Cirnobyl

I don't know a lot about vintage bikes. I do know I like the way they feel and ride, and this bike seemed to match what I was looking for. Black, lightweight steel and a roadbike. I've already done some of my homework and know that it is a 1989 Del Rey. It's got the "Si35 Triple Butted cromo channeled frame" and it's black (my fav color).

I paid 125$ plus tax. It's mostly in good condition except for a few things. The headset nuts are rusty, there is spotty rust on the front derailleur and the wheels have minor corrosion. The worst part is that on the way home the front tire disintegrated. Now I had the option of buying new 27 inch tires, but in the end I've decided to wait till Monday and convert it to 700c. It sucks I won't be able to ride it this weekend though.

All in all I was wondering if paid a good amount for it? Should I have demanded new tires or is it the better option to pay and upgrade to 700c wheels and tires?

canyoneagle

Pics would really help, but I'd say you got a fair deal. If it is an '89 with the Sun Tour "Edge" component group, it should be a nice riding bike - it was a nice mid-level bike of the Fuji line in 89.
Welcome to BF!

Give it a good cleaning. The brake pads and tires are likely candidates for replacement with new (sounds like you're already on to that). So, by doing a 700c change, you are buying new wheels for it (27 and 700c are not compatible). finally, it might be worth replacing the cables and checking the bearings to make sure the bike is ready to ride for a while to come.

For others, here's the catalog: https://classicfuji.com/1989_Thumbs.htm

degan

I always thought the Del Ray was lower on the Fuji ladder (stem shifters, stamped dropouts). I guess by 89 they improved the quality. $125 in my area would be a good deal as long as everything is in working order.

Cirnobyl

There is a picture, it's a bit blurry but yes it has the edge components on it.

canyoneagle

Nice. It's a very small frame, so if it fits you, then that's good.
Before someone loses an eye, go ahead and rotate the handlebars down so the lower extension of the bars is closer to level with the ground (or at least the top extensions to the brake hoods).

Cirnobyl

I'm 5'4". It does fit me standover wise but I had them rotated up because it felt like I was leaning over to much to rest my hands on the hoods. All my weight forward like that made the front end a bit squirly.

canyoneagle

ooh. I'd consider a flat bar or another option then, such as bars with less forward reach. That stem is pretty short, so a shorter stem wouldn't really help. regardless, the bars are not very functional like that - hard to get any braking without tweaking your wrists.
That bike would be great with a flat bar.

wrk101

By the mid 1980s, the Del Rey was middle of the line. The 1982 was basic, after that, it was good to really good: quad butted frame, forged DOs, DT shifters, etc., ~24lb weight.

The mid 1980s seemed to the sweet spot for them.

As far as upgrading wheels, look for a deal on a nice used set, they are out there.

At the $125 price point, you don't get much. The compromise is either get a real low end bike, or a better bike that needs some TLC. You bought the better bike (good move). Fully refurbished, no rust, fresh tires, tubes, cables, chain, etc. $225.

Cirnobyl

Hm a flatbar might be in the works then. I happen to have one lying around. It's 31.8 clamp area though. Oh well I'd rather buy a stem then a bar anyway; the new stems are four bolt designs

canyoneagle

You can get an adapter for the stem if you mount your 31.8's - something like this: https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...s.php?id=56063
This way you can mount a threadless style stem for your bars.

If your 31.8's are uncut, consider cutting them to shoulder width plus 1-2". A nice set of ergonomic grips, and you'd be super comfy on that bike.

if your flat bars are MTB (rather than "alt road bar") this conversion would also require new brake levers (mountain bike style). This stuff should be readily available on the used market for pretty cheap, or you can find decent quality new stuff for reasonable money.

That is a really decent bike, and is definitely worth the effort and some cost to create something that works for you. I agree with wrk101's assessment. This bike would sell pretty readily for $225 or so cleaned up with fresh wearable goods.

Leukybear 

Moved to appraisals.

Cirnobyl

Thanks for all the help guys! It's good to know I made a good decision. maybe when it's done ill post some finished pics =D

zukahn1 

The size issue is great on this the fact that you take a small man's frame and got it without paying a premium is great. Normaly buyers pay a $50-100 extra for a niceer small frame.