|   should I buy this bike? | Julie-knowlittle
Sep 24, 2003 12:56 PM | | The bike was put together by a high school kid who has since gone off to college. The Dad says its in exc. cond: ACCESS ALU frame, Manitou Answer fork, Topo handlebar, Shimano DedreLX derailleur,Shimano Tektro brakes, Bontrager C20 saddle. "the frame size is 16", the stand-over height is 30" and the top tube / stem
length measurements are A=21", B=5" and C=29"."
I am 5'7" tall, and will use it mainly around campus, but I wanted something nice. Also, how much is this bike worth? Many Thanks |
| re: should I buy this bike? | JimC.
Sep 24, 2003 1:09 PM | | Julie, coupla things...at school, bikes get stolen faster than beers get downed. Get a beater, paint it Ugleee, unless you can keep it safe in an apt. or similar.
On the Access...Supergo sells the frames new for $149, the parts spec is pretty low end, but most importantly, it's gotta fit you, as I always say: like shoes, a bad fit is painful and costly.
Read up a bit at http://www.coloradocyclist.com/bikefit/ and be an informed consumer.
That 16" may/may not fit, like shoes, YOU must know when you swing a leg over the bars.
here are 63 reviews on the frame...
http://www.mtbreview.com/reviews/Frameset/product_21400.shtml
Hope that helps a bit, come back if you need some more info, Jim |
| re: should I buy this bike? | Julie-knowlittle
Sep 24, 2003 2:15 PM | | Thanks. Just thinking aloud here... Is the fit thing really that hard? My past rides have been garage sale stuff, and borrowed bikes. I could drop $300 on this or some other used bike, or the same on a new bottom of the line prebuilt. Or just keep riding the garage sale road bike--- but winter is coming... |
| takes a little time | JimC.
Sep 24, 2003 2:24 PM | | Julie, like shoes, when you slip into the right pair you just know.
Ona bike, the "cockpit" area from your seat to hands on bars has to feel right; if it's not for serious long rides, close will do.
Jim |
| good fit | ivanhoe22
Sep 24, 2003 5:08 PM | | Just to add, I think if you're just going to beat around campus you probably won't care as much about the fit. If you're planning on doing any sort of real trail riding or think you'll need to get some speed out of that bike, fit becomes very important. Obviously comfort is pretty important if you're planning on being on that bike for more than 15 minutes at a time. If you're planning on doing any real trail riding, in addition to comfort, it will effect the way the bike performs. Small differences in the length and height will drastically affect your center of gravity which results in changes in performance.
As the other guy said, bikes in college get stolen every day. I knew of guys who steal beater bikes for the simple reason that they didn't want to walk where ever they were going. They'd swipe the bike, ride across campus, and ditch their stolen bike somewhere. Don't get anything too good if you're looking for transportation. |
| re: should I buy this bike? | ccdcrd
Sep 24, 2003 7:19 PM | | In the $300 price range, my LBS has Specialized HardRock Comps for $350. These are the '03 models that didn't sell and are now clearanced to make room for the '04's. Check around and find a deal like that instead of buying someone else's problems. |
| at 5'7", a 16 inch size bike will fit you., however.. | older guy
Sep 24, 2003 5:53 PM | | I don't know if you should buy that bike. There are $300 bikes you can compare it with at your local bike shop. Don't forget to buy a lock for your bike and use it. |
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