Trying to find a bike
 

Hi all, I have had a crappy retail bike for a while and have been looking into buying a road bike to get around. Are any of these bikes worth buying? The links to the ads are below

Nishiki 80's
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/2066592642.html
Univega Nuovo Sport
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/2065459654.html
Schwinn Continental
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/bik/2066218655.html

Thanks

nishiki 80's my choice,looks good!
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/2066592642.html

The best bike in that group is the Univega with it's triple butted, chromoly frame. Close behind is the Nishiki, but both have prices that would never sell around here. The Continental is a heavy, but well made bike selling at a price that is typical almost anywhere. For that reason, and only that reason, I'd go with the Schwinn. You can always sell it for what you paid if you change your mind. When you look at the Schwinn, if it needs repairs, like new tires, factor that into the price. Maybe one of the other bikes comes up better, especially if they lower the asking price. BTW, all of those bikes are good quality badges.

I like the Univega a little more than the Nishiki but I am appalled at the price for both of them. (Makes me glad I live here and not there!)

So, +1 to what Roccobike says - I'd go for the Schwinn. (You could always sell it - or if you prefer, upgrade it later. )

Nishiki.

Good to see they are still smokeing the funny stuff at Berkley. The prices for the Japanese bikes are wild. The Schwinn is more in line.

If I had to choose one, the Nishiki looks like it has been maintained a bit better(ie newer tires). But you would have to verify that with the seller. Someones idea of acceptable tire may not be same as yours. The Univega looks all original.

Offer $150 for the Nishiki and see if he bites.

There's probably close to 10 years difference in the age of the Univega and Nishiki. I'd be really surpirsed if the Nuovo Sport had triple butted CrMo. I'd give the edge to the Nishiki by virtue or it's relative newenss and what appeares to be aluminum, 700C rims, though thee prices for both are really high. As for the Schwinn, I really hope it's sporting a BMX setback post. If not, I'd hate to see the condition of the rest of the bicycle, with a bent post like that.

I agree with previous posts. The first 2 bikes are overpriced by $100. The Nishiki was probably $200 when new. Only settle for the Schwinn if it's in super shape needing zero repairs. I presume you're very tall? Keep looking and good luck!

+10 Keep looking. You could find something better on ebay, and have it shipped to your door, for less $$ than these bikes.

For instance, I bought a 1985 Centurion Accordo, in this same size, in great shape, earlier this year on ebay for $59. Could have had it delivered to your door for about $85 more.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/...cfd20eff_b.jpg

Thanks everyone for the advice, I really appreciate it.

I will see if the guy selling the Nishiki will cut the price. The schwinn seller is unresponsive for some reason.

Considering that those are the cheapest bikes available in my size (im almost 6'4", so thats the correct size, right?), I will probably start looking on ebay as well. As wrk101 says I think I will probably get a much better deal.

Before you plunk down money on eBay, I would suggest you at least try one of these others on for size. That should give you an idea if you can live with a 63.
Be advised though, that optimal size depends on more than the length of the seat tube or your inseam:
For example, one of my most comfortable, favorite rides is a 63cm - but even I couldn't ride it until I installed a longer 130mm stem on it (and I am much shorter that you are!)