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Different usage of a bike, results in different condition

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Old 11-05-04, 06:31 AM
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Different usage of a bike, results in different condition

What will be a better bike after say 10 years:

a bike that has spent its years in a shed untouched except maybe several dozen times, since it was bought. (no regular service etc)

Or a bike that has spent those years doing several thousand kilometres on the road, with the owner taking good condition of it, greasing, replacing worn parts etc.

REASON being, is that I have a 12 - 15 year old bike practically unused I bought, and have seen another bike on ebay which is probably younger and better, but used several thousand km which says to have had regular service, some parts replaced (chain etc.)
I probably won't buy it because I only bought the 15 year old one (the black one "Sportsworld Eclipse") for AU$67, (US45) off Ebay a week ago, but it's always nice to know that I made a mistake. The other one is a "Ricardo Road bike w/ mainly Shimano 105". It has 1 day to go in the Ebay auction, probably finished by the time you read this thread, and is now on "AU$137.50, US$100"
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Old 11-05-04, 10:38 AM
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the Ricardo Road bike is by far the better bike
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Old 11-05-04, 11:07 AM
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Lisitsa, if I understand the question right, then an un-used bike implies new components and everything else, whereas a used bike is a second-hand 'used up' machine. Rust is the only enemy of an un-used bike, other than that, it should be the number one choice . . . But heck this sounds like an addiction to me :-)
By the way, do the bikes fit you 100% OK? Cheers.
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Old 11-05-04, 11:18 AM
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bad components and poor geometry are bad no-mater how little thay are used.
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Old 11-05-04, 04:01 PM
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Originally Posted by Archie
But heck this sounds like an addiction to me :-)
Yeh, Ebay is kind of addictive. I agree. Worthwhile... yes.
I also collect typewriters, and you should have seen what fine typewriters I have won, some for $5 dollars, or even $1, machines which would have cost hundreds in the 1980's
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Old 11-05-04, 04:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Archie
By the way, do the bikes fit you 100% OK? Cheers.
This is a question I don't know. I am 6"3'. The Ricardo is 55cm but I cannot to g-d find the size of the "Sportsworld Eclipse".

I've taken a picture of me on the "Sportsworld Eclipse." Give me your advice
I know it is smaller than I want. I did the online fit calculator and usually got around 60. This could be 54, I'm not sure, you might be able to have a guess.
Yet, is the seat high too high, because any lower, and I don't get to stretch out my leg enough when I peddle.
Thanks.

PS - This forum has about the quickest and most thorough replies out of any other forum I've been on. Keep posting!
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Old 11-05-04, 05:22 PM
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Lisitsa

At the risk of testing this forum readers' patience, my quick answer is this (in sequence):

1. Minimum 1" top-tube clearance when standing up - need more clearance if you ride off road - on the other hand, you should not be overwhelmed by the size of the bike (otherwise it's too big for you).
2. Adjust the seat now, high enough and without rocking your hip side to side - seat height will increase slightly over time, and then small adjustments will make significant impact on power & comfort! Also, if the seat is too low you will feel it in your upper leg muscles, plus may also get knee pain.
3. With the cranks horizontal (ie 3 o' clock position), adjust seat foreward/backward position so that your knee is directly above pedal/foot.
4. Re-check your seat height again for comfort.
5. Handle-bar top, same height as the seat height, or not more than 2" lower.
6. When riding in the holding down position (in the drops), your view of the front hub is almost hidden by the handlebar.
7. If the seat height and seat's horizontal position are correct and you feel the slightest pressure in your wrists, your back or neck then you may have to adjust your reach by turning the handlebar towards/away from you, or lowering/raising it, or changing the stem length. Body feedback becomes important at this stage.
Sorry for the long reply, hope it's relevant. Safe riding!
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Old 11-20-04, 11:50 PM
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Now there is another bike on Ebay I have my eyes on. Its got a huge frame, which is good because I am 6"3'. It's current price is around 100AUS (60US). It might or might not go any higher.
Its at this link:
https://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....tem=7115149388.
Do you think its worth it?
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Old 11-21-04, 10:56 AM
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Lisitsa, wanna join me in AE? "Anonymous Ebayers", I definately have a addiction problem also
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Old 11-22-04, 10:35 AM
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You chaps are just bike addicts and . . . if not careful we might all catch it!
:-) Please leave me alone, I'm happy with my current transport (acquired only 6 months ago) . . . any more expenses and Mrs will sue for divorce :-)

Happy & Safe biking guys.

Regards
PS: I still don't have a helmet yet . . .
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Old 11-22-04, 11:50 AM
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Originally Posted by lisitsa
Do you think its worth it?
What is an 8 inch frame? That's an amazingly lame description. I'd steer clear unless you could see and test ride it.
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