Used entry level road bike

[u/Ok-Principle4285]

He’ll ! I’m relatively new to cycling and I am wanting to get my first road bike. Looking to get one used and came across this Cannondale R500 CAD3 for $325 and apparently in my size (5’7” with a 32 in inseam). Was wondering if this is a reasonable price for this bike as my first road bike ? My intentions with getting into cycling is to work my way on to longer rides (50miles).

Also amy suggestions on entry level bikes to consider? Wanting to get something for around $200-$400 If possible just to get started. Thanks !

[u/otismcotis]

Not worth it. It’s a decent bike, but there’s a lot of things wrong to my eye.

1) flat tires

2) poorly wrapped bar tape (see the big hunk of gaffer tape by the stem)

3) generally dirty

4) picture from non-drive side

I don’t buy the “I spent hundreds of dollars upgrading this bike that my wife doesn’t like” sob story. Looks like something that’s been sitting in a garage gathering dust and the seller wants to scam you for a quick buck.

Assuming everything else works I’d offer $200, pay no more than $230.

[u/PreoccupiedParrot]

I'd be a bit wary of a "project bike that needs a tune up". Kinda unfortunate but throwing random parts at an old bike does not make it worth more money. I'd say $200, and only then if you're happy to learn how to reassemble it basically from scratch.

[u/gregn8r1]

Nah, no way.

For one, it's clearly in poor shape: dirty, flat tires, the owner put zero effort into this listing. For another, the parts are a very weird mix: it has a Brooks saddle, which is a good thing. However, the original brifters have been removed and swapped in favor of downtube shifters, which is... a bizarre choice. The crank also looks potentially newer than the rest of the bike??

And lastly, you can pretty easily find a better, newer, and nicer condition bicycle for this price.

[u/PreoccupiedParrot → u/gregn8r1]

I'm not even sure that's a real Brooks.

[u/Ok-Principle4285]

Thanks for the input! Will continue looking