brimooney

Hi,

I am considering buying a bike off craigslist tomorrow that is a Vintage Ladies Schwinn Traveler. It doesn't list what year it is. I'm wondering if $165 is a good price or if I should try to negotiate it. I love vintage bikes and would prefer a road bike for getting around town. Looking for something with 10-12 gears that I can ride a few miles a day, to and from work in downtown Seattle. Not a pro and haven't been on a road bike in 5-6 years. Would appreciate any and all comments / advice Here are the specs listed from the ad. and photo too.

44cm
4" 10' to 5' 1".
12 speed
Lightweight Road Bike
Aluminum wheels with quick releases.
Tuned and Ready to Ride.

cb400bill

moved from C&V to C&V Appraisals

brimooney

Thank you! I'm new here!

oddjob2

If it's really hilly where you will be riding, you'll find the gearing on that bike inappropriate for climbing sttep grades. Otherwise, the bike looks clean, almost unused. Just make the best deal you can, probably $125-$140 is where you can settle.

brimooney

Thanks oddjob2! looks like he sold it already

Clang

I don't think the Traveler you missed out on was priced well.

After walking around the hilly downtown, I think I'd want a bike with a triple crank in Seattle. I know you said you were looking for a road bike, but perhaps a hybrid is worth considering. Here I'm assuming you ride a smaller frame.

[h=2]Trek MultiTrack 720 - low mileage - $100 (Shoreline)[/h]Trek Multifunction 720 - low mileage



* Touring cycle bought at Aurora Cycle about 25 years ago.
* It's my wife's cycle and only has about 200 miles on it.
* Everything works - large sprocket shifter needs fine tuning.
* 21 speed


And oddly enough, another early 90's Trek 720. They mention in the ad that there's an unpictured lady's model of this:
[h=2]Practically NEW Trek 720 Multi-Track Hybrid 19" frame - $155 (Edmonds)[/h]Practically NEW Trek 720 Multi-Track Hybrid 19" frame



Bike has hung in the garage rafters all it's life. Hardly ridden. Tires were hard so just replaced with WTB Pathways. Just tuned and works perfectly! For approx. 5'8"-5'11" rider. Have another Trek 17" (Hers) with same story. One of the original super nice "Hybrid" bikes.


If you're dead-set on a Schwinn Traveler, here's one from 1985. It's priced low but probably needs more to get it into rideable condition (chain looks rusty, tires look OK though). Could be REAL cheap if you have an extra chinchilla laying around.
[h=2]Schwinn Traveler Vintage 1980's Road Bike 4130 - $60 (lakebay)[/h]Schwinn Traveler Vintage 1980's Road Bike 4130



a vintage Schwinn. 4130 chromoly frame. needs tuning. Been sitting in the garage for a while.

looks all original. Is a complete bike.

$60
Cash or trade?

I am looking for:
Jeep Cherokee YJ Upgrades pre 97
Blade Quadcopters, Helicopters and otherRC Radio Control Gear. cars, trucks, brushless, spektrum transmitters and receivers.
Female Chinchilla companion for my male.
Android Smartphones and Tablets
Computer Upgrades, 24"+ Monitor 1080p.
LED TV
Camping gear
man toys
gift cards

What ya have?

oddjob2

Trek Hybrids are excellent all purpose commuters and leisure bikes.

brimooney

Thanks for all the links! I actually had already contacted the first one you posted. I am really interested in it but I am worried about the "large sprocket shifter needs fine tuning". I know nothing about this. I might go look at it tomorrow though. Any thoughts or comments are welcome. I appreciate all the advice from everyone

oddjob2

Can be adjusted for $15 at a bike shop.

brimooney

I must be having bad bike luck because that one sold fast too I am considering this Free Spirit Tourney bike, its a 10 speed. Does anyone know anything about these bikes and if they are a good starter bike? its a great deal (pocket change).

Clang

Craigslist bikes getting snapped up from under you can be frustrating- but put a positive spin on it: it means you were looking in the right direction!

I wouldn't pick up that Free Spirit from off the curb for free. You can safely cross anything with those style of cranks off your list.


Here's an excellent deal on a Shimano 105 equipped Raleigh. Again I'm assuming you ride a small frame. (How tall are you?)
[h=2]Raleigh Technium Road Bike - $150 (Bothell)[/h]Raleigh Technium Road Bike


Vintage Raleigh road bike with Reynolds 753 tube set. Shimano SG derailers and 105 brakes. Rear cassette is a 7 speed : 13-26. Front crank is a dual: 53/42.
I believe the vintage is from early 2000's*. *More like early 90's


I like suggesting mtbs as commuters. This Gary Fisher is worth a look. It already has the slick tires I'd suggest swapping to.
[h=2]Gary Fisher Tassajara Small Frame - $120 (Central District)[/h]Gary Fisher Tassajara Small Frame


1996* Gary Fisher Tassajara Small Frame Bike. I am 5'4" and this bike fits me great. It would be good for someone 5'0' - 5'5''. I am the original owner, it was purchased at Gregg's Greenlake. It's been set up a city bike and bike camping bike with road slicks. Great bike with good geometry.

Here's a link to the bike blue book site that has many of the details:
https://www.bicyclebluebook.com/SearchListingDetail.aspx?id=59468&make=682&model=41023

*this is actually a 1998 1998 Gary Fisher Tassajara - BikePedia

brimooney

Thanks for the advise. I did a little digging on Free Spirits and did see that they are mostly crap bikes. I also went and tested it out (very heavy and squeaky brakes!) I decided against the bike based on what everyones saying and on my first impression of the bike in person.

I love this forum, I'm learning so much!

brimooney

Thanks Clang!

and thanks for the links. I'll check them both out. Really into that Gary Fisher one... never heard of it before. I'm 5'1 so definitely need a small frame.

brimooney

Hey guys so I test rode two different bikes today that I liked! was hoping to get your opinion... I went and tried out the Gary Fisher listed above in the thread and it was extremely light. Nice looking but more used looking than in the pictures. The breaks were also squeaky but could be because they are dusty? I wish I had rode it longer because I didn't get a good feel for it even though it is a very nice bike with good tires and well priced. I didn't feel very stable on it sadly. But maybe I should test it again?

The 2nd one I tested out was a Schwinn Criscross. It was a good fit. It rode really nice. In fact I enjoyed riding it. I got the opportunity to for a while. It is also very well priced. It has some paint damage and it isn't in a color scheme I like. It may need new tires before winter (slick ones) and the handle for the rear break feels very tight when I pull it, in comparison to the handle for the front break.


What do you guys thinks? I am a newbie here and appreciate any feedback

oddjob2

$100 is not a life changing investment. There are enthusiasts on BF who routinely by leather saddles or pairs of tires that cost more than $100.

Buy the Crisscross starting with an $80 offer and negotiate your best deal. Then enjoy the summer with it!

brimooney

I read this after I bought it! Its was a good price!!

brimooney

I was really leaning toward the crisscross and I'm really glad I got it. I will definitely have fun this summer! The guy wouldn't negotiate the price down because he needed the money but he through in a bunch of extra stuff for me. Ended up being a killer deal. I'll post pictures soon!

beakersbike

You made a good choice. It's all in how it rides so I htink you were wise to trust your instincts. Enjoy!