BiPeddler

So recently my bike was stolen from behind my house. Bummer. Im currently in the market for a new (to me) road bike and from doing lots of research I have decided to go with a high quality used bike/frame that is upgradable over time and will retain most of its value. I live in Denver, so the choices are pretty good, and the prices pretty high. Especially during this time of year. From my craigslist searching I have come up with these choices. I would like input on a) is this a good bike I should even be looking to buy? and b) is the price right? c) which will hold its resale value the most? I am willing to pay a bit over market value if it is something that will last a lifetime and I will never need another road bike again. Also if it is collectors I know I will be paying a bit more than an average steel frame. Thanks for your wisdom. And glad to be a member of the bike forums. Thank you! Here are the contenders:

1- Dave Scott Ironman Centurion - Dave Scott centurion

2- Nishiki Tri-A - Vintage 80s Nishiki Tri-A road bike w/ Tange 1, Shimano 600, like new!

3-Raymond Delisle - Raymond Delisle road bike - 56cm - extremely rare

4-Woodrup Reynolds 531- Woodrup Roadbike. Size - 57cm

5-Bianchi Columbus Limited - Bianchi Columbus Limited

6-Evans Columbus TSX Custom- Evans Custom Roadbike (Columbus TSX, Ultegra 600)

What would YOU get and why? Thank you!

Beach Comber

I think I see a flaw in your logic.......

BiPeddler

yes you are right...however IF it were to be THE ONE. Which it will be (for a while). Which one and moreover are these all decent deals?

jetboy 

well you certainly know what you are looking for: something with Shimano 600 - which I think every bike but one on your list is equipped with! (this is a good thing) If I were trolling through CL and saw that pile of bikes Id go see

2- Nishiki Tri-A - Vintage 80s Nishiki Tri-A road bike w/ Tange 1, Shimano 600, like new!


6-Evans Columbus TSX Custom- Evans Custom Roadbike (Columbus TSX, Ultegra 600)




because I already have an ironman (great bike but you can find them cheaper). the Delisle is cool because it is rare and has a good story, and what seems like a good seller..but I like gears dang it! woodrup wants 650 but wants his fenders back??? Pass. the Evans because i'd like a TSX framed bike at some point. the Nishiki because its beautiful. and probably awesome as well. if its anything like an ironman you will be very pleased.

(I keep editing this- the more closely I look I say go get the Nishiki before someone else does! AND keep it inside next your bed and never leave it outside) You ask what I would get. I am thinking about seeing if he is willing to ship to california. seriously, i am very close to emailing him even though its a bit too small for me.

oddjob2

Are your looking for a commuter, a tourer, or a racer? Also, are you riding mostly on smooth asphalt or the crumbling American infrastructure?

I ask because certain racing bikes like the Ironman have no clearance for fenders or smoother riding wide tires for that matter.

BiPeddler

I really am just looking for the best bike/value ratio. I don't race I will use it to get around very choppy/potholey roads in the Denver river north district. Smooth and classy is what I'm after. And *****in fast.

Kactus

I really like the Woodrup. If this will be your only bike (yeah right) it will be a little more versatile than some of the others are. If you think you'll sell it in a few years, or don't want to spend as much for the Woodrup and want a sportier bike, I'd go with the Nishiki.

Maybe buy both?

plonz 

Like so many things, it all depends. If one of these was going to be THE bike I had to count on for riding, I'd probably go with the Nishiki. It is certainly the cleanest and appears to be the one you can turn the key and go. I'm normally not a Nishiki fan, but this one has quite a bit of cool factor going for it.

That said, if I were choosing, I would go with the Raymond Delisle as a project but only because I have other bikes I can ride. I'd no doubt spend countless hours and dollars obsessing on what the correct parts would be to get gears back on it and restore it to its glory days.

Good luck!

oddjob2

Why not a bike brand John Kerry is making famous? Handmade in the Empire State.

Vintage Steel Serotta Nova Special

Frejus for $300
https://denver.craigslist.org/bik/5000479764.html

Colnago - A little steep, make an offer.

https://denver.craigslist.org/bik/4983728660.html

mstateglfr 

Of those listed, I'd go after the Nishiki.
Why? Because I love Japanese 80s Nikes and that thing is great looking. Solid components, looks well refurbished, good build.

All are interesting. One is single speed, so you'd have to do some work or pay for it to be done.

None of those look to be great for pothole filled streets though.


You have a nice problem on your hands. Too many fun and unique options to choose from.


ETA- what's with the foam bar grips on multiple bikes? Denver short on $8 black bar tape?
also, a couple bikes need hoods or new hoods. Just something to keep in mind in terms of work and price.

Phattruth

I like that Evans. Nice looking bike.

BiPeddler

Oh and I can get for sure the Raymond delisle for 200 and the woodrup for 550, maybe 5

Darth Lefty 

Are you in Boulder or Denver and what's your tolerance for driving? Because this is listed $160 less than the other one, just for example.

CENTURION IRONMAN ROAD BIKE22"

For the prices you are shopping you could have a late-90's or early-00's bike. Just following my own enthusiasms...

This is a lot of bike for the money if you don't mind a project. One size smaller than the others you posted
LeMond Alpe d'huez Road Bike Reynolds 853

This one has the advantage of being together
2003 LeMond Zurich 57cm Bike $550 OBO

BiPeddler

I dont mind driving. That centurion seems to be more rusty and in lesser condition. still nice though. I would like a bike that is more than just straight racing though I think. I like the evans a lot, and the nishiki for sure. just didnt know if that was overpriced or not. seems like in that condition and build it is a decent price.

jetboy 

that centurion is also an Expert, which is the same frame but has 105 components and not the 600 like the first one you posted-which is either a Master or an ironman built before they split into Expert/Master.

jetboy 

i'd probably go get this:

Classic LOOK KG96 Team Replica- Carbon Bike

i even emailed him myself just in case.. it looks too small though.

but id also consider:

https://denver.craigslist.org/bik/5029261190.html

which seems a very good price.

Kactus

^ That Colnago is a very good price if it's in as good of condition as it looks.

Wileyone 

Why do the Stems look so Long?