New Bike help?

[Jebonia]

I got a MTB last year and am now looking for a road bike as trails are far from home. I am looking at a Fuji Roubaix 1.0 at cash converters. They are offering it for $800 But is now 25% discount to $600.it has full shimano 105 set (cranks, dérailleurs, cassette, shifters) and looks well serviced, lots of brake and thread in the tyres left.I have a few important questions. What do i look for when buying a used road bike? I only got to spend 5 minutes with the bike so i didn't get to check in that much detail, only the things that stood out but i am planning to go back on the weekend. What should i check for and where? I am about 180cm and weight around 65kgs, no back problems and have no problems in aggressive riding position as im young (16)

 

Also what if the bike was stolen and brought into cash converters? Where do i legally stand if i purchase a stolen one of them? How do i ensure it wasn't stolen in the first place? 

 

 

I know this isnt a bike forum but i don't know which bike forum i should go on (perhaps fellow cyclists can redirect me) and i also don't want to make an account to ask 1 question. Help would be greatly appreciated! 

 

And if it matters, i live in Sydney.

[The_Strict_Nein]

The Roubaix is a well regarded bike. If you can get a 105 groupset for that little, I'd go for it.

Things to look out for is that you don't smash your crotch on the top tube when you come of the seat, and that when the seat is at the right height you're not bending uncomfortably.

I've worked at a bike shop for 2 years now, and I've only heard good things about that Roubaix

[Paralectic]

Just plain alumunium I guess because Carbon Fiber MTBs are expensive.

We have a Steven's Mountain bike, the brand is pretty unknown anywhere else than where I live but it's a good bike.

 

( I'm 195 cm and I weight also 65KM so it's pretty similar ).

 

I don't know the groupset for that one because I'm more into cycling bikes ( I've got a 2011 Giant TCR 01 and It's been great ).

I like biking yes besides gaming and the basic stuff everyone does.

Cycling in the mountains and such, it's really cool. Went to several European countries to enjoy the ride and the landscape.

Altough the climbing part of the mountains is really hard, going down a mountain on your bike with nearly 80km/h is an adrenaline rush but fun in the end, pretty risky but yes :-D

 

Good luck deciding!

[Jebonia]

Just plain alumunium I guess because Carbon Fiber MTBs are expensive.

We have a Steven's Mountain bike, the brand is pretty unknown anywhere else than where I live but it's a good bike.

 

( I'm 195 cm and I weight also 65KM so it's pretty similar ).

 

I don't know the groupset for that one because I'm more into cycling bikes ( I've got a 2011 Giant TCR 01 and It's been great ).

I like biking yes besides gaming and the basic stuff everyone does.

Cycling in the mountains and such, it's really cool. Went to several European countries to enjoy the ride and the landscape.

Altough the climbing part of the mountains is really hard, going down a mountain on your bike with nearly 80km/h is an adrenaline rush but fun in the end, pretty risky but yes :-D

 

Good luck deciding!

Hey thanks heaps for the reply but i actually started with an MTB (trek 3900) and looking at getting a road bike now The fuji roubaix is a road bike haha. Yeah not looking for a carbon as am not a weight weeney and want a bike that will last as i expect but hoping not to get into any crashes. If i seem rude, please forgive me. I was merely clarifying  

[Jebonia]

The Roubaix is a well regarded bike. If you can get a 105 groupset for that little, I'd go for it.

Things to look out for is that you don't smash your crotch on the top tube when you come of the seat, and that when the seat is at the right height you're not bending uncomfortably.

I've worked at a bike shop for 2 years now, and I've only heard good things about that Roubaix

Alright thanks heaps for the help! Greatly appreciated. Do you know any places i should pay particular attention to on the frame for perhaps cracks or whatever?

[Createinator]

Since that brand of bicycle is not sold in my region, I cannot comment on that.

When inspecting a used road bike you should make sure that all the components are in working order.

 

Make sure the brakes work properly and spin the wheels to ensure that the rims don't have any flat spots, major wobble or problems with the bearings.

 

Try to full degree of turning with the handlebars to make sure that the bearings in headset have not frozen.

 

Inspect the cranks and chain ring to make sure that there aren't any major dents or missing teeth and look at the derailleur to make sure every gear can be used, and that the bike does not skip in any of the gears.

 

A lack of rust is always a good sign especially when you buy a bike outside of a retail shop because it shows that the bike was cared for and not left out in the elements.

And most importantly check for any dents or repair in the frame as that could mean that the bike was in an accident and could be a possible life hazard.

If you have bike registration in your region, you can check with the Police to confirm if a bike is stolen or not.

Buying a stolen bike means colluding with criminals, at best you can lose your bike without getting any money back, at worst you can end up in Jail... but that happens very rarely.

Hope this information will help you out in making an informed decision.

 

[Paralectic]

Hey thanks heaps for the reply but i actually started with an MTB (trek 3900) and looking at getting a road bike now The fuji roubaix is a road bike haha. Yeah not looking for a carbon as am not a weight weeney and want a bike that will last as i expect but hoping not to get into any crashes. If i seem rude, please forgive me. I was merely clarifying  

Ah I didn't read it too well I guess

 

The Giant TCR 01 I have also has a 105 too and isn't that expensive.

It's a great bike and also for tall people ( everything is adjustable )

 

It's this one but a little different

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/tcr.composite.1/11490/55799/

 

Used variants will usually be fine:

Just check for any damage in the frame and test the brakes and gears. Everything

[IdeaStormer]

Much like computers I build my own, nothing like your own build for a bike, yea I know not a custom sized frame but custom to the point that I pick each and every component to my fit, and desire.

 

If you can build a custom computer you can build a custom bike.

 

I am ITY centric so I'd never be caught dead on a US based made frame but hey they seem to be holding up.

