TO_Commuter

Hi Everyone,

Just recently moved to Toronto, ditched my car and in the market for a good, commuter road bike! I'll be honest and say I do not know much about road bikes, but a friend of mine did direct me towards brands like Bianchi, Colagno, Nishiki Prestige, Miyata 600 + etc. on kijiji and craigslist to find deals.

I came across this posting and was hoping to hear your expert opinions on whether this would be a good deal: Made in Italy 12spd EdoardoBianchi roadbike, buttedframe, helmet | road | City of Toronto | Kijiji

Any advice would be much appreciated and if this would not be a good purchase, other recommendations would be greatly appreciated! I only have a modest budget for a bike, so I'm not looking to spend over $300 and will try to negotiate a lower price for any listed sale price.

T-Mar

This bicycle is in very rough cosmetic condition. Consequently it is probably also in very rough mechanical condition and you will probably end spending a considerable amount in labour and consumables like tires, cables, pads, chain, etc. I'd pass.

bikemig 

The condition is questionable and it's a lower end bike. For commuting, you will want to think about whether you want a bike that can take a fatter tire than a conventional road bike. Vintage mountain bikes (with a rigid fork) make fine commuters once you thrown on a pair of slick tires.

TO_Commuter

Thank you very much for the quick replies and advice! Any other brands that you would recommend I check out for vintage road bikes? Or is condition of greater importance when looking through ads?

Spaghetti Legs 

Also that listing says the bike will fit a person 5'5" to 6'3" , a very uninformed statement if not outright lie. That frame looks smaller and would more likely be for the shorter half of that height range.

What will your commute be like? Distance, city vs suburban streets, all weather etc. You might get some more specific and useful advice with these details, but I would probably pass on that bike.

TO_Commuter

My commute is about 15 km (30 km total in a day), mostly suburban streets. I'm 5'10 and have a leg length of about 33 inch, so according to sites I'd fit into a 57 cm or 22.5 inch frame?

I really appreciate all the insightful responses so far!

TO_Commuter

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-road-bike/cit...ationFlag=true

I'm assuming this Bianchi would be better just not at the asking price?

juvela

This one is FAR better quality than the first and from your information it sounds like it would be a good size for you.

It is much greater value for price than the first example.

TO_Commuter

Cheers! I had to read more forums on this site to get an idea of what to look for in a vintage bike (shifter location, triple crank, lack of rust etc.).

Now off to see if I can negotiate a better price...

juvela

Looks to be an excellent value. Take care not to outsmart yourself with overhaggling...

TO_Commuter

Just in case I can't get the Bianchi, anyone care to offer an opinion on this Miele Cicli (color does not bother me!):

Miele Cicli Road Bike | road | City of Toronto | Kijiji

oddjob2

Looks decent and clean enough for the price.

Slash5

Nice bike but too big for you. And would need wider tires for commuting. If you are locking this bike up outside where the general public will have access, I'd buy something cheaper and uglier, probably a low end mountain bike.

TO_Commuter

Cheers for the response. Were you referring to the Miele or the Bianchi?

Slash5

The Miele - although with a 33 inch inseam you can probably make it work. You're probably just between a 56 and 58 cm fit.

oddjob2

A 23" frame is about 58cm, which should be just right. Tire width is a personal preference too, some like 'em wide, others not so much. But it would be good to make sure 25's fit at least if they need to be replaced.

zukahn1 

The Miele is a nice bike for the price but it is a likely a bit big and has really tight race geometry, basically 25 slicks biggest tire, bike shoes with clips/toe straps and no fenders or rack so not a good commuter.