googone

hi everyone and thanks in advance.
i don't know that much about bikes but i'm looking to learn more once i get one (i had to sell mine when i moved). Anyway, i'm hesitant about buying on craigslist as i have been ripped off before but this bike looks so awesome that i can't resist going to check it out. i was wondering if anyone could tell me if they think the price is right...i know it's tough to say without seeing it in person but hopefully the pictures will help a bit. any information about this bike would be helpful really....thank you!!



and here's the ad: vintage univega viva sport 10-speed road bike in excellent condition - made in japan
23-inch/58cm steel lugged frame features lightweight high tensile steel tubing lots of unique details and accents
araya 27-inch aluminum wheels, suntour down tube shifters, and suntour braking, shifting, and derailleur components
lightweight 58cm frame best fits a rider 5'6" --- 6'0" depending on seat post position - frame measurements are as follows:
center of crank to top of seat post tube = 23 inches/58cm
top tube/cross bar length from headset tube to seat post tube = 22inches/56cm
top tube stand-over height/rider inseam = 33 inches from ground
reliable, mechanically sound, and rides, brakes, and shifts with superb grace and agility
upright handlebars create a safe and ergonomic riding position that increases visibility and is gentle on your back
tuned up and ready to ride through a neighborhood near you
thanks and happy riding!

googone

hey,

thanks a lot. much appreciated!

RoadGuy

How tall are you and what length on the inseam of your pants?

If you disclose your location, people are pretty good at looking at your local CL ads and making some suggestions.

The thing about CL ads is when you find an interesting posting, you need to be ready to jump, carrying cash, because the best deals don't last very long. Or, if the posting is up for a long time, the Sellers are hard to get hold of.

$250 is too much for that bike. I'm not sure that they sold for that much brand new.

repechage

Note that the big chainring is dirty, so the tune up was minor, no driveline cleaning. Some folk like the upright bar swap, but that is a steep tarif to pay for it. Components on this bike are better than the frame, decent cranks, "aero" sun tour shift levers (which limit your options later) mid level side pull brakes. Might have fresh tires.

Know you size range before shopping. You can ask here and the collective opinion will get you close.

MRT2

I wouldn't pay $250 for that bike. Also, that bike would be too large for 5'6", about right for 5'11" or 6".

Condition is everything, but frankly, I would probably look for full cro moly frame and fork. Even better if the frame is Reynolds, Columbus, True Temper, or Tange. Not a deal breaker if it isn't, though.

I would warn unless the seller has completely restored the bike, old bikes like these can be money pits. I have a 70s era Peugeot sitting in my garage waiting for a restoration. (an old Touring model that belongs to my wife) I have already put some money into this bike for new brake pads, chain, tires and bar tape, all done before we just decided to buy my wife a new bike. And so it currently sits unused. Wheels are heavy, and steel, derailleurs frequently go out of adjustment. Contemplating upgrading wheels to aluminum, and finding some better derailleurs so the bike will ride better. That or changing it out to single speed. Either way, it at least hundreds of dollars in parts and labor for a bike that frankly isn't worth much except for sentimental value.

daf1009

Hi and welcome to the Bike Forums...

I concur that, for this bike, in this condition, $250 is too much. In my market, Atlanta, I would consider this bike, in this condition at about $100...as several other members said...more work will need to go into this bike...

Thumpic

And I hate to say it.....but I think the fork's bent a little...