rayb24

One is a lotus elite 1983 for $65 dollars. The other a schwinn traveler for $50. I'm 5'11 and 200 pounds. I plan on riding 10-15 miles a day. I'll post the links for you to look at. If anyone could help me out that would be great!


Schwinn- https://longisland.craigslist.org/bik/3877690002.html

Lotus- https://longisland.craigslist.org/bik/3841361451.html

rayb24

One is a lotus elite 1983 for $65 dollars. The other a schwinn traveler for $50. I'm 5'11 and 200 pounds. I plan on riding 10-15 miles a day. I'll post the links for you to look at. If anyone could help me out that would be great! The blue bike is the lotus, red one schwinn. Thanks

Lotus-https://longisland.craigslist.org/bik/3841361451.html

Schwinn-https://longisland.craigslist.org/bik/3877690002.html

PatTheSlat 

Lotus is too small, Schwinn is even smaller. You need a 57-58cm (23"-ish) frame.

rayb24

https://longisland.craigslist.org/bik/3873676542.html
Think this bike would be better?

folkform

I would go for that Lotus. The components and frame are almost surely better than the traveller for not much more. However, if you are 5'11", then the bike might be too small for you. The Schwinn is almost definitely too small for you. The Lotus looks like it needs new tires at the least. How good are you at bike mechanics? If you are just starting to ride, then you might need to take any used bike you get to a bike shop or a knowledgeable friend to get a overhaul/safety check that could cost more money. What is your total budget?

PatTheSlat 

That may actually be too big. Here are a couple of 58cm bikes that I've worked on recently, to give you an idea of what a 58cm frame looks like:

rayb24

I was thinking like $80-$100

zukahn1 

As said these bikes are not your size also they all are fairly low end and look like they need some work. You should be looking for something a little nicer in 56/58cm frame. You will likely end up spending a little more in the short run but spending $50-100 more and get a slightly nicer bike in your size will be cheaper in the long run. Buying a bike that is not your size to try and get a bargain just isn't really a bargain.

oddjob2

Both bikes are too small for 5'11". The Lotus is bigger, but only good for a 5'7" or shorter rider. Appears to be a 52-54 cm frame.

You should be on the lookout for a 58 cm frame

rayb24

This bike is around 23'' you think it would work?

https://longisland.craigslist.org/bik/3873676542.html

oddjob2

That is a 62cm frame all day long, no pun intended. You will be yodeling as a Tenor, not necessarily in German, if you need to plant your foot quickly to balance while riding on that frame.

The seller must have measured the seat tube inside the triangle, not from the center of crank to center of top tube.

rayb24

haha, sorry but i don't know how to tell the correct size..

what about these two?

https://longisland.craigslist.org/bik/3824434470.html

https://longisland.craigslist.org/bik/3807359359.html

oddjob2

Look at the length of the headtube, where the fork fits into, and the distance between the top tube and diagonal down tube. That's the easiest way to tell frame size in a photo.

rayb24

Lol sorry man, but I'm just not good at estimating. What d you think of this bike? https://longisland.craigslist.org/bik/3877692935.html

oddjob2

Looks like the large frame which is too big for you. Also, the condition of that bike is poor, rusted components, rusty cables, seat at an unrideable angle indicate neglect. It would cost $150-$200 to get it back to riding condition.

Worth about 1/2 asking price, even in NYC.

rayb24

Lol sorry man but I m just not good at estimating. What do you think of this one?https://longisland.craigslist.org/bik/3877692935.html

Scooper

You need to know your leg length as well as your overall height. To measure your leg length, stand against a wall in your stocking feet and your feet about 8" apart. With a large format book between your legs, position it so that one edge of the book is against the wall and press the edge at right angle to the wall very snugly into your crotch. Measure the distance from the floor to the top edge of the book pressed firmly into your crotch. That is your leg length.

Use this chart to get an approximate frame size to fit your leg length and your height. To convert inches to centimeters, multiply inches by 2.54.



This chart uses the seat tube length from the center of the crank to the top of the seat tube for the frame size:

oddjob2

Stan/Scooper,
That's a very useful chart. Did you post in the fitting thread?

Try these:
Miele
https://longisland.craigslist.org/bik/3828890185.html

Miyata 615
https://longisland.craigslist.org/bik/3882836752.html

Motobecane Grand Touring - if you can do the work, a VG deal
https://longisland.craigslist.org/bik/3856719166.html

Scooper

Thanks; just Stan is fine.

I haven't posted it in the "fitting your bike" forum because I see it more as a rough guide to get somone in the ballpark than a real fit tool.

rayb24

What do you think of this one? https://longisland.craigslist.org/bik/3875237183.html

oddjob2

HELLO! THERE ARE NO BARGAINS IN JUNE! Maybe in November - February.

The above bike is a heavy, hi-tensile stamped dropout frame with cottered cranks, and chrome wheels. It will ride like an old Mack trash truck and is too small.

Did you even LOOK at the 3 bikes I posted above?

A STEAL

https://longisland.craigslist.org/bik/3869166480.html

PatTheSlat 

Too small. Can you at least see & understand how the bikes you're posting are vastly different sizes?

rayb24

I think I might go with that one

Scooper

Ray, fit is the most important factor to consider when buying a bike. If it doesn't fit, you won't be comfortable riding it and so you won't ride it. If it doesn't fit, the best perceived bargain isn't a bargain at all.

The $60 red bike is definitely too small for you, and even the Univega may be too small. Trust us.

rayb24

According to the chat I would need a 60cm bike.. So do you think the Univega is too small?