davisnb

Hello!

I'm looking to buy a road bike before heading back to school in August, and via craigslist I've found a few that are in my price range (250 tops). First is this Fuji Allegro, Valite tubing, 56cm (I'm 5'10", so that should be okay, right?) which is listed for $250.
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/bik/3886948239.html
I can try to bring down the price since with a few searches I've found that it was an entry level Fuji, but is it worth looking into?
Second is a 1985 Peugeot, which I've found 2 of: https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/bik/3892002495.html
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/bik/3918723650.html
I sent an email out asking, and one of them has a carbolite 103 sticker, and weinnman brakes.

Are any of these bikes worth the price? I'm new to the world of road bikes and really really don't know much, so I'd appreciate any advice you all have!! Thank you =]

EDIT:
I've also found these:
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/bik/3923818791.html
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/bik/3910957161.html
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/3922960076.html

wrk101

Where are you going to school? Just realize SF is one of the most expensive places to buy a bike in the USA.

23 inches is 58cm, not 56cm. 56cm is about 22 inches. What size fits you depends on a lot of factors, and your actual height is just a part of it. Google bike sizing.

Carbolite = high ten steel. Just Peugeot's marketing department being creative. i'd pass on the two Peugeots, Fuji looks OK, but it appears to need a front tire NOW, so your budget is going to be stretched.

Bikes like the one garage sale find Peugeot are going to need significant work. If you can do it yourself, fine. If you have to pay someone to do it, such service can cost $150 to $250, depending on how thorough you are.

davisnb

I'm going to UC Davis, so major bike town. Via google I found that I'm good for a 55cm, so hopefully around that won't be too drastic of a difference, comfort wise. Ill have to ride and see I guess.

Got it, thank you! How much do you think the Fuji is worth paying for in that case? And so I have a reason, why does the tire need replacing?
I can do some work by myself, and my friends/neighbors have been biking for years and I'm sure could help with that

wrk101

Picture #4 , if I am seeing it right, shows a portion of the front tire. Looks cracked and dry rotted to me (near the valve stem). Rear tire looks better. Realize a failure of the front tire can be much more serious than a failure of a rear tire.

If you can get the Fuji for less than $250, you are doing OK. Take cash, negotiate in person. Around here, it would not bring that price, but the SF area is red hot. Fuji also has the advantage of standard part sizing, making upgrades and replacements easier to find (and often, cheaper).

davisnb

Ah got it! I didn't catch that, thanks.
Will do, how low do you think I can go?

Thank you for all of your help!!

oddjob2

Davis is flat as a pancake. How do I know that? My ex-wife's sister lives there and their dad was a distinguished alumnus/

If you're really on a tight budget, find a hardtail mtb and throw some 1.75" slicks on it. You can't do better than that for $150. An 18-20" frame will serve your needs.

https://sacramento.craigslist.org/bik/3922766884.html

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/bik/3864766423.html

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/bik/3927843955.html
my favorite

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/bik/3925721082.html


Stay away from that Miyata and the Bianchi, which is a parts bin frankenbike, even the wheels don't match.

rekmeyata

I think all of these are overpriced, but I agree pass on the two Peugeot's those frames were noodly. Personally I wouldn't buy any of the three because I was around and riding bikes when those came out and they were low end bikes and thus will have no collectible future, but I'm a rebel here about this sort of thing. I own a Fuji today, they did make some good bikes, but even my 84 Sport in almost new condition might get $250 maybe $450 if I can find the right sucker.

The Fuji is only in average condition with crappy tires, so right off the bat your going to spend about $60 in tires and another $12 on tubes, suddenly you have a $320 bike, the bike is worth, at least in my opinion, $150.