 

Campy is the only way I would roll.

[looney]

Just plain alumunium I guess because Carbon Fiber MTBs are expensive.

We have a Steven's Mountain bike, the brand is pretty unknown anywhere else than where I live but it's a good bike.

 

( I'm 195 cm and I weight also 65KM so it's pretty similar ).

 

I don't know the groupset for that one because I'm more into cycling bikes ( I've got a 2011 Giant TCR 01 and It's been great ).

I like biking yes besides gaming and the basic stuff everyone does.

Cycling in the mountains and such, it's really cool. Went to several European countries to enjoy the ride and the landscape.

Altough the climbing part of the mountains is really hard, going down a mountain on your bike with nearly 80km/h is an adrenaline rush but fun in the end, pretty risky but yes :-D

 

Good luck deciding!

+1 for stevens!

 

Love my randonneur

 

[Paralectic]

+1 for stevens!

 

Love my randonneur

 

 

One word for that bike: "pak ezel".

[Thorium19]

Sounds like a good bike, 105 is a decent groupset, although IMO I would go for campagnolo, I have campagnolo veloce on my own bike, but it's personal preference, I just don't like how the brake lever moves on shimano road bikes.

All I would say is check the size of it is right for you, you don't want to be an hour into a ride and discover that after 20 miles your back aches like mad, even if you have no previous back problems.

[Jebonia]

+1 for stevens!

 

Love my randonneur

 

Jesus christ! That is a serious touring bike! But how does it handle with the front pannier filled? haha 

 

 

Much like computers I build my own, nothing like your own build for a bike, yea I know not a custom sized frame but custom to the point that I pick each and every component to my fit, and desire.

 

If you can build a custom computer you can build a custom bike.

 

I am ITY centric so I'd never be caught dead on a US based made frame but hey they seem to be holding up.

 

Campy is the only way I would roll.

I totally understand the pros of building a bike but i think in this scenario, it would be better to get this. It's kinda like finding someone selling there gaming pc on craigslist for much lower than its worth.

 

Sounds like a good bike, 105 is a decent groupset, although IMO I would go for campagnolo, I have campagnolo veloce on my own bike, but it's personal preference, I just don't like how the brake lever moves on shimano road bikes.

All I would say is check the size of it is right for you, you don't want to be an hour into a ride and discover that after 20 miles your back aches like mad, even if you have no previous back problems.

ahh i see. What size frame would suit my height of 180cm? Around 57cm? 

[Thorium19]

ahh i see. What size frame would suit my height of 180cm? Around 57cm?

http://www.ebicycles.com/bicycle-tools/frame-sizer/road-bike

Use this to calculate it, it's not just the height but your inside leg measurement that makes a bike size correct or not

[looney]

Jesus christ! That is a serious touring bike! But how does it handle with the front pannier filled? haha 

All the heavy stuff is mostly at the back but no hands is still out of the question.

It also wobbles a bit when you go downhill @ 70+ Kmph

 

Apart from those things you hardly notice IMHO.

[Jebonia]

All the heavy stuff is mostly at the back but no hands is still out of the question.

It also wobbles a bit when you go downhill @ 70+ Kmph

 

Apart from those things you hardly notice IMHO.

hahhaha so what is the furthest you have taken it? 

 

http://www.ebicycles.com/bicycle-tools/frame-sizer/road-bike

Use this to calculate it, it's not just the height but your inside leg measurement that makes a bike size correct or not

Alright thanks for that

[looney]

hahhaha so what is the furthest you have taken it? 

 

Alright thanks for that

not far yet, 1200km to denmark is furthest. 

[Jebonia]

not far yet, 1200km to denmark is furthest. 

oh god 1200km is pretty far for me hahaha

[IdeaStormer]

I totally understand the pros of building a bike but i think in this scenario, it would be better to get this. It's kinda like finding someone selling there gaming pc on craigslist for much lower than its worth.

 

 

Anyway, here's one of my builds

 

[Jebonia]

 

Anyway, here's one of my builds

 

Oh god that is one sexy bike! really digging the colour scheme!

[Leonard]

I got a MTB last year and am now looking for a road bike as trails are far from home. I am looking at a Fuji Roubaix 1.0 at cash converters. They are offering it for $800 But is now 25% discount to $600.it has full shimano 105 set (cranks, dérailleurs, cassette, shifters) and looks well serviced, lots of brake and thread in the tyres left.I have a few important questions. What do i look for when buying a used road bike? I only got to spend 5 minutes with the bike so i didn't get to check in that much detail, only the things that stood out but i am planning to go back on the weekend. What should i check for and where? I am about 180cm and weight around 65kgs, no back problems and have no problems in aggressive riding position as im young (16)

 

Also what if the bike was stolen and brought into cash converters? Where do i legally stand if i purchase a stolen one of them? How do i ensure it wasn't stolen in the first place? 

 

 

I know this isnt a bike forum but i don't know which bike forum i should go on (perhaps fellow cyclists can redirect me) and i also don't want to make an account to ask 1 question. Help would be greatly appreciated! 

 

And if it matters, i live in Sydney.

To ensure it was not stolen you could just ask the seller if it is ok if he accompanies you to the local police station and tell them the story and maybe they can check if they have any reports of stolen bikes and can cross reference the specified one. If the seller runs and while running he yells " why, why do we need to bring the cops into this" or anything to that sort of behavior...... it is stolen. You can also look listen for certain words like "copper", "narc", "the man", "babylon"  and if he/she uses these words or other variations, do not enter with any purchase with the person. 

 

This bike topic made me remember my bike my Freestyler BMX all chrome with white five spoke wheels....Mine was like this but all chrome frame....

 

 

YEAH! who remembers the Freestyler BMX line....YEAH!...or only me......ok sorry.