and Tru-Vativ parts - not the best parts, but solid parts that can take a fair amount of punishment.

Otherwise I second the used bike purchase. You can find pretty good used bike deals on Craigslist.

I don't know where you are, but a lot of cities also have bike "co-ops" where they fix used/trashed bikes into working condition and sell them for usually under $100. In Chicago, we have Working Bikes and San Francisco has the Bike Kitchen.

Answer 2

you don't get light and fast and under 200 bucks -- it'd be really hard to even find a new road bike for that price.

I would look for a used bike that, if you got a little help from a friend you could refurbish.  I know a ton of people that have bought perfectly good road bikes that are 10 or 20 years old at garage sales for 20-50 bucks.  Usually you will want to replace the chain (it's awfully rusty), scrub the rear cassette and, if necessary, tighten/tune the shifters and brakes.  oh, new tubes are almost a given (and possibly new tires).

If you make friends and ask around you can probably find people with lots of spare "stuff" to help you make a passable road bike cheaply.  If you have a good frame that's comfortable you can slowly upgrade items as your funds allow (new wheels and shifter/derailleurs are the main priority).