General Cycling Discussion - How much should I pay for this

I know I've been making a bunch of these threads lately, it's because my current commuting bike (crappy xmart mountain bike) is falling apart and I need something else to get me around, but I'd also like something I can take on fairly long pleasure rides. but the most important thing right now is to get something I can count on for commuting.

Anyways, what can anyone tell me about this bike and if it's worth buying, and how much would you pay for it? From what I've looked up it seems like a decently nice one but I want you guys' opinions. It's in my size ballpark (haven't actually seen it in person yet) so I'm hoping this might be a keeper.

Here's the original ad, http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/908898279.html
and he sent a few pictures

http://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=514919cffe&view=att&th=11d86bc0614791b9&attid=0.1&disp=inline&zw

http://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=514919cffe&view=att&th=11d86bc0614791b9&attid=0.2&disp=inline&zw

We need your gmail username and password to see the pictures.

Edit: OK, here.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/JudeTheHippy/bikehandlebars.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/JudeTheHippy/Bikesideview.jpg

One more edit. Photobucket shrank them, but the words on the bike are:

Seat tube: Aluminum; Advanced Composite Technology USA

Down tube: Raleigh Technium

Top Tube: 440 USA

post that **** to a picasa

make sure it fits right, most important thing to consider

make sure it fits right, most important thing to consider

Obviously if I buy it will depend on if it fits, but I'm just assuming it does right now just for purposes of price

$50 Max

I did a google search, I dont know what it is.

id say about 80 bucks is fair

Definitely under $100.

OK cool

What do you know about this model if anything? (Beyond what you can find on google of course)

Raleigh made a whole bunch of those "technium" models. They are a bonded aluminum frame; that is, there are aluminum main tubes bonded to a steel rear end and BB shell/headtube.

This is a pretty good idea, it gives a bit of steel springiness in the rear end, and low overall weight.
I had one that I'd rebuilt, rode it for a couple of years. Quite decent, actually.

This one is one of the cheaper models with the headset-mounted shifters and all; I'm working on one of the nicer ones now with downtube shifters and aero brakes.

Looks to be in good shape, but they are old; make sure the wheel bearings and such don't need to be rebuilt.

I'd charge him 20 bucks to haul it off.

This one is one of the cheaper models with the headset-mounted shifters and all; I'm working on one of the nicer ones now with downtube shifters and aero brakes.
Is there something not as good about headset shifters?
Incidentally I hate friction shifters in general, never could seem to get the hang of them but I guess I should at some point anyway.
Also what are "aero brakes?" If you couldn't tell I'm a bike noob.




Looks to be in good shape, but they are old; make sure the wheel bearings and such don't need to be rebuilt.

How might I check that out?


I'd charge him 20 bucks to haul it off.
That bad huh?

Jude - Did you buy it yet???

Nah. I'm away for college and I told the guy, if he hasn't sold it in 2 weeks then I'll come by for a look at it (he's close to my home not to my college).

Also, I can't find anything about this on google, I assume it's a crappy no-name but does anyone else know about it http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/915426891.html

Stem shifters, not headset shifters. Used to be common. Not quite as precise as downtube shifters.
Looks as if the water bottle cage is falling apart. It's separated.

Looks like it might be a resale:
Strider men's Old School 10 speed Road bike (blue) - $100 (philadelphia) (http://redtram.com/redirect/news/147738773/)

24.08.2008 22:37
Strider Men's Old School 10 Speed Road Bike ( blue ) in good condition...ready to roll...save that gas money ....bikes pay for themselves. 100.00.... go to the park for fun and exercise.(contact 215-431-5854)measures 22" (55.9cm)from middle of crank to top » Full text » (http://redtram.com/redirect/news/147738773/)

Huh interesting. Is it a **** bike or not tho?

For the price I might be able to get it for, it might hardly matter

I'm getting more and more baffled about this second one now

The only "Strider" I can find that has anything to do with a bike is some kids' bike

If you are in the Carlisle, PA area, I might be able to help you find something. PM me if that is the area you are in.

And, I have a Technium also. A nicer one, to boot. It is currently set up with a 3spd IGH hub. But that could be rearranged.

jim

I'm not in the area, I'm from Philly. I pass it on the way home, that's about it :)

Also, I can't find anything about this on google, I assume it's a crappy no-name but does anyone else know about it http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/915426891.htmlThe one-piece crank is not a good sign.

I'm not in the area, I'm from Philly. I pass it on the way home, that's about it :)

Not surprised, we are in the middle of nowhere, but on the way to everywhere.

jim

Hmm, this one is supposed to be pretty decent. I'm assuming the guy is not expecting 600 for it; what's the highest you would give for this as an entry level?

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/922850394.html

Or how about these? Just spotted them. I assume I could fight the guy down a good bit but again, what's the highest you'd pay assuming they're all ready to go?
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/924903288.html
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/924937676.html