Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - What do you think?

I've been riding a 2006 Haro V-1 while dropping my weight from 295 to 265. I think I may be ready for something more like a road bike. I just saw this on Craighslist and sent the guy an e-mail. From what little I know, it seems like a good deal. Might need different handlebars. :) what does everyone think?

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/bik/2532974398.html

Get this one:
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/bik/2532828552.html

Have the wheels overhauled and the spokes tensioned.

Assuming you do all the work yourself (converting it back to drop bars), the Lemans is a good deal. If you have to pay someone to do the work, its a bad deal.

Lemans WAS NOT top of the line, seller is dreaming there, but it was a good, solid, mid grade bike from that era. With drop bars, fully serviced, and ready to ride, it would sell for about $200 here.

Bikes under this price point tend to be really basic, so you are at a good spot to get a nice bike (but not top of the line).

Yeah, wrk101, that's kinda what I thought. Someone who has ridden Wal-Mark bikes all their life might think that spending $500 or so on a bike 15 years ago was getting them the "top of the line." But its really just the bottom level of good bikes. This looks about the same quality as the Nishiki I had in the early 80's. I really like the feel of the older steel frames. So even though the bike 10 Wheels posted is clearly a much better bike, I kinda like the older steel frames.

I like steel, too. It's a bit more comfortable. I trust my Kona, but my old Fuji is really fun and goofy to ride.

Given that the Tommaso is such a good deal, if you've got the time, go over and take a look. It can't hurt. If it's not for you, say as much and wish the seller good luck.

The Centurion will last for another 20 years, but as noted, will always be a kind of lower middle of the pack bike.

I'd try both and see which is more fun. Go with your gut.

BTW, Congrats on the weight loss. Keep up the good work.

Myself, since you want a vintage bike, I would get in the car and nab that Centurion (assuming you can do the rehab work). I don't see much decent vintage stuff in Phoenix area right now. I would not expect a vintage bike at that price point to last long, unless it has some really serious flaws.

As far as the Tommaso, sorry, but that is an internet brand. You can buy a brand new Tommaso with full SORA right now on ebay for $450. Actually, the shifters on the $450 ebay bike look just like Microshift, which many consider to be better than SORA. Nothing Italian about that bike unfortunately.

A SORA equipped one just sold on ebay for $300.

Thanks for clarifying, wrk101.

I didn't look too closely at the Tommaso.

I bought it this morning. She didn't want to meet me her her house, so it took a while to set up a meeting to look it over. I'll post the mandatory photo of it in front of a white garage door after I've had a chance to clean it up some.

What did you buy?

I got the Centurion. I just don't need a race bike. I'm 55 years old and still about 100 lbs overweight. I'm not going to be racing any time soon. :) The older steel frame will take my weight and is much more responsive than the mountain bike I was riding. So it is a step up without a big hit on the wallet. I put a few miles on it in the 105 AZ heat and I'm happy with it. I had to put a new saddle in it before I could ride it. New handle bars in a week or two.

Thanks for taking the time to point me to the other bike, 10 wheels, but it just wasn't for me.

Be sure to take care of the basics: bearings, grease, and cables. You will have yourself a really nice bike.

Even if the wheels seem to spin beautifully, I have yet to have found a bike from that era where the grease wasn't solidified, and the bearings a mess. Imagine if someone parked a car in a barn and left it there for 20 years. Picture what the motor oil would look like.