Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Backroads Cannondales, and others under consideration

Greetings!

I am looking for your opinions on a couple of bike choices that I am looking at. I am 5'9", shorter legs, longer torso (inseam of 28-29"). My weight is 260 (pounds). I am looking to get onto a road bike, but my budget is limited (under $600.00).

The first set of bikes I am looking at are some that are available on Ebay right now. They are old touring bikes from the Backroads touring company. These are Cannondales of various types, but the one I'm really looking at is this one:

http://a763.g.akamai.net/7/763/1644/3/app.infopia.com/img/image/fp/VPID/8913785/img3/img.jpg

The eBay listing is here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230497737433&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

My concern with the Cannondales is the stem. For some reason, I seem to remember that their stems are proprietary, due to their Headshok systems. If any of you can shed some light on these, I would appreciate it. I've done various Yahoo and Google searches using a multitude of phrases, but have not been able to come up with specs on the stem requirements.

I'm also looking at some "vintage" Schwinns. I like the look of them, but I know that some models are just "cheap," while others are really worth looking at. Trouble is, I'm not familiar enough with their models to know which might be worth looking at. If any of you are riding some vintage Schwinns, or other older steel frames, I would appreciate your input based upon your experience as well.

Lastly, I am looking at some bikes on the BD site. Yes, I know that some of you really don't like the Internet sales model (BD in particular). However, I've read enough posts from people here that have had good experiences with BD that they are worthy of my consideration. The one I am really looking at is the Windsor Tourist.

I do not want a flat bar bike, though I would consider them with the idea of putting a North Road bar on it.

So, with that, I'm looking forward to your input. Thank you for your consideration!

Regarding the Cannondale, I find it hard to believe that a bike could fit a range between 5'4" to 5'10". You say you have along torso. Looks like you would be cramped on that bike.

Also note that it does not have road bike geometry. As noted, it's a very relaxed geometry. You can tell that from the photo. That woould likely leave you in a more upright position, but maybe that is what you want.

Finally, I would think long and hard before buying a bike that has been ridden by who knows how many people for how many years over unknown terrian in unknown condtions and may have spent quite a few days on the roof of a van or locked up outside in bad weather.

The relaxed geometry doesn't bother me. My goal is to purchase a bike that has 700c wheels, has some different hand positions, that I can ride for distance. I'm not looking to "hammer" or race. That may come later (MUCH later), but for now, I'm happy with a decent pace over a longer distance. The fact that these bikes were used specifically for that purpose is what has me intrigued. I'm comfortable wrenching on my own bike, so the idea of having to do some replacements down the road is fine with me. Also, bikewagon takes returns, so if I found some major flaw with the frame, I could return it.

Well, more than a week later, and three messages (two item questions within eBay, and another directly to their "customer service" address) with no reply. I guess this says all I need to know about whether or not I want to deal with this company.

Well, more than a week later, and three messages (two item questions within eBay, and another directly to their "customer service" address) with no reply. I guess this says all I need to know about whether or not I want to deal with this company.

That's really too bad. I was somewhat interested myself in getting a touring bike to try without breaking the bank. Would you mind letting me know if you hear anything from them?