yohoooniee

https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/bik/4023286424.html

Trying to get a bike and get into cycling as a college student right now. This popped up in my search this morning and was wondering if you guys had any thoughts or knowledge about this particular bike? I'm 5'9.5 and willing to invest in refurbishing and upgrading parts. Should I try to make a deal and go lower in regards to price?

Barrettscv 

Run, don't walk.

This seller should get several interested buyers. Unless the bike has damage, someone will take it and it will sell at the asking price.

yohoooniee

ahh okay, so this is a good deal then eh? got it! thank you barrett!

jon c. 

great price. might be a little small for you (I'm 5'8" and ride a 54, but can fit comfortably on a 56 as well.)

Dfrost 

I believe this is older than '83. The brakes and chainstays decal are just like my '79, and different from the '83 catalog I've got right here. But no matter, that is a screaming' deal on an excellent bike. Hope you snagged it already.

The original brake hoods (and levers) were uncomfortable anyway, and cracked easily. Some newer Dia Compe or similar more "shaped" levers would be a noticeable improvement, and medium reach dual pivot calipers with Kool Stop pads would bring the braking up to modern standards. Plan to replace the brake pads and tires soon.

oddjob2

I don't understand why you gentlemen think this is a screamingly great deal? Yes, on a previous post for a 1985 912, I thought $300 was okay. But rusty spokes, and probable need for an overhaul?

Barrettscv 

You need to increase your data points.

The triple butted frame is as well made as any from this time period. The Shimano 600 arabesque is a collectable drivetrain on it's own.

Rusty spokes?

oddjob2

What do you mean by increasing data points?

I have 3-4 bikes that have Arabesque 600 groups that I've picked up for $40-$125. Framesets on these are Reynolds 531 db, Tange db, and probably Tange.

Rusty spokes are referenced in the CL ad.

Barrettscv 

...and you still think the bike in the opening post is not worth one penny more than $260?

tmh657

I'm with oddjob on this. I really like Miyatas. Sold a bunch of them, 110's to 916's. The bike was first listed on 8/24, going on 10 days. If it was a smokin hot deal it would have sold, IMO. And how can it be a screamin deal if it needs brake hoods and tires and who knows what lurks beneath the surface.

If it is an '83, which is in question, it won't have STB tubing but double butted cromo and hi ten fork. Rusty spokes? The seller admits that. Look at the last photo a little brighter. The inside of the FD is pretty nasty. Looks like a DKO seller who wiped off the surfaces and called it good. I'm sure it would be a nice rider but, No thanks.

wrk101

+1 With the Oracle on this one. Condition is mediocre, close up above shows it. Lots of rust on that FD cage. Assume everything will need rehabbed.

While I love bikes made in Japan, and I have a bunch of them, the build specs changed dramatically throughout the 1980s. Bike models that were superb in the late 1980s, were often middle of the road in the early 1980s.

12mphflatout

I'd encourage the OP to buy the bike anyway, I bet it'd make a good campus cruiser if it is kept a little beat-looking. Black won't attract a lot of attention. I'd tune it up but keep the rust to deter would-be thieves.

yohoooniee

Bah! I'm going to see him tomorrow afternoon~ so in your professional experience and opinion-- would you guys recommend me just waiting until school starts (end of sept)? and taking my chances in finding a better deal?

yohoooniee

I don't want to go off topic but I found this bike as well

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv...031748353.html

Has anyone heard of this brand?

jon c. 

Definitely too small for you. Don't buy the argument that jacking the seatpost way up will make it fit.

12mphflatout

I concur. Maybe look at bikes around 56cm, see how those work for you.

Poguemahone

+1. Unless you like added back pain, then buy the argument...

wrk101

Really depends on you. How long are you willing to wait? How hard are you willing to look? Many of us on this forum are very patient, are willing to drive a significant distance, and so on to get a deal.

Given condition, $260 is overpaying for this bike. Its more like $150. At the end, is the convenience worth $110 premium? And if you can negotiate it down a bit, the premium becomes less and less.

IthaDan 

That's the most annoying craigslist ad I've seen in a long time. Reads like a used car salesman was at the keyboard.