Hi – I've ridden a hybrid bike my whole life and I am looking to get my first road bike. I saw this bike used for $500. Is this a good value and a good pick for me?
Details about the bike:
- Used Bianchi Nirone Dama
- 53cm
- Shimano Sora Groupset
- Described as "mint condition". Not sure on the usage. Other pictures look like it's in good condition to me.
Details about me and what I'm looking for:
- Experienced biker but never ridden a road bike before. I'm looking to get into longer rides (~30 miles) and maybe some group rides. Looking for an entry level road bike to start. I wouldn't mind having a versatile bike that can also handle rides through the city, but I have a hybrid as well for that.
- Biking in the DMV region, generally on paved trails but occasionally on okay-ish roads
- 5'11 ~180lbs, decent fitness
- I was attracted to this bike because of the color, because it seems like it's entry level and affordable, and because it's Italian and that's my heritage. I know that's probably a shallow reason!
Is $500 an appropriate price for a bike like this? I have been a bit overwhelmed by the options and the new world of road bikes. I know a Dama is a female version – not opposed to riding a female bike and I feel like it might be a bit small, but will that be significant enough I should avoid?
Thanks for any advice!
by EmpororPenguin
1 Comment
The very first thing you’ll want to get right is the sizing. Riding an ill-fitting bike sucks. I’m a bit confused by this one – you’d probably fit quite well on a 53cm frame, but in the pictures the bike looks way smaller than that. Might just be the angle of the photo or the frame geometry, but I’d double check with the seller.
Other than that, the price seems reasonable, but not spectacular. You’re paying Bianchi tax for sure, but I guess your post shows why they usually go for a little more. Modern Sora works quite well, and rim brakes are still adequate for anything.