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where to get cheap racer?

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  • 27-07-2004 10:39am
    #1
    ferdi
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,598 ✭✭✭


    hi,

    i'm trying to get a cheap racer (probably going to be 2nd hand). i use my current bike (bog-standard mountain bike) to go everywhere but i feel i could be getting places alot quicker.

    it dosnt have to be very good/fancy as i dont actually want to use it as a hobby (just for getting to work/college). i just want the frame and wheels for their fastness.

    i checked the buyandsell and put an ad on boards here but i dont know anything about bikes really so i dont know what to go for. my budget is maximum 200 (so u see why i'm going for 2nd hand).

    if anyone can tell me what to look for and more importantly WHERE to find it, i'd be greatful.

    cheers

    ferdi


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  • Options
    #2
    blorg
    Registered Users Posts: 15,989 ✭✭✭✭blorg


    At €200 it is really going to have to be Buy & Sell I think. I got a pristine, barely used Trek 1000 from Cycleogical for €450, and he threw in SPD pedals... which is a good discount from the €800 new, but above your budget. The only other option I could think of besides Buy & Sell are the Falcoln racers which I think start (new) around €250-275 - Ultrabike in Ranelagh were selling one around the time that I got my Trek. Other than that just keep an eye out in B&S and something might appear, although it might be a bit older if you really need a road bike.

    You would probably manage to get a hybrid around your price range easier; I got a nice aluminum Dawes Discovery 201 yesterday for my commuting/to get stolen bike at €125 - this would still feel a lot faster than a 'bog standard mountain bike' but obviously not as fast as a racer.

    As for what to look for, try it out to see if it goes well, making sure to check:

    - gears; do they go all the way in both directions, and smoothly
    - bottom bracket: try wobbling the pedals with your hand, there shouldn't be any give
    - does the chain skip in any of the gears if you put a lot of pressure on the pedals?
    - spin both wheels by hand to see if there are any buckles
    - might be no harm to check for loose spokes (just lightly sqeeze pairs)
    - brakes: do they work; are the brake pads worn
    - anything rubbing or creaking when you are (a) pedaling (b) free-wheeling

    Most of these things can be fixed easily enough but you can negotiate a discount if there is anything wrong.


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