jwats

This bike gets reviews approximately equal to the Surly LHT...even though it sells for a bit less.

Wondered what you thought of this example and price

https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/d...039872445.html

I am assuming it has no major defects or needs...Does not have the reputation or probably quality of
a bike like the Miyata 1000..but these are hard to find and apparently about twice the price in comparable condition

thanks

oddjob2

While I'm not big on the chrome steel handlebars and black stem, the bike is in good nick and fairly priced. Go for it and ask the seller if they have the original bar, stem, levers, shifters.

It is a small frame, so if you're over 5'5" I'd keep looking.

daf1009

I concur with @oddjob2 ...see if you can get the original stuff...but...not a bad price...if they do not have the original stuff, see if they will come down a bit.

Oh...and these bikes are pretty well made...maybe not up to a 1000 (or maybe they are)...but, generally, good solid bikes.

jwats

I am about 5'9" and usually ride a 54CM or 21"..with a standover of 30.5 inches, this should be the right size..and leave me an inch over the crossbar.

Does that sound right?

Thanks

wrk101

Standover height/clearance is a poor way to decide on bike sizing. Google bike sizing, read up on top tube length and you will know what you need. I have some small frame bikes with super long top tubes and some large bikes with short top tubes. Impact on fit is dramatic.


I am not as keen on this deal as it is missing some of the key touring pieces, mainly the drop handlebars, original stem, bar end shifters and drop bar handlebars. Those missing items are not cheap, if you want to return this bike to full touring bike form, it is going to cost some money, particularly if you have to pay someone to do the work. Realize the bar end shifters on that bike have been out of production for 20 years, so finding a set means either scrounging around, or hitting eBay. If seller has all the original parts, then the deal is a go, as some of those "Wrong" parts also have value (thumb shifters for example), which can subsidize the price paid.

I have owned and sold Randonees and Miyata 1000s, price difference was about 3X. Functionally, a Randonee is fine, its all about desirability. Store brand bikes just don't get the respect they often deserve. Also, Miyata is pretty much the gold standard on 1980s made in Japan bicycles. Meanwhile, many Randonees were made in Taiwan (not sure about the one you are looking at).

You are in a hotter market than mine here, so adjust the value up accordingly.

Given what is missing, if you are open to go the Randonee route, then wait for the members only sale at REI (20% off) and get yourself one that is brand new, with 700c wheels, everything new, a warranty, etc. Best new touring bike deal out there.

bargainguy

Bill is right about the bar-end shifters. Although some here might consider this odd, I scarf up every vintage bike I can that has barcons. (Just bought two in the last couple weeks: a Raleigh Super Grand Prix with SunTour barcons, and a Univega with Shimano barcons.

I typically remove the barcons, replace with some other kind of shifter, then sell the barcons separately at a swap and refurb the bike to sell with a different pair of shifters. Everybody wins.

TugaDude

Everything depends upon fit. Go ride it. If it fits, follow the advice above, it is good advice. Personally, I wonder if it is too small for you. I agree 100% with Bill's comments on sizing. Standover is not the most important metric. Although if you are going to add a front rack and carry heavy loads, then it rises in importance.

You never said what your intended use is. Upright bars are great for heads-up city riding, gravel path, etc. is it a commuter candidate?

zukahn1 

The price is just kinda OK a bit on the high side considering, bar setup just yuck, cheap platform pedals and biopeace stuff. If you buy it figure on spending another $100-150 or so to change stuff.

koolerb

I'd be in at around $300 if the guy has the removed parts.

bikemig 

I like the bike but not the price for a 7 speed with flat bars. If you want to tour with flat bars, you can pick up a quality vintage touring bike for a lot (and I mean a lot) less than this bike. This bike is very clean with nice parts. I think the fair value of this bike is around $250. Also if you want to convert it to drops, 7 speed bar ends are tough to find but there are good friction bar ends available that work just fine.

MZilliox

Cool bike, get the seller to toss in the orginal stuff and you are good.

But I honestly think at 5'9" this bike is too small. For touring/rando/french style riding, a larger frame and shorter seat post handlbar rise is usually the goal. so French style riders ride the larger end of their frame size. a larger frame for me feels more stable for long distance/gear carrying work. at your height id think 53 -54cm would be your small range and 56 your tall side. I'm 5'9 and 3/4" and love a 56 on almost every frame, but can very comfortably ride a 54. 57 feels tall for me.