Carl01975

I am interested in this bike as my first commuter. The price as it is($173)is within my price range, unless biding goes significantly up. It looks to be in very good condition. I like the idea of a lightweight aluminum frame; I will be moving to a city soon and likely be carrying it up flights of stares. My main concerns are that I've heard the 3.0 frame is very stiff to the point of being uncomfortable to ride. Also, I would like to put on a larger wheel for commuting and comfort. Has anyone had experience with modifying this frame? I would intent to get it tuned up, new wheels, and of course the pedals, but much else and it wouldn't be worth it for me and past my price point.

Cannondale SR600 Vintage Road Race Bike | eBay

I am also considering an '83 Trek 560(which I have posted on this thread) and a '77 Schwinn Superior:

Trek 560 Bicycle 1983 Reynolds Frame 22 5 inch 12 Speed Suntour Blueline | eBay

1977 Schwinn Superior Black 24" Filet Brazed Steel Road Bike Chrome Fork | eBay

SkyDog75

Since there are already 13 bids and more than 20 hours left, I think it's a pretty safe bet the bidding will go up.

FYI: Lightweight bikes can be made from aluminum, carbon fiber, or even steel. Limiting yourself to aluminum might keep you from spotting a steel bargain.

Yes, it's stiff. Some might find it uncomfortably so. But it's a race bike and frame stiffness is generally a desirable trait for racing. Wheel clearance for big tires isn't a priority when designing a race bike, so I wouldn't count on this bike being able to take a wider tire than 25 mm or so.

If you want a bike that can take wider tires for comfort, this probably isn't the bike for you. If you've got your heart set on a Cannondale, one of their ST (sport touring) models might be more appropriate than an SR.

For a comfortable commuter bike, that Schwinn might not be a bad option if you're tall enough for it and you can get the seller to forego shipping/packaging charges. I wouldn't anticipate a bidding war for it, so it could be a lot cheaper than the Trek or Cannondale bikes you mentioned. From a buyer's perspective, you could benefit from the beating Schwinn's reputation has taken since the company went under and the name's been used on cheap department store bikes. This is a decent bike, though: Lugged chromoly frame, Huret & SunTour drivetrain, Nervar cotterless crank... Not racing stuff or highly collectible, but solid dependable parts. The catalog weight is 28 pounds, so it'll be at least 6 pounds or so heavier than the Cannondale, but it's not ridiculously heavy.

I notice all three bikes you mention are on eBay. Have you checked Craigslist or other local options? It's been my experience that you'll usually find a wider variety of bikes at lower prices on Craigslist than eBay. (And I live in the middle of nowhere -- you'll likely have better local options than I do.)

OldsCOOL

+1 on the ST touring being a better commuter than an SR. If given the choice the Trek 560 is a responsive yet comfortable ride. Nice price on the SR!

oddjob2

Best if you figure out the size frame you need first. Trek and C-dale are both 56cm, but Schwinn appears to be a 52cm.

If the Trek seller will knock $100 dfor local pickup, then at $150 or so, it would be about FMV.

SkyDog75

I'm not sure we're looking at the same bike. The Schwinn linked above looks to be about 56-58 cm to me. (The listed size is 24", but we all know listed sizes are often wrong.) The pictured bike is certainly bigger than the 54 cm & 21" frames I normally ride.

AlexCyclistRoch

Also, the Schwinn seller must be smoking dope if he thinks that anybody will pay $125 to have it shipped! That bike may be worth $75, tops. The Canondale is local pickup only-that will keep the price down, but you may have to travel some distance to get it. The Trek has junky Helicomatic hubs and a lousy bar wrap-probably has been poorly maintained.

Carl01975

Hi SkyDog75,

I sent you a reply yesterday. But being a newbie it looks like it didn't send.

Any who, thanks so much for your input. I will be passing on all three bikes. The Shwinn if it does have a 24" frame is a touch too big; which is a shame considering I would have just picked it up. I am 5' 8" and a 58 seems to fit well from what bikes I've tried.

I'll continue looking around and give Craigslist another go. So far I've found a lot of overpriced bikes and a lack of description.

