Commuting - Newbie just getting into road bikes

Hey guys, I've been doing a few hours or research on several different types of bikes, from fixed to road bikes. I've got a bit of a budget as well. I'm looking to spend only $200 on preferably a good used bike over a cheap walmart/target bike.

I wasn't sure if this was the right place to post, but here's what I've currently got my eye on. Here is the link to what I'm looking at: http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/bik/2410025871.html

It's the Schwinn Traveler 57cm. I'll probably be going to check it out tomorrow if I've the chance to.

So now, here are my intentions for the bike. I'm not looking to do really long rides, more of just meeting up with friends to go for some runs and stay fit. Also, it would be to commute around my school campus. It's a huge campus with lots of hills and sometimes 10 minutes between classes isn't enough when getting there on foot.

So for my purposes, do you guys think that bike is decent enough? I'll probably be doing some more searching again, and I've been on the Intro sticky all day going through the different links (great resource btw).

Thanks guys

-edit-

Link changed

Personally, I'd keep looking for something with basic STI shifters (the shifting system is incorporated into the brakes). Those things make a huge difference on hills than downtube shifters (what that bike has, slightly below the handlebars, and a bit further back).

I picked up my almost entirely Sora bike (minus the brakes) for about $235 off CL.

Oh I was under the impression that they're stem shifters, rather than DT shifters.

But yeah, I'm also trying to find bikes with STI shifters as well. But can that bike, or any bike, be converted to STI shifters? I've searched that up and read that it might be expensive and probably not worth doing?

not worth doing... save that cash and use it to buy a nicer bike up front with them already installed

http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k328/chris84176/P5081456.jpg?t=1306377212

That's more or less what stem shifters look like. The ones on the other bike are on the actual downtube, thus the name. :thumb:

It's better to find a bike with them already installed. Browse CL and eBay for a while, I've run across some incredible deals in your price range.

Hello Trdsupragt, welcoem to the forums. if you decided on a road bike with a budget of 200 you likely won't get the STI or 'brifter' style shifter Bio is talking about.

as for your link the Schwinn looks OK but that replacement fork likely means the bike was wrecked. look real close at the head tube area for signs of cracking peeling paint as the frame may be damaged. if that bike fits you and you can ride it away it might be a good deal by California standards.

lol well just to clarify, the guy posted on CL as well, and this is the bike in question. The link I previously posted I guess showed a different Schwinn.

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/bik/2410025871.html

But yeah, I may keep looking for bikes with STI shifters. Otherwise, I'm considering this bike for my purposes =p

if you decided on a road bike with a budget of 200 you likely won't get the STI or 'brifter' style shifter Bio is talking about.

That's basically what I got mine for. He might have to wait, but in the long run, it would probably be worth it.

By the way, use that piece of advice Bianchigirll mentioned for ANY AND ALL bikes you come across. Getting a screwed up frame isn't fun at all (you sacrifice the structural integrity of the frame).

That's probably a great area for road bike sales. I'd say check CL once or twice a day, and you'd probably do best to staying away from 'vintage' style bikes. Good luck though!

Ask this question on the Classic and vintage value forum and you would get a different answer. Those are stem shifters, and it looks like an original fork to me. That is a reasonable price for a sturdy, commuter capable bike in your market. Believe it or not we don't all prefer Brifters. In your price range Brifters will be junk. Many people are happily cummuting on steel frames from the 1980's.

I think the bike is decent enough. How tall are you? 57cm frames are for riders around 5'10 to 6'1 (+/-2 in either direction).

If it fits thats not a bad deal assuming your market is more expensive than here. Ther are a couple concerns with it though.

1. That waterbottle cage looks totally mashed. Why did the seller even leave it on the bike?
2. Maybe the seller wants to avaoid looking like he polished up turds, by not cleaning the bike, but why not at least at least wipe it down. It makes me think he doesn't have that much pride in his work.
3. It looks like the seller put new brake cables or housings, but the routing isn't the best. I am bad about that at times so I shouldn't complain. =P

The upside is I don't think its rusty and it has good brake hoods plus new tires and cables. I would ask if the seller regreased the hubs and bottom bracket. If so its probably worth what he is asking, but I think you could possibly hold out for something better. Its not a killer deal. Keep looking and you will find something exciting.

Thanks for the input guys.

I'm about 5'10", so the bike would probably be just right, if not a bit tall depending on inseam and such?

In any case, I think I will have a look tomorrow, but will also keep searching. Are there things I should keep an eye out for when looking for a used bike in my price range?

