Got a bike thats gone into retirement ?

[Bo-Gilly]

If theres anyone whos got a bike thats gone into retirement or wants to upgrade & needs some cash, I know someone whos keen to join acc & has been on the j4f cr whos after her first road bike. not fussed about condition but it needs to be small- shes 5ft 3in.
Also, due to recent theft of her brand new mtb (she took it on the last j4f) she now after an off road bike as well
Shes just moved up from Eastbourne to start a new job and is now having to walk 40 mins to work every day So if theres anyone who can help, not only will you be a few quid richer but you ll get that warm feeling inside that only comes from doing a kind and caring act . . erm

[Bo-Gilly]

Also if anyone knows of any particular bargains - shops, internet whatever, that could be useful - she can raise a reasonable amount of cash.

[Jon H]

I've got a small Giant OCR frame in retirement which would be OK for someone of that height. Only the frame though, it would need groupset, wheels and everything else.

E-bay is always worth a look for bargains.

[Andrew G]

If you can it's worth checking all your local bike shops as at this time of year you can pick up some good deals. They want to clear this and last years models to make space for the 2007 models. The web won't always have what they have in store.

My Dad and I both got new bikes a few years ago and got good deals for this reason from Pearson's in Sutton. You'll probably have to have Xenon or Sora on a budget bike but both are fine to start with and you can always upgrade later.

Being small could be a benefit for this. I'm only 5'6 and got the last one of my bike as all the more common sizes had long since been sold.

If you go for Jon's frame try ribble and such like for groupsets as you might pick up a good deal on 2006 Campag so they can clear the decks for the new ultra-torque 2007 groups.

[Bo-Gilly]

Jon - Excellent! I got wheels etc from a very old Puch thats just too big for her perhaps with that and if anyone else has bits to flog, something can be worked out.
I ll let her know.

[Bo-Gilly]

Thanks Andrew. I ve tried GB s didn t think of pearsons.
Unfortunately as an mtber I know nothing about road bikes - perhaps if I see something I can ask the forum.

[Andrew G]

Guy (Pearson) is very helpful and won't sell you something unsuitable.

I'll admit upfront I'm a Campag snob, but having tried Shimano as well I found my small hands suit the Campag ergo levels better anyway as they're more compact than Shimano's (might be a consideration for your friend). I think you'd get used to whatever you had but worth test riding a bike with both to see which you prefer as they are quite different. SRAM to consider now as well which being a mountain biker you might already have an allegance to.

[Bo-Gilly]

Sorted.
As a road-bike-illiterate I didnt realise that any components (apart from the tyres & pump) on a 10yr + road-bike were incompatable with a modern frame. However the very nice Paul Smith at Bike Plus kitted my friend out (very favorable deal)with an entry-level Dolce and a Trek 6700 mtb- in pink (shes convinced that it ll reduce the chances of it getting nicked as, no self-respecting thief will want to be seen riding a bike in such a sissy colour! )
Shes up for the next j4f run now - thanks to Jon & Andrew for your suggestions. [/i]