Looking at purchasing this bike as an upgrade from my current entry-level flat bar bike and would appreciate any advice, as I am somewhat new to the whole bike purchasing scene. The seller built this up around a 2011 Fuji Roubaix 3.0 frame, supposedly has decent components (Shimano & FSA)
I’m most concerned about the rear wheel. I need my bike to be somewhat of an everything bike, but I’m ok with something on the aggressive side position wise, but that I can still throw a rack on to commute to work, and take it on weekend fun rides, and lock it up when running errands around town. I’m concerned about dinging up the wheel putting a U-lock through it, and just having to always be careful so I don’t damage it. I had a thought of buying the bike and selling off the rear wheel (I understand there is a market for these with the fixie crowd) and replacing it with a regular spoked wheel. Would this be feasible to do? Any other issues I should consider? Any and all thoughts appreciated.
The only question is what the exact components on it are. Shimano and FSA are brands. They make different sets of components based at different price points.
Those Specialized tri-spokes are reputedly bombproof so I don’t think you need worry about damaging it. I would replace it for general use. I would probably keep it and try to get a front to match for my retro tri bike.
FSA Vero compact crankset (50/34), Shimano 600 RD, Tektro R530 (?) brakes, Shimana Sora Flight Deck Shifters (a triple shifter for the front?). This all seems like lower to middle-end stuff to me, but like I said I am a little new at this. For the price he is asking ($650), am I wrong to think it is a decent buy?
What do you want the bike for? What type of riding or racing? What’s your budget? Do you see yourself wanting to keep upgrading beyond this one?
It’s kind of a weird mish-mash of some decent stuff and some odd parts. This time of year is buyer’s time, when people are selling old bikes, many of which would be better and make more sense than that one.
At the very least, you’ll want a second rear wheel that has regular spokes (more comfortable and better for training), but a decent one can be had – new – for under $100.