smithdl1191

Hi all, looking for an inexpensive used bike that I can use for exercise and recreational riding on a paved trail near my home in the Grand Rapids, MI area. I came across a craigslist ad for a Schwinn Caliente road bike for $100 and would like some informed opinions on the bike and price.

The ad states the following: "Schwinn Caliente for sale. Approximately 55in frame. Newish wheels, new tires. I put new brake shifters and cables in recently too. New pedals. I'm going to take the rack off, the hardware fell off anyway."

The image is below:


What are your impressions of this bike? Worth the price paid for what I am looking for?

Thanks!

oddjob2

It may be a photo illusion but that fork looks like it has sustained damage. In any event, keep looking, the Caliente is the bottom of the barrel and generally a $50-$75 bike. Heavy and uninspiring to ride.

Also, do you know what size bike you need? That one is best for someone under 5'5".

If so, this Miyata is a far superior road bike also for $100.

Myata Men's Bicycle

smithdl1191

Thanks for the quick response! I am 6', I guess I should have included that in the description. What size bike would fit me?

oddjob2

You need a 58cm frame, what is your max budget?


Very good deal
**GREAT CONDITION** Schwinn Paramount

ramzilla

Maybe 22-1/2" or around 58cm would be a good fit for a 6' fellow.

FastJake

Jump on this! A million times better than that Caliente. No one should ever pay $100 for a Schwinn Caliente...

smithdl1191

Thanks everyone for your opinions on this! I actually spoke with a co-worker who is pretty heavily into cycling and he actually has a Schwinn Tempo that he has not ridden much and wanted to sell:



He is asking for $260, says it has better components than the Paramount and is in great shape. I trust the guy but do you guys have any thoughts about it?

FastJake

The Paramount probably has RX-100 while the Tempo probably has 105. Technically your co-worker is correct but it's really a wash, they're both good groups. They're both really nice bikes.

However the Tempo looks larger, maybe a 60cm or more, so make sure to ride it first to make sure it's not too big for you.

smithdl1191

I will, but my co-worker is about the same size as I am so if it works for him it should probably work for me too! Thanks for your input!

Beach Comber

Have your buddy do everything needed to the Tempo to make it ride ready for you. If he's an enthusiast, it shouldn't be a problem.

smithdl1191

Just wanted to say I went with the Tempo from my co-worker. As far as I can tell it rides well, it will just be a bit of an adjustment period for me to get used to the road bike style, as I have only ridden mountain bikes until now.

Thanks to you guys for giving me some helpful pointers and advice, I really appreciate it!