SkyDog75

If you post your location or put it in your profile, some of the guys on here have shown a willingness to help peruse Craigslist. I mean, you're on a bike site. People here like to shop for bikes.

As for size, I'm a little surprised you're looking at 58 cm frames. At 5'8", my initial hunch would be to steer you toward 54 cm (21") frames. I'm a little over 5'9" and that's what I typically ride. Sometimes up to 56 if the bike doesn't have an extra long top tube. Of course, there's an element of personal preference involved, but it's relatively easy to make a slightly small bike fit bigger folks. It's not always possible to go the other way around.

Homebrew01

I am 5' 10" and ride 56 cm Cannondales.

Carl01975

Will keep this in mind for my search. I think if I do buy without trying I should strongly consider going on the smaller end of what works(56).

Yes, I do have exceptionally long legs. Also, I have a small torso and very long arms. This being the case I'm wondering if a smaller frame would fit better? My Stand over height is 31". I rode a 56 and 57 with room to spare.

Carl01975

I was just offered a Schwinn Varsity that looked like this except in the lime green. I believe I could get it for $25. It's in rough shape; I could barely make out the lettering and couldn't find any signage to indicate the frame's makeup. Not sure if it would be worth the headache or price to have it rust free and road ready. I believe it can be ridden but it looks to have spent quite some time outside in Maine.

SkyDog75

You'll want to pass on that. A Varsity in rough shape will require more time, money, and effort than it's worth. Ones in good shape are somewhat desirable for nostalgia and kitsch, but you can do WAY better in your search for a commuter.

You could try taking some measurements and plugging your numbers into an online fit calculator like the one at Competitive Cyclist. That should get you in the ballpark.

As for standover height... It was traditionally used as a quick-n-dirty sizing method, but it really isn't that critical a number because you don't ride the bike with your feet on the ground. A frame's top tube length is more important because it helps determine the saddle-to-handlebar distance.

SkyDog75

Well I'll be... It only went up another $15, finishing at $188.50. Someone got a good deal on a clean old SR600.

Carl01975

It was so shiny! If only I had room for more than one bikes in my life

Carl01975

Thanks for the advice. Since joining this forum I feel a lot better about getting an older bike.


I will definitely do this

oddjob2

Carrying that up and down stairs, you will be like The Rock in no time. But then again, who steals a Varsity? Just chain it up outside.

If you're moving to Boston, I would wait to land there before buying a bike. RocketSauce is always posting great CL deals in Beantown. If you're moving to NYC, the pickings are slimmer at $200, but not insurmountable.

Carl01975

Moving to Chicago

oddjob2

Plenty of good bikes available on craigslist in Chicago. You might reach out to @Steve Whitlatch about helping you out too. He is a great cl scout and does great rebuilds.

Steve Whitlatch 

I would be happy to help out. I am always checking CL for deals. For good deals you must be fast. I also have a friend that is not a very good flipper. He has been sitting on his large stash of bikes for a couple years now. Over priced and the worst pictures on CL. I have been helping him out by fixing a bike up every few weeks and selling it for him at a fair price. It took a long time for me to get his overpricing out of his head. I can look through his stash for some good bikes in your size if you want? Just give me a price range and a size?

Homebrew01

How long is your commute, and where will you leave the bike ?
If left locked up in public, assume it will get stolen or vandalized, so buy a cheap used hybrid and put on skinny-ish, smooth commuter tires.

Steve Whitlatch 

I would offer $250.

Trek 520 - Exquisite 1985 Sport Touring Bike

[h=2]Trek 520 - Exquisite 1985 Sport Touring Bike - $300 (Loyola) [/h]

Carl01975

Hi Homebrew01,
Good advice. I will be taking up the stairs if I have to. Looking for something light weight.

Carl01975

@Steve Whitlatch

The Trek Touring looks great. But, I'm not moving till the end of July and I can't wait to try out the trails near me before then.

Carl01975

Hi all,
I have actually started a new thread "Help me *king my first Commuter" (Oops supposed to be *find not king)under Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries. Since bidding on the beautiful Cannondale SR600 has ended if you wouldn't mind heading over to this thread to looking over the new listings that I am considering ( a Schwinn le tour/ Trek 400..); Your advice would be much appreciated! Can't wait to start riding.