eiopa

Hey everyone,

New to the biking culture. I'm a college student on a fixed budget who recently had a new bike stolen from outside my apartment. I'm looking to get some thoughts on two used bikes.


These are the links, but one is a Schwinn Sprint and the other a Motobecane Gran Tour. The seller did not specify on the year nor gave much information in general, but any advice on how much I should offer for either of the bikes would be greatly appreciated! There's such a huge knowledge differential here, so my main goal is just to have a fair transaction occur. As my last bike got stolen, I don't have too much to spend.

Motobecane road bike
Schwinn road bike 62cm


Thanks everyone!

rms13

They are drastically different sizes so make sure whatever bike you get fits you

DMC707

There is a massive size difference between the 2 bikes you posted up --- there may be some rough size charts online or something , but i would opine that the green bike , being a size 56 , would best fit someone 5'10 to 6' tops- some manufacturers might call a bike in this size range a Large instead of going with cm sizes . while the Schwinn would require someone at least 6'3 or over (XL bike)
--- personally, i am 5'8 and ride a 53 or 54 bike, or a MEdium

If the bike doesnt fit, it almost doesnt matter what it costs, because it wont be the right bike for you -- and generally sizing can be ballparked by height if your a fairly "normal" person, but some have long inseams, long arms/torsos, etc. -- so there are variables even then but its not that complicated

Post up your height and others might even help find a suggestion or 2 in your area

but roughly

If your my height or thereabouts (between 5'7 and 5'9, ) a 53 to 54 would be ideal or possibly even a 55

A little taller , - 5'10 to 6' - a 55 on the low side and a 58 on the extreme high side

And if your 6' to 6'2 -- a 58 would likely still work , but anything over that and you get into sizes in the 60's -- and at that point, i'm out of suggestions as i have not done a lot of work with Paul Bunyanesque cyclists but i will wish you good luck and express condolences on your other bike getting ganked --- thieves are cowards

eiopa

So good to know! Really appreciate it DMC707.

cale

Have you checked with campus police to see if you can get the bolt cutters? They usually loan them out whenever there's a bike stolen.

AKA go to the bike co-op and watch them wrench for a while. You'll learn a thing or two about bikes, meet some pretty great people and possibly come out with a bike you want to ride for a price you can afford.

oddjob2

The Schwinn Sprint has upgraded rims, but is about 2X what they typically sell at.

The Motobecane is more realistically priced.

Clang

Not