SP77

Good Morning Bike Forum members,

I'm new to the forum, though not as a reader. I've been looking to get into biking to alleviate the stress of being unemployed. The Motobecane has chosen me. But it's been a battle against Peugeot. I figured Craigslist would be the best place for me to find a good deal. Whenever I come across one, I come here to see what you guys have to say. Usually someone has asked about a something similar. So, here's my situation. I'm struggling with two offers. Both MB Grand Touring's. The first one is at the right price but, wrong location. I don't drive and when the ride is availab, the seller isn't. The second one's owner has agreed to lower the price to $200. That's where my issue arises. I'm not sure if it's worth it. Could you guys help. Here are the attached links.

1.https://longisland.craigslist.org/bik/3791863337.html
2.https://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bik/3823096763.html

Sincerely,

Santos

Bianchigirll 

These bikes are two different sizes and both look to have bent forks.

You need to be around 6'4" to ride this one



This one around 5' 8 to 5' 10 with good dental insurance.

SP77

@Bianchigirll-I didn't realize the red one was so big. When I asked about the frame size, and told the seller my height (5'11), he said I would be fine. I'm glad I didn't take the drive out there. How can you tell that the forks are bent? Needing good dental insurance can't be a good thing. The following link is for another MB. It looks like it's in great condition. I just wish it was my size.

https://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bik/3839391292.html

Do you think the one that requires dental insurance is a good deal at $200. It looks a bit rusty. Could it be the saddle that is boosting the price. The seller said it's a Ideale.

SP77

Just came across another deal. Could use some advice on whether it's a good deal or not.

https://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/bik/3848602165.html

Greatly appreciated..

T-Mar

+1, the red one is far too big and the champagne one definitely has a severely bent fork. The gap between the tire and down tube is very small, more reminescnet of what you see on tracj bicyclke, not boom era, trecreational tourers. That means the frame could be bent too and at minimum probably needs realignment, in addition to the forks being straightened. Given the condition, the champagne one is a sub-$100, even in high priced NYC.

SP77

You guys are great.

@T-Mar:Thanks for letting me know that the champagne one is sub $100. Having read other threads, that was what I anticipated hearing.
@wrk101:The straightforward PASS is the type of advice I love. If only all things in life were that cut & dry. True the french bikes seem to have maintained my attention. I do like Raleigh's as well. The cost of maintaining a french bike has entered my mind. I've read about the threading could be a problem. You mentioned considering an mtb. Another friend gave me similar advice.He added that I could just use thinner tires. I owned a GT Timberline back in '97. That was my first real bike. Unfortunately after lending it to a friend, it got stolen. I remember not feeling comfortable while riding it. It could've been the fat tires, or the schocks. Not sure. It wasn't the weight though. Thrift shops and garage sales would probably be a place for great bargains, I just wish I could find them. Would you happen to know of any shops in the city with a good rep and prices?

Bianchigirll 

When you spend as much time looking and gawking at bikes as we do you can tell stuff like that real quick.

That Moto might be worth $50 in parts if you have a frame to put them on.

oddjob2

Then, there are the select few who may reside in Michigan and/or New Jersey, who love French bikes. I have 5 Motos + 3 Peugeots, plus another 6-10 rebuild candidates for resale.

More comments later, gotta run!