But yeah, I'm also trying to find bikes with STI shifters as well. But can that bike, or any bike, be converted to STI shifters? I've searched that up and read that it might be expensive and probably not worth doing?

It can be done, but it'll cost more than the bike, so forget it. But ... for $200, you might have a hard time finding a bike that comes with them. Sooner or later one will show up, so it's maybe a question of how long you want to wait?

Test ride the bike. Take it up a hill. If you haven't been cycling lately, know that you're likely to be out of shape in the ways that are important to cyclists, and that hills will feel a little bit easier in a week or two. But you'll still need to shift to climb some of them. You should be able to leave a watch or something to test ride a $200 bike.

Thanks for the input guys.

I'm about 5'10", so the bike would probably be just right, if not a bit tall depending on inseam and such?

In any case, I think I will have a look tomorrow, but will also keep searching. Are there things I should keep an eye out for when looking for a used bike in my price range?
In a vintage bike, 57cm is probably right for you. I was commuting on a 62cm '77 Schwinn Le Tour II for over a year and I'm just over 6'.

Signs of a lower end vintage bike include: chrome rims, stem shifters & suicide levers (the lever that allows you to brake from the tops of the bars). The market in SoCal can be tough and decent priced stuff goes quick. Check CL often and keep trying. Might even find a newer bike with brifters if you are lucky.

In a vintage bike, 57cm is probably right for you. I was commuting on a 62cm '77 Schwinn Le Tour II for over a year and I'm just over 6'.

Signs of a lower end vintage bike include: chrome rims, stem shifters & suicide levers (the lever that allows you to brake from the tops of the bars). The market in SoCal can be tough and decent priced stuff goes quick. Check CL often and keep trying. Might even find a newer bike with brifters if you are lucky.


My dad just brought back a 62cm Motobecane that his co worker is willing to sell for $50 with that exact description. On top of being way too tall for me, I now see why they call them suicide levers. I took it for a test ride, and holy crap that was scary. Perhaps I can pick up the bike and sell for a little over $50 on CL?

For the record, suicide levers and cross brakes both let you (try to) brake from the tops, but cross brakes are just as safe as any other brake lever. Suicide levers aren't really brakes.

http://wandel.ca/bikes/0620-170639.jpg

http://www.bowcycle.com/bikes/blogs/viks-picks/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/bbc-brake-levers.jpg

I do like those...

I'm guessing I'd be trading off the conventional brakes in order to have those cross brakes? How much would the ballpark be for the LBS to have them installed?

-update-

Well guys.. I'm afraid someone else beat me to the bike. I guess that just means that a better one will be coming my way!

My dad just brought back a 62cm Motobecane that his co worker is willing to sell for $50 with that exact description. On top of being way too tall for me, I now see why they call them suicide levers. I took it for a test ride, and holy crap that was scary. Perhaps I can pick up the bike and sell for a little over $50 on CL?

Post a pic of that Motobecane and we will tell you if its worth trying to mess around with it. It could be a worthwhile bike. Some people want big frames so you might be able to trade for something your size. $50 for a vintage road bike thats complete sounds pretty decent.

I'm guessing I'd be trading off the conventional brakes in order to have those cross brakes?
They install in-line so you have the regular brake levers on the drops and these on the tops.

This was a photo that was forwarded to me by my dad's coworker. What do you guys think?

-edit-
Would a 54cm be okay for me also?

This was a photo that was forwarded to me by my dad's coworker. What do you guys think?

You could post that pic over in C&V appraisals thread and they can let you know what hey think, but for $50 I think its well worth it. You might even be able to ride that bike as I had a similar sized late 70's Panasonic that fit pretty good and the only reason I sold it was I wanted indexed downtube shifters instead of friction.

Would a 54cm be okay for me also?

Yes, should be fine. I'm 5' 10" as well (inseam 33 inches) and my bikes are all 54cm.


This was a photo that was forwarded to me by my dad's coworker. What do you guys think?


Hard to tell from the photo but based on the head tube I'd say that bike is considerably larger than 54cm.

Yes, should be fine. I'm 5' 10" as well (inseam 33 inches) and my bikes are all 54cm.



Hard to tell from the photo but based on the head tube I'd say that bike is considerably larger than 54cm.

Yeah I measured and it was roughly 60-62cm.

Any opinions on this one?

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/bik/2418111724.html

It's easy for most people to tell whether a modern(ish) bike is any good, but it becomes tricky with older bikes. A bike that was a cheap, entry level bike in 1985 is now just a 25 year old cheap, entry level bike. If you really want to know how good the bike is, try posting in the C&V forum, as there are people there that know old bikes better than they know their own kids.

As a quick way to tell, any bike that was any good will have mounts for down-tube shifters built right onto the frame. A slightly lower-tier bike will have down-tube shifters attached via a clamp. And a really cheap old bike will have stem shifters. These shifters are not worth the hassle. If you can't find a bike with brifters in your price range, then get a decent vintage bike with proper down-tube shifters.

Personally, I wouldn't worry about STI shifters too much. IMNSHO, while a little more convenient, they aren't as much more convenient as their cost, and I'm not a fan of indexed shifting in general for maintenance/adjustment reasons. You should be fine with regular ol' friction bar-ends (though indexed is cool too, if you're not a fan of friction). I have downtubes which are simple and reliable, but they are slightly more PITA than bar-ends. Bar-ends are almost just as easy, even in hills, as STI, for me. For the price range you're looking at, you'll probably be looking at older/crappier STI system (but you could luck out). I had some that came on my used Novara Randonee that were a constant pain. I finally ditched them and have been much happier. In my experience, bar ends or downtubes are more reliable with less adjustment and maintenance being needed (and easier when it is). YMMV.

Any opinions on this one?

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/bik/2418111724.html
Overweight low end bike that is grossly over priced.
if you have a 33 inc inseam you need a 56-58cm bike. Riding large means the bars are naturally higher and more relaxed riding position. Riding small is good if you are looking to go fast as the bars will be down keeping your shoulders down.

Personally I would look for 80's japanese bikes with 700 wheels if possible. Parts have a better interchangeability. I like bar end shifters and it is not an expensive upgrade to them.

Now this "Go look tomorrow" deal is not going to get you a bike at a good price. You need to have cash in hand and ready to roll.
The under priced bikes get picked up by flippers cleaned up and re listed for double the price.

This is a good bike for a fair price thats poorly marketed. Didnt list the model but it is midline. If the bike is in good condition. I can sell this bike all day long for $180.
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/bik/2409304523.html
Thats about a 87-88 it should be a 4130 double butted frame Probably 27 inch wheels. that bike was probably built by Giant, maybe Panasonic. There may be a sticker on the non drive side drop out that says Giant. Araya rims, Suntour AR derailleurs.

Little digging and it looks like it is a 87 Letour. Good riding bike.
http://www.trfindley.com/flschwinn_1981_1990/1987_08.html
If I am right it is a Shimano light action indexed shifter bike according to the catalog.
Wave $100 in their face and see if they take it. The worst they can say is no and you pay the $130.
You can buy a kit to move the shifters to the bar ends or find a old set of Suntour friction. .

I have a red 1987 Le Tour and I really like it same size and everything. $130 is a reasonable price for that bike, but offer less and see what they say. Like Grim said if you want the deals you better have cash on hand and ready to go cheap it out as soon as you can. If the Le Tour is still available you will be somewht lucky.

People rip on stem shifters and while I don't like them some are actually really nice to use. Suntour powershifters stem shifters are pretty awesome. There are some others that are above average. I think this buyer should hold out for something better than a stem shifter bike, but they are far from useless.

I'm hoping I can find something with 700 wheels. But I can't always have it all right? While I'm familiar with the term of 700, I don't know how to tell if they are indeed 700's though. (other than them saying they're 700 lol)

Also, per suggestions above, I think I will go the bar end shifters route once I pick up something. I tried shifting with stem shifters, and while I had no problems finding gears and such, the motion felt very unnatural, as many would have already told me. I'm sure with some practice, I'll get used to it, but it just feels weird to me.

I've contacted the seller of the Schwinn Letour in the ad posted just a few posts above, but they haven't gotten back to me yet.

The person selling the Spalding bike was also selling this one: http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g428/andrea2115/DSC01999.jpg I think it might have been a 54cm and they were selling it for $200. They've since taken down the ad, but I noticed they still have the photo in the album (they usually clear out sold items). Other than that, that's all the information I have on that particular Schwinn World.

The wheels on that Le Tour are likely 27 inch wheels unless some switched them out. The 700 wheels are just a little smaller thn the 27 inch wheels. There are few options for tires for the 27 inch wheel compared to 700, but I wouldn't worry about it too much based on your budget. You could always get a 700 wheelset later and some different brakes if the ones on that bike don't have enough reach. I suspect they do, but I haven't messed around with mine because I like how it rides the way it is although I just put some new tires on it.

You might want to check out Keep it Rollin Vintage Cyclery (http://keepitrollin.webs.com/bikesforsale.htm). Its from this Craigslist ad: http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/bik/2418546498.html

Another option is to visit LBS that sell used bikes or Coops.

