Mlamp

Hi all,

New to posting on the forum. I'm looking for some advice and appreciate any that you can offer. Thank you in advance!!

I'm definitely buying vintage as I enjoy the satisfaction and appreciation of bringing something old back to life. My budget is flexible but I prefer to keep expenses to a minimum. Im looking for something that could be a commuter when necessary and also a weekend "around town" leisure bike. Physical details: 6'2" and 235lbs with 32" in seam.

I've been shopping and researching for a while now but thought I'd seek the expertise of this community so that Im sure to get the right bike so that my time and effort aren't wasted in the long run.

Any thoughts on the below would be much appreciated!

Here are some bikes I'm considering:

Schwinn Varsity 10 speed road bike

Vintage TREK bicycle - worried frame will not support my weight but this is my top choice.

RALEIGH RACER

Vintage German made bike

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/bik/5098307457.html

Raleigh road bike 60cm Campagnolo

His and hers pair of vintage bikes

arex

1. 235# ain't that heavy...that shouldn't be a primary concern, unless you're looking at an ultralight racing bike, which none of these are.
2. Ignore the Schwinn Varsity...that thing probably weighs more than you do.
3. The Trek looks nice.
4. The two Raleighs look nice. However, get someone else's opinions on those first.

USAZorro

The Trek is more suitable for someone 5' 7" give or take an inch or two. Despite the horrible advertisement, the Raleigh Racer is probably the best of those remaining that will likely fit. (concerned that the other Raleigh looks more like 62cm than 60, and is likely to be uncomfortable for your 32" inseam)

Bianchigirll 

The tall Raleigh may be the best deal. They all look like they need some work but I think this one may be the best quality and the best fit.



You could likely even turn around and sell the saddle for a quick $70 bucks. Some guys really swoon over broken in Brooks saddles.
This looks OK but again you can see that it needs a few things. Size may be iffy

McBTC

All of those machines have certainly had their day in the sun. And for some, I think the sun has set.

davester

Schwinn Varsity 10 speed road bike Fuhgettabout it! Heavy and slow. Not a good commuter

Vintage TREK bicycle - Nice bike but looks way too small for someone your size Your weight is irrelevant...any of these bikes would be fine.

RALEIGH RACER Not bad. A definite maybe

Vintage German made bike Nope. Not a good commuter.

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/bik/5098307457.html Bad link

Raleigh road bike 60cm Campagnolo Woah! That is a nice Raleigh International (near top of the line 70s Raleigh). At that price it is a steal! However, the frame looks a bit big (perhaps 63 cm c-to-t, not the 60 cm cited) for you unless you measured your inseam incorrectly.

His and hers pair of vintage bikes[/QUOTE] Bottom of the line Raleighs from the 70s. Would work as a commuter but not an especially good deal.

The most important thing is for you to establish first what size bike you need. How did you measure your inseam? Is that referring to your pelvic bone height (PBH)? or distance to your pant hem? For 6'2", a 32" PBH seems awfully short. Generally, for bike sizing you stand against the wall, jam a book up between your legs and in contact with the wall, then measure barefoot from the floor to the top of a book to get PBH. Then use something like this to estimate bike size. https://www.rivbike.com/kb_results.asp?ID=41 Note that bike size should be measured c-to-t (center of bottom bracket to top of seat tube), though some people give you a c-to-c measurement.

Lascauxcaveman 

I think you should grab the supposed 60cm (actually 63cm) Raleigh International. I ride a 63cm SuperCourse and I am a shrimpy 6'0". (32-33in pants inseam.)

And yes, the top tube is a bit snug on the yabbies when I'm straddling it, but it feels fine up in the saddle.

rootboy 

I hope you are over loading up that "60 cm" Raleigh right now.

cb400bill

Moved from C&V to C&V Appraisals

xiaoman1 

looks like the pickings are getting slim...a few have been deleted......the raleigh racers frame looks suspect to me but maybe its an optical illusion with the verticals behind it...if you look at it bring a tape and level just to be sure.
good luck, ben

aluminummonster

The Raleigh Racer is probably the best fit. The Trek is definitely nice, but way too small.

wrk101

Yep, red hot market, the best deals will go fast. Hopefully you got that Raleigh International. It was the winner.

Mlamp

Thank you all for the help and guidance! Very much appreciated! I decided to go with the most popular choice, the Raleigh International for $160. It definitely needs some polishing and cleaning but I can definitely say its an eye catcher. So much so, that as i did a hot lap around town (still sweating) i was stopped by an older gentleman who was quite taken by the bike. He mentioned he has over 30 years experience selling and repairing bikes. To his knowledge this bike is 100% original parts and is complete. Derailers, crank, shifters and seat post are all campy. Needless to say I'm feeling pretty confident about this purchase. Thanks to your guidance of course.

Anyway, seems to ride nicely. Brakes were pretty scratchy at first but cleaned the rim with a peice of emery cloth and swapped in new pads. Feeling good now. Will need to polish and do some rust removal. I'll also be redoing the tape in something medium brown. Maybe brooks leather but i don't know. Im still deciding how much I'm willing to invest in this bike. Any opinions on that?

Any thoughts, suggestions or advice on what I should do with this project? i plan to keep everything original. I am also concerned about the chrome. See pictures below. Seems wrong to do otherwise considering this thing has lasted so long. Any information on date manufactured? It is English origin.

Mlamp

Oh and it is very snug in height but its definitely comfortable enough. lowering the seat helped and feels comfortable while riding.