I'm looking to get back into bicycling more for both commuting and exercise. I've been out of the game for a while, got in the habit of riding bikes with motors on 'em, but unfortunately they're bad for the waistline and parking on campus is expensive when the hog's under the wrench.

I have a nice Specialized hybrid that's slightly too small for me and some random mountain bike in need of some TLC, but I'm looking for a sleek, smooth road bike for purely paved endeavors.

I'm 6'3" so I need a larger frame, and I don't want 21 speeds and tons of fancy or space-age stuff. I just want a solid bike with quality serviceable components, maybe a handful of gears, that I can maintain myself. Used is fine, even preferable.

Where should I start looking? What frame lengths should I be looking for? I know 95% of my decision will be based on that "what feels right" factor but I'd like some info to narrow down my search.

Thanks in advance!


Edit: Looks like I should be looking for something in the 24'', 60cm ballpark

11/9/2011 12:35:50 AM

How much do you want to spend? Check around on Craigslist, there are always a ton of bikes for sale in Raleigh. And I remember being frustrated that they were all sized for tall men

11/9/2011 6:26:28 AM

Road bikes are typically sized in cm so look for something 58cm+ whereas most mountain bikes will be in inches or letter sizing. Look for a L-XL which is typically gonna be 20in+

Stay away from the department store brands like Magna/Newer Schwinns/Next. They are heavy and cheap. Can't go wrong with one of the older steel frame road bikes that has been restored. Seems like there are a ton of them on CL recently. They aren't flashy either so less likely to be stolen.

11/9/2011 7:10:10 AM

http://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/bikespecs.aspx?Year=2004&Brand=Trek&Model=2100&Type=bike

I have this in 60 cm. it's in phenomenal shape, and I will sell it cheap.

[Edited on November 9, 2011 at 7:22 AM. Reason : ]

11/9/2011 7:21:39 AM

official cycling thread maybe?

message_topic.aspx?topic=473480

11/9/2011 7:57:56 AM

Searched, didn't see it. Relax there buddy it's all gonna be OK

^^pm sent

^^^yeah lots of sweet 70s and 80s rides on CL. Already sent out a few emails

^^^^probably in the $150-250 range (used) for now

[Edited on November 9, 2011 at 1:04 PM. Reason : asdf]

11/9/2011 1:00:22 PM

I haven't been there yet, but Raleigh has a new bike project in town: http://goodnightraleigh.com/2011/10/meet-the-oak-city-cycling-project/. I heard about them through the cycling grapevine.

Seems like if you live there, you can check it out and find an older working steel frame in your size.

11/9/2011 1:45:03 PM

getchu a fixie, dave

11/9/2011 8:18:01 PM

Side note:

I like and ride an incognito fixie, but these two kids I ran into today while biking to work were a bit much.
They stopped and asked me where the bike co-op was because one wanted to get some Nitto bars and track chain. These kids must be "straight outta Portland" transplants- deep V rims, messenger bags, fly track bikes without brakes, one even had the upturned cycling cap. I was like "co-op? what co-op?" and went as I went away.

(Ok, sorry NYC-hipster biking types, but these kids were trying way too hard, and I was just trying to get to work).

11/9/2011 9:22:29 PM

Quote :

"straight outta Portland"

11/9/2011 9:39:08 PM

Durham Bike co-op

I would walk you on my fixie so bad that you'd feel the need to go back to training wheels

11/11/2011 8:56:20 AM

Thief?

http://www.ajc.com/sports/ex-nba-center-riding-1222244.html

11/11/2011 9:22:07 AM

^^ Toyota, I honestly don't even know what you mean. I must be getting too old for the kids' lingo these days

11/11/2011 10:58:30 AM