smurray

As a birthday present for my wife I plan on getting her a vintage bike that we can restore together. We've narrowed down the style to either a raleigh lady sport style step-through or a mixte. We have been searching Craigslist for some decent buys and have come up with a free options. I'm linking to them below and would love some input. The thing we care most about is the frame. If the frame is in good shape we can deal with the rest. I'm not opposed to getting the frame repainted if necessary, though obviously being able to keep the original paint would be great. Wheelset may be replaced no matter what, depending on whether she decides she wants a singlespeed or 3-speed. Anyway, here is what ice found so far. In addition to these if anyone knows of others I should take a look at I'm open to suggestions.

https://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/bik/3997251442.html

https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/3876126501.html

https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/bik/3937744453.html

https://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bik/4014989189.html

wrk101

I would pass on the Raleigh mixte. Some of the others will not last enough for much pondering. Need to be dialed in on what you want, and then POUNCE.

Myself, I would avoid locations like Philly and NYC that tend to get top dollar for bikes, and focus more on smaller towns (like Toledo where you live). If a deal pops up on Philly or NYC, others will pounce on them for sure. Decide how far you are willing to drive, and monitor the C/L within that distance. I monitor a 100 mile radius and also monitor C/L on all road trips.

Mixte versus old step through 3 speed = huge difference.

smurray

After discussing it with my wife some more she's decided she definitely wants an old step-through. What about that Royal Scot? From Sheldon's site it looks like it's a Raleigh made for a specific bike shop in New York. Does that one look like a good deal?

UPDATE: Here's another option a little close to home.

https://annarbor.craigslist.org/bik/4019348584.html

wrk101

Personally, I like the Royal Scot the best. What does she like the best is the key question...

The challenge with buying from a C/L further away is making sure the seller holds it for you. My method is to call the seller when I am leaving the house, with an approximate arrival time, in return I ask that they hold the bike for me. (Now if I show up 3 hours late, I understand no deal). I also buy it when I show up, no quibbling on price, no backing out. On one recent deal, the seller was selling two bikes, one was overpriced, one was a smokin hot deal. I agreed to buy both of them, for the asking prices.

I never expect them to hold it for the next day, or the weekend, or payday, or whatever.

I seem to find my best deals further away, so I take the risk.

wrk101

Note, I am not too knowledgeable on 3 speeds. The first one is a second hand store, they should hold it for you with a deposit.

Myself, I would be leaving skid marks on this one, but its not a 3 speed.

https://columbus.craigslist.org/bik/4025611969.html

But back to step through 3 speeds:

https://columbus.craigslist.org/bik/3992838479.html

https://columbus.craigslist.org/bik/3997178013.html

smurray

Thanks man, those look great. Will definitely check them out.

oddjob2

https://annarbor.craigslist.org/bik/4025347784.html

Puch for Sears
https://saginaw.craigslist.org/bik/4000578836.html

https://annarbor.craigslist.org/bik/3996808633.html

https://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/bik/3992126140.html

https://dayton.craigslist.org/bik/3933567965.html

AND THE GRAND PRIZE WINNER, STEAL IT!

https://columbus.craigslist.org/bik/3958678591.html

wrk101

Bent fork on that Ann Arbor bike, or at least it looks like it. Otherwise, its a sweet deal.

Tough photo angle, so who knows.

smurray

Awesome, thanks! What makes you say that last one is the best? Is it just because it appears to be in the best condition or is there something about the bike itself? Thanks again everyone!

wrk101

Rod brake bike is the definite winner. Move quickly. Google loop frame.

Actually, the Bob Jackson is the winner, but not what you want.

oddjob2

The Raleigh Rod Brake is about 30% of typical selling price. While you're in Columbus, get the Bob Jackson too. I'll buy it from you and pick it up after Labor Day. I can paypal you the funds too.

smurray

The only thing than makes me nervous about some of the bikes linked is that the ads don't mention frame size. From what I've read most English 3-speeds came in a 21" and a 19.5" frame. My wife is quite short (5' 1") so I'm pretty sure she would need the 19.5". Right now she's riding an Electra Townie single speed and those only come in one size but I can't seem to find the actual frame size listed. Can someone confirm whether or not a 21" bike would be too big for her? Thanks again everyone, you've all been a tremendous help.

oddjob2

Both the 21 and 19.5 are too big. She'll need a 17", like the pink Nishiki below.

https://annarbor.craigslist.org/bik/4011205327.html

Yes, those are my refurbs for sale, but not plugging them, just showing relative sizes.

wrk101

SIZE FIRST, THEN SHOP. Shopping before dialing in size will just waste a lot of gas, and be very disappointing.

To get a deal on C/L, you have to know exactly what you want: model, size, etc., and then pounce. Sellers rarely/never get size right either.

21 is way too big, 19 might work. Need to borrow one to try it. I am setting up a 19 inch 3 speed for my 5-3 wife right now. We'll see. At 5-1, I would have my doubts.

5-1 is approaching Terry bike size, or get a XS rigid frame mtb to build up. I have built up two for my wife, one a 14.5 inch frame, the other a 15 inch frame. Those are the smallest sizes these models came in. Vintage mtbs this small can take a while to find.

One tip on mtbs, aim HIGH! A high end vintage mtb might cost $50 more than a low end one. Original MSRP on the high end ones were typically $600 to $700 MORE. Everything is better: wheels, components, etc. In my case, I bought both as framesets, as I have an ample supply of mtb parts.

1992 Paramount Series 70, 15 inch size:




Ignore the high seat post below, that was for me to do a test ride. This one is a 14.5 inch 1994 Trek 950. Paint is chipped up, doofus seller shipped it to me LOOSE (no packing whatsover) in a bicycle box. Handlebars were loose too, they did a number on the frame. Bought it as a frameset, with handlebars, stem, levers, brakes, seat post and saddle. Shipped from Seattle to SC. Surprised any of it was left.




Next step is to convert one to drop bars, similar to my Cimmaron.


bill

smurray

That's unfortunate that both the 20" and 19.5" frames will be too big. She really had her heart set on an old English 3-speed. Definitely doesn't like the look of a MTB. I'm starting to think her only option is to get a modern bike with vintage looks. I think there are some vintage looking modern bikes that come in a smaller size.

EDIT: I know this isn't a classic/vintage bike, but I was hoping you guys could give some insight anyway. One of the first frame sets we looked at before she got her heart set on an English 3-speed was the Buena Vista by Soma. It's a mixte and comes in a 50cm and then a 42cm that uses 26" wheels instead of 700c. Would either of those sizes fit her? It seems like a big jump down from 50cm to 42cm but I honestly don't know much about sizing when it comes to 26" wheel bikes. Thanks again everyone for all the help.