Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Buying my first bike, questions

First off, I'm not looking to get into road biking seriously. Just recreational and to give me something to do when I can't hunt or go boatin as all the creeks are dried up here in the southeast at the moment. My buddy bought an old school Lotus and I rode that thing for hours the other day and fell in love. I can't spend any more then probably $175 on a bike. Im 5'9" ish, so exactly what size should I look for? Fount this one, http://athensga.craigslist.org/bik/2035759815.html thought maybe I could talk him down to at least $175. I'm just looking for any general advice and info. that could help me out in buying a bike. I want something vintage, yano old just because I don't care for all that fancy stuff on the new bikes. I do want something with gears though, not just a single speed. Like I said, just something fun to do in my spare time. I know you aren't suppose to try and sale a bike on here but if anyone has something that you think would work in my price range, let me know. I live in Rome, GA. It's like an hr from Atlanta and an hr from Chattanooga as well. Thanks!

Huston

http://athensga.craigslist.org/bik/2070838680.html

............cheap good bike.....

I know it depends on the "market" in your area, but you can do better than that one. This one is relatively heavy and low-end, has a cottered steel crank set, most likely steel rims, and plastic Simplex gears (love 'em or hate 'em). You would be better off with a mid-level or better Japanese bike from the '80s with double butted chrome moly frame, alloy cottorless crank set, alloy rims (700C size would be real nice, but most are 27"), with quick release alloy hubs, down tube or bar-end shifters, etc. Schwinn also had some decent bike worth considering. If you are an "outdoors" guy, you may also want to take a look at cyclocross bikes. Kind of like a road bike that thinks it's kind of like a mountain bike. For a bike to ride, you can also check out the online deals at Bikes Direct, Performance, and Nashbar. They sometimes have crazy specials at Performance and Nashbar, and you can sometimes find a steeply discount bike in your price range. Also, if you are heavier...make sure the bike can handle the extra weight. Some of the newer bikes aren't as durable as the old Chicago built Schwinns. Some websites to check out....

http://bike.jaxed.com/cgi-bin/bike.cgi?cat=bik&itm=centurion

http://www.trfindley.com/pg_schwinn_cats.htm

http://classicfuji.com/

http://autobus.cyclingnews.com/cross/?id=faq

http://athensga.craigslist.org/bik/2070838680.html

............cheap good bike.....

trek multitrack 720 - $75 (commerce)

Date: 2010-11-20, 11:54AM EST
Reply to: sale-6ujgr-2070838680@craigslist.org (sale-6ujgr-2070838680@craigslist.org?subject=trek%20multitrack%20720%20-%20%2475%20(commerce)&body=%0A%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fathensga.craigslist.org%2Fbik%2F2070838680.html%0A) [Errors when replying to ads? (http://www.craigslist.org/about/help/replying_to_posts)]



not sure exactly what year. frame is in great shape. has shimano drivetrain and brakes. gripshift shifters. brakepads are good, tires have plenty of miles left. new tubes. has the narrow 700c wheels. would make a great commuter for a student,or if you just need a solid bike. call, email, or txt nick @

Location: commerce it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
http://images.craigslist.org/3n13oa3l15O15Y45Z6abke6f25f2d0ed31372.jpgPostingID: 2070838680



This Trek hybrid isn't a bad bike at all...if it isn't too small. You can find out more about it (and other bikes built from '93 onwards) on the Bikepedia website... http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeSpecsFB.aspx?Year=1995&Brand=Trek&Model=720&Type=bike
The 720 Multi Track can be changed around a bit. You can set it up one way or another for touring and cyclocross. You can change it over to drop bars. You can get some great deals on new parts from online retailers if you follow their promotional specials.

You can get more info on Trek from this website...

http://www.vintage-trek.com/

for a casual rider it's great bike....and you can still shop for CV bike and probably get your money back (at least) on this Trek...

+10 You can do A LOT better. Keep looking.

Do a search on steel rims, cottered crank, and 1970s French bike issues. I have nothing against such French bikes, I have three right now, and I have had several others. But they are best suited for someone with a pile of french parts. They have unique (and obsolete sizing), so making updates and changes can cost quite a bit more than your basic vintage Japanese bike.

If the multitrack above is in good shape, that is a deal.

I agree too you should be able to do better

http://athensga.craigslist.org/bik/2044218423.html this schwinn looks a bit nicer

http://athensga.craigslist.org/bik/2053702997.html another hybrid Raleigh

http://athensga.craigslist.org/bik/2070869618.html a nicer hybrid Trek 7200

HCPope - welcome to the sport and welcome to the forums.

I humbly request that you DO NOT BUY THAT BIKE. Even if you put relatively few miles on a bike per year, there are lots of external costs that will factor in. A motobecane like the one pictured above will require very special, expensive parts and service if anything goes wrong.

+1 for an 80's Japanese road bike or perhaps a 90's hybrid. The biking "off-season" is approaching for many, and you'll find some great deals for when the weather improves and inevitably fall in love with riding.

I wouldn't recommend buying a bike from an online retailer, but that's just my own experience. If you have a friend that is knowledgeable about bikes, have them come with you to check a few used ones out and buy them a sixer for their time.

Good luck and show us what you decide upon.

HCPope - welcome to the sport and welcome to the forums.

I humbly request that you DO NOT BUY THAT BIKE. Even if you put relatively few miles on a bike per year, there are lots of external costs that will factor in. A motobecane like the one pictured above will require very special, expensive parts and service if anything goes wrong.

+1 for an 80's Japanese road bike or perhaps a 90's hybrid. The biking "off-season" is approaching for many, and you'll find some great deals for when the weather improves and inevitably fall in love with riding.

I wouldn't recommend buying a bike from an online retailer, but that's just my own experience. If you have a friend that is knowledgeable about bikes, have them come with you to check a few used ones out and buy them a sixer for their time.

Good luck and show us what you decide upon.

Thanks! and thanks to everyone else for all the info! Really did help.

can someone explain to me single speed vs. geared? pros and cons of both? I have tried some research and just would rather someone put into laymans terms for me please. Also, I'm 5'9", I suppose I should have stated my weight, like 160. What height bike should I be looking for? Also, on more question: can someone explain stand-over height as well? Thanks again.

Google bike sizing, there is an endless supply of opinions out there. Stand over height = almost worthless as to sizing. You are probably pretty close to a 54cm road bike.

Lots of opinions on single speed versus gearing. I guess I am in one camp. If you want to ride in one speed, just don't shift. But when you need a lower or higher gear, its there and available. Where I live, I cannot go one block without riding a pretty serious hill.

Google bike sizing, there is an endless supply of opinions out there. Stand over height = almost worthless as to sizing. You are probably pretty close to a 54cm road bike.

Lots of opinions on single speed versus gearing. I guess I am in one camp. If you want to ride in one speed, just don't shift. But when you need a lower or higher gear, its there and available. Where I live, I cannot go one block without riding a pretty serious hill.

Thanks man, I stopped being a lazy ass and figured it out for myself. Your logic on singlespeed vs. geared totally makes sense as well. Thanks!