sarahmel.a

SO I found a hercules bike for $100 and a Ross compact for $45. I don't know which one would be a better bike. They're both 3 speed bikes. Both owners say the parts are original, the blue ross bike had once owner and Im not sure that she even rode the bike that much from what the son says. I haven't actually seen this one but I did see the hercules and it looks like its a bit rusty on the spokes and looks old but maybe I can fix that?... I'm pretty dumb to this so I would appreciate any help you all have to offer. I have posted pictures of each bike. I'd love to learn how to fix them up or at least sound somewhat knowledgeable when I take either to a shop if I need to. It would be awesome to know what year each of these is. Any advice would be wonderful, thank you!!

oddjob2

Welcome Sarah,
I'd recommend the Ross if you're just starting out. It looks rideable as is and is probably 10 or more years newer than the Hercules. The Hercules is a nice bike too, but since it is twice as much and would require quite a bit of work to make it road ready, not my first choice for your situation. If you keep your Ross clean and in good condition, you can get 100% of your initial investment back for it.

Also, make sure to check out bike fit via the web, to know what size frame is ideal for you.

sarahmel.a

Hi, Oddjob! Thank you so much for your response! much appreciated can you tell me a couple of things: where can I check out the bike fir to know what size is ideal for me?I really need to find this! I'm 5:4 with a 27-28" inseam. Please do tell me what type of work the herc would need to make it road worthy. I'm just riding to pick up dinner and groceries errands and such. Thank you a ton for your help and consideration

oddjob2

https://www.rivbike.com/kb_results.asp?ID=39

Ninety percent of all used bikes more than 15 years old need a thorough cleaning, lubrication, and perhaps new cables, housing, tires, tubes, etc. Old grease dries up, cables oxidize, tires decompose. Garage queens may or may not be in better shape than daily riders, it all depends. Most of the bf members on C&V enjoy the reconditioning or restoration of the oldies, but if you have to take it to a bike shop, you can easily fork out $100-$200, plus parts.

For example, last month I bought a Fuji Gran Tourer SE mixte for a friend to ride with her kids in Manhattan. The bike cost only $50, but I changed the handlebars to VO tourist bars, along with the brake levers, stem and cables, another $50 in parts. Then add a brand new saddle, pedals, tires, tubes, bearings, shifter cables, bottom bracket, brake pads, and chain, for another $159.00. So even with zero labor cost, the bike + parts ran up to $259. Luckily, I reconditioned her husband's bike for a total outlay of $140. They're a little cosmetically challenged at 30 years old, but they ride like new.

randyjawa 

Allow me to repeat the welcome to the Bike Forums, a truly valuable resource that I make use of almost daily.

You might want to get a bit of a feel for the vintage bicycle and the scene surrounding it. It is my hope that MY "TEN SPEEDS" will help you do just that. The site tends to focus on finding bicycles and fixing them up on a budget. Check out the learning and how to sections to get started. You might also want to have a wee peek at the roadster section, just for inspiration's sake...