[Dimitris]

I was looking for a recreation bike in order to go for rides around the Hudson area and I have found some bikes on Craigslist for less than $100. As I was talking to one of my colleagues yesterday I showed him the bikes and he told me that they weren't the right size from me and that they were junk (I think he was right).

Turns out he has 2 bikes one superpro (Conalgo) and another one that he said I could try because it was too big for him (he is a bit short). Today he came back with a Cannondale r800 2.8 aluminum. It has all Shimano 105 gear on it and i really like it. Its super light (to my non bike standards) and supposedly its a 3-4 year old model. The bike is in pristine condition. He told me to try it out as long as I wanted and if I liked it he would sell it to me for $300. Am i getting a good deal?

I will try to post some photos later today.

 

[Purgatos]

That is a fantastic deal if it fits you!

A new R800 is likely to go for between 1000 and 1300. Even at 4-5 years old with decent wear is worth a fair bit more than $300. He's a good friend.

 

[valeite]

Good bike and a bargain.

 

[Dimitris]

Thats good to know. To be honest it doesnt say r800 on anywhere and thats what has me thinking. It only mentions 2.8 aluminum. I will take some pics when I am at home so you guys can take a look.

 

[Illah]

Go for it. Pretty much *any* modern road bike in decent condition is worth $300. To put it into perspective, 'entry level' road bikes are typically $600-$750. If buying new you couldn't even get a decent city/commuter bike for $300 unless it was on sale...and that's before taxes and all that.

--Illah

 

[Purgatos]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dimitris /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thats good to know. To be honest it doesnt say r800 on anywhere and thats what has me thinking. It only mentions 2.8 aluminum. I will take some pics when I am at home so you guys can take a look.

Pretty much any Cannondale roadie is going to be worth $300 in good condition.

 

[fatcat28037]

That's a very good deal assuming the frame is sized for you.

 

[Hi-Finthen]

Agreed, nice deal!!! Nice friend! So long as it isn't "hot"...Which reminds me to remind you of the absolute necessity of a good locking system!

Good luck and have fun!!!

 

[CarbonTi]

Sounds like a good deal If your friend is a knowlegeable cyclist he can help you learn the sport because at a level above bike-path-with-flip-flops riding, there will be a learning curve.

 

[Dimitris]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarbonTi /img/forum/go_quote.gif Sounds like a good deal If your friend is a knowlegeable cyclist he can help you learn the sport because at a level above bike-path-with-flip-flops riding, there will be a learning curve.

Yes. He spent like 30mins measuring me and we setup the position on the bicycle.

He said that he thought it would be too big but when i sat on it he said I was very lucky cause it looked like the right size.

 

[LuckyKarma]

Oh man, I would probably drive to from Indiana to New York to get that deal! I wish I could find deals like that, I ended up just buying my Trek 1000 (which I love very much) new for $640 from my LBS

 

[CarbonTi]

It's always nice to hear of someone doing generous things to encourage people to take up the sport.

As I'm sure your friend also knows, how you position yourself on the bike may change dramatically as you ride yourself into better shape over the coming months. Or you might just want to ride simply to enjoy the ride. Either way, you win. All the best then with riding.

 

[mrarroyo]

Do yourself a great favor and get a helmet and gloves. One fall and you could be seriously hurt w/o a helmet.

BTW, great deal I have an old (Circa 1990) Cannodale 3.0 w/ full 7 speed Dura Ace and it rides great.

 

[c0mfortably_numb]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrarroyo /img/forum/go_quote.gif Do yourself a great favor and get a helmet and gloves. One fall and you could be seriously hurt w/o a helmet. BTW, great deal I have an old (Circa 1990) Cannodale 3.0 w/ full 7 speed Dura Ace and it rides great.

x2 on the Helmet, I had a bad wreck on a mountain bike and wasn't wearing a helmet. I tried to protect my head as I was flying through the air headed for a huge rock and ended up with a double compound fracture in my left arm.

 

[xenochimera]

if it measures out fine yes its a good deal. oh look i live near you too, see you on the road.