€400 reasonable? New to this game...

pure_mule · 28-04-2011 03:04PM #1

Went to a reputable bike shop today in Limerick, have reserved the following bike...

http://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/BikeSpecs.aspx?Year=2004&Brand=Felt&Model=F45&Type=bike

I am competing in my first Duathlon in September and I am just wondering how suitable this racer would be for me. Frame size is 56cm (I am 6 foot 4"). Looked to be in pretty good nick and bike will be getting a full service before collection. The salesman said that it originally retailed at €1200-1500 and I have read some online reviews and they seems to be quite positive. He also said he would be reasonable with regards to accessories (throw in a pump water bottle etc.) and helmet and cycling shorts will be quite cheap.

Any adivce that ye could give me would be greatly appreciated!

Lumen · 28-04-2011 03:08PM

It's impossible to say without seeing you on the bike, but 56 would normally be on the small side for someone 6'4" tall.

As for price, bikes of that spec and age would typically be a bit cheaper in a private sale, but if you have the backup of a good shop it might be considered OK value.

petethedrummer · 28-04-2011 03:10PM

Definitely 56? That sounds too small for you.

Here's a Felt size chart from 2009: http://2009.feltracing.com/images/download/assets/Felt%20Size%20Chart%2009_xls.pdf

pure_mule · 28-04-2011 03:23PM

sorry guys I cant exactly remember if it was a 56 or a 58...could well have been a 58. It did seem to be an approproite size (as far as I could tell). I sat up on it etc...My buddy was with me and he suggested this bike for me as he said it was on the large side for him (he is 6 ft 2").

The thing that appeals to me is that I have found it difficult too find much else approproite for this kind of money. Have looked online etc. Its convenient etc. Thanks for the advice!

MagicMarker · 28-04-2011 03:27PM

I'm 6'4 also and have just recently bought a 50cm bike which feels fine to me and the guys instore seemed to agree that that was the right size for me considering a lot of my height is in the torso rather than the legs.

I guess height is only a guideline, you don't know for certain until you get up one one.

Lumen · 28-04-2011 03:28PM

Sizing aside, the only thing you're missing out on compared to a more recent model with the same "level" of componentry is a 10 speed rear (this is 9 speed).

What that means in practical terms is that you're stuck with 9 speed until you sell the bike, because it's not economical to upgrade unless you really love the frame.

There's nothing intrinsically wrong with 9 speed, obviously, it's just one less gear.

petethedrummer · 28-04-2011 03:31PM

MagicMarker wrote: »

I'm 6'4 also and have just recently bought a 50cm

That must be a very sloping top tube. Is it a Giant Defy?

MagicMarker · 28-04-2011 03:34PM

petethedrummer wrote: »

That must be a very sloping top tube. Is it a Giant Defy?

No, it's a hybrid, Trek 7.3. Does it make a difference if it's a hybrid or road bike?

funkyjebus · 28-04-2011 03:36PM

MagicMarker wrote: »

I'm 6'4 also and have just recently bought a 50cm bike which feels fine to me and the guys instore seemed to agree that that was the right size for me considering a lot of my height is in the torso rather than the legs.

I guess height is only a guideline, you don't know for certain until you get up one one.

I assume / hope you mean a 60cm!

Im 6.4' myself and I ride a 58cm felt, but I needed a longer stem for it it fit me properly (110mm to 130mm). If the bike is indeed. 56cm it will be too small for you and you'll regret it. Seems like good price once the condition is ok. The bike would have cost about 1400 new alright.

Lumen · 28-04-2011 03:40PM

MagicMarker wrote: »

No, it's a hybrid, Trek 7.3. Does it make a difference if it's a hybrid or road bike?

Yes.

The medium 7.3 (20 inch = ~ 50cm) has an effective top tube of 568mm.

If that was a road bike it would be about a 58.

MagicMarker · 28-04-2011 03:42PM

Lumen wrote: »

Yes.

The medium 7.3 (20 inch = ~ 50cm) has an effective top tube of 568mm.

If that was a road bike it would be about a 58.

Ah right, cool!

petethedrummer · 28-04-2011 03:42PM

MagicMarker wrote: »

No, it's a hybrid, Trek 7.3. Does it make a difference if it's a hybrid or road bike?

Bike measurements are funny, But I'd say you have a medium trek, which looks like 55/56 cm in equivalent traditional geometry.

Felt measurement is more like traditional measurement. That's why a 56 sounds too small for someone of 6'4". Your trek on paper sounds too small, but it you're comfortable, you're comfortable.

High Nellie · 28-04-2011 03:56PM

pure_mule wrote: »

Went to a reputable bike shop today in Limerick, have reserved the following bike...

http://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/BikeSpecs.aspx?Year=2004&Brand=Felt&Model=F45&Type=bike

I am competing in my first Duathlon in September and I am just wondering how suitable this racer would be for me. Frame size is 56cm (I am 6 foot 4"). Looked to be in pretty good nick and bike will be getting a full service before collection. The salesman said that it originally retailed at €1200-1500 and I have read some online reviews and they seems to be quite positive. He also said he would be reasonable with regards to accessories (throw in a pump water bottle etc.) and helmet and cycling shorts will be quite cheap.

Any adivce that ye could give me would be greatly appreciated!

That looks like a very good bargain. As a starter you would probably be better off with a 10-speed compact but you can't have it every way.

€400 reasonable? New to this game...

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