I'm getting the itch to go with another bike. I'm aiming to go with a cyclocross type bike. I am down to two potentials:
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/5035278900.html
(this is a not a women's specific bike. I think it is just mislabeled. This will handle wide tires).
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/5031649257.html
The first one hasn't been rode in a year or two. I'd probably slap some wider tires on it. The second one looks like its more ready to go. Number 2 is pretty flexible with price. Which would ye go with?
How tall are you? The Bianchi is pretty small at a nominal 49cm (but they don't list the top tube length) and would typically be a good fit for a slightly shorter gal; it is typically about the smallest men's size available. The 56cm is what is known as square, with a 56cm top tube, and is middle-of-the-male-bell-curve, typically fitting say 5'8"-5'11" or so.
There are a lot of variables, but size might be a factor. My guess is that the top tube of the first bike is around 2 inches shorter than the second; and the top tube plus the stem equals the reach to the bars. Height adjustments are easy compared to reach adjustments, so top tube length is important to being comfortable. Test them for size and see which is more comfortable/will require less adjustment to work.
I'm roughly about 5'6. I've been playing email tag with the owner of #2 and they said there is some adjustment with the seat post.
The good news on the second bike is that a 'square' setup tends to ride a little smaller than say, a 56cm frame with a 58cm top tube. If you have stand over clearance, bike #2 might work, and has some nice parts on it.
I am guessing that bike #1 will be too small unless it is a really huge 49cm. Not a women's bike per se, but...
Man, used bikes are cheap out your way compared to bike-crazy Portland, where the used market seems to start around $100-125, and name-brand stuff with nice parts rival new bike shop prices!
Number two seems more turn key. I wouldn't have to do anything to it. Looks like a nice build up of parts and not a mish mash. Through playing email tag, the seller seems to know his stuff. The thing number one has going for it ( in my favor) is that it's a non celeste colored Bianchi.
If anybody is interested, I am probably going to be putting my current bike up for sale and it will probably show up in the classifieds soon but I will give a good deal to anyone on here that is interested. It is a 50-52 cm frame Fuji Saratoga touring bike. It has bar end shifters, Deore/Shimano components, 7x3 shifting, 700c wheels/700x35 tires, steel frame.
