Saturday 1PM
Fixed gear bonanza at Venice Beach!
Bike through carmageddon and come hang out!

I should check this board more often. Good to know other boardies ride bikes. I sold my fixed gear a while ago. All I have is a road bike now.

I'm in the market for a road bike right now. Used preferably so I don't have to break the bank and buy more toys... any suggestions in the LA/Long Beach areas? Craigslist I guess

If you are looking for a used road bike craigslist would be your best bet, since you can look at the bike in person and try it out. Ebay would be the other obvious place to look, but only if you know what you are looking for. What are you looking to spend, if you don't mind me asking.

I keep an eye out on Craigslist when I'm thinking of it. I slack...

I have no idea on what I should spend really. I mean, I walk into bike shops and shit my drawers every time I see some of the prices on what we old timers use to call 10 speeds. What I ride (lug) now is a monster, but I ride almost everywhere these days and am on a normal 15-20 mile ride daily on average if not more. I'm not looking to be Lance Armstrong or anything, just trying to stay in shape. I enjoy slapping on my headphones and just riding and losing myself on the road. That being said, I wouldn't even begin to know where to look and at what let alone what would be proper to spend.

I hear of people dropping major coin and then realizing they blew it and could have spent far less. I've also heard stories of people dropping an decent amount only to have to spend more and more to get the ride that they want.

You could get something pretty decent for around $500-$700. Since you aren't looking for a race bike, you definitely should get bike steel bike. Aluminum and carbon fiber are a lot lighter, but they aren't as comfortable as riding steel on city streets.

Do you know what size bike frame you need?

Thanks. At first I was told I would ride a medium (52-54), but I actually think I'd be better suited on a small frame. I'm long wasted, short legged at a whopping 5'9"

I would have no problem spending $500-$700 for a decent bike and I agree with the steel frame. I found that the steel frames weren't significantly heavier than the other two, would most likely never crack or break unless I get nailed by a bus (so far they've only been close calls, knock on wood) and I have been told they are more comfortable to ride.

Actually, I'm a whopping 5'8" and I ride a 52cm frame comfortably. I think the (52-54cm) range will be about your size.

I actually did a tiny bit of research on your behalf, and found a few NEW complete bikes that won't break the bank. And I think they are pretty decent for the type of riding you will be doing.

http://www.rei.com/product/809009/raleigh-port-townsend-bike-2011
http://calcoastbicycles.com/product/11-masi-speciale-corsa-73553-1.htm
http://spokesbikes.com/product/specialized-allez-steel-72350-1.htm
http://www.bianchiusa.com/bikes/gran-fondo/campione/

If you want to pull the trigger on a new road bike that you see online, you can see if your local bike shop can order the bike for you. That way, you won't have to buy the bike online and spend money on shipping.

Anyways, good luck on your bike search. I'll be glad to answer any other questions you might have.