i've been bumming around for the last year, being very indecisive about what i want, but finally (with the financial backing of my parents) went to a secondhand bike store the other day. the bikes i was lookingat appeared to be about 2004, were all running ultegra, and had carbon forks and look pedals. it looked pretty good to me, but i thought i'd better ask a few questions first.
1) if there is a top manufacturer bike (like a cannondale or specialized) at the same price as a not so top one (like a raceline or shogun) should i go with the top one? can i assume the quality is better?? 2) what should i be concentrating on when i try out the bikes? 3) what should i be looking for? 4) do most bike shoes work with look pedals??
Trek & Cannondale are a better bet... esp. if you want to sell it someday.
First bike really is hit or miss, I would recommend getting a loaner for an extended period of time or buying a used machine thats cheap to determine what size fits you (esp. top tube dimension) and what you like...
If one bike has really good wheels or much better brakes then pick that one (seats handlebars stems often get changed out if you really ride a lot)... get recommendations online about specific wheelsets.