Thanks for looking it up for me. You guys are great. I'm in the process of setting up meeting times with some of these sellers as well.

Also, here's another that I found.

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/2418718330.html

Traveler is one model below the Letour but it is still a good bike and thats still a good price.
If I'm not smoking something the bike I guessed was a Letour is the same bike in your listing as a Traveler. That or that black and yellow bar tape is darn popular in your area.

Ohh as far as tires when it needs them. Panaracer Pasela are a great tire on the cheap for 27 inch wheels

Good luck!!
.

OH. You know what? I think they are indeed the same exact bike. I asked the seller for a better picture and the frame showed "Traveler" on it. LOL I've been looking at so many ads that these bikes are all starting to look the same.. And I guess it doesn't help that the seller is posting in two different counties now.

Yeah it looks like its a 1988 Schwinn traveler. It looks like the same frame as the Le Tour which is what I like about the Le Tour. I fixed up a friends 1989 Traveler and it seemed like a pretty nice bike. The bike ad says its ready to go and if it is thats a pretty good bike for the price. I would probably be asking $150 for it in that condition if I was selling (bikes are cheap here) and I price things pretty reasonable. I am biased because I have a similar bike, but I would check that out quickly. You wouldn't have a hard time moving it along if you found something you liked better.

http://www.trfindley.com/flschwinn_1981_1990/1988_13.html


http://www.trfindley.com/flschwinn_1981_1990/1988_16.html

A few other bikes have popped up on CL..

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/bik/2419886827.html
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/bik/2419893278.html
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/bik/2419890529.html
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/bik/2419896112.html

Three of them, of course being from the same seller

I saw a couple of them before when I was looking, but I don't think they are that exciting for what you need I think you can do better not that they are bad bikes or bad deals. The Traveler is a better deal than all of them and not just because its cheaper. You don't want the Schwinn Caliente. Its going to be heavy and has other odd quirks.

You could check this one out and see what size it is if they still have it. Looks like a 1989. I just saw one of these on a craigslist nearer me. Kind of cool bike.

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/bik/2416992339.html

http://www.trfindley.com/flschwinn_1981_1990/1989_Ltwt_05.html

Pics of someone's bike

http://velospace.org/node/4148

The ad you posted has photos that seem consistent with the one here:

http://velospace.org/node/4148

It looks like a 54cm? I'm kind of liking it

I should have mentioned thats probably where the pic for the ad came from. The seller likely Googled his bike and found that pic and posted it which happens more than you would think. You will need to contact he seller to get info.

I started out in the Commuting forum, these are some of the best people in the world.

I had a 198* Huffy road bike for my first bike. it was a great bike for a start. had it 2 weeks and i was hooked.

Then i got a Trek. I haven't stopped since.

i now have a 2011 Trek 2.1 and love the bike for everything that it is.

Its been a great 3 years

Yeah he just sent me actual photos. I'll have it posted here in a few minutes.

It's not the best photo if I'm honest, but he claims that it's his brother's bike and he doesn't know much about bikes. But judging from the photo, I'm going to say it might even be as small as a 52cm.

I started out in the Commuting forum, these are some of the best people in the world.

I had a 198* Huffy road bike for my first bike. it was a great bike for a start. had it 2 weeks and i was hooked.

Then i got a Trek. I haven't stopped since.

i now have a 2011 Trek 2.1 and love the bike for everything that it is.

Its been a great 3 years

Yeah man. I've never received this much help in any other forum that I've been on for even different hobbies/activities. Everyone just flames you these days...But I think I'm going to like it here =D

I honestly don't mean to be a downer or anything, but "It's my brother's bike" and "I don't know much about bikes" both scream "STOLEN" to me.

It's not the best photo if I'm honest, but he claims that it's his brother's bike and he doesn't know much about bikes. But judging from the photo, I'm going to say it might even be as small as a 52cm.

Yeah I would say with alot of confidence that its too small.

I was a bit suspicious also. I'll tread carefully..

Another..

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/2420084408.html

how tall are you? Inseem? ( sorry im late to the party )

---

EDIT: 33 inseem, I am a 32 and i ride a 56/58cm. So that trek would work for ya.

I would look at that Trek fast. good price.

The 28C wide tires are not the best and will take more effort to pedal, but are easy to replace with 23C tires

My 2011 Trek 2.1 weighs 19.5LBS , so figure that out, and its most likely 20 years newer

Yep that Trek looks pretty sweet. I think 28mm tires are just fine.

As long as the tires are easy to find I'm okay with it. Would I be able to replace them with 23's just by getting new tires and tubes should I ever decide to change them out? Or will the wheels themselves need to be changed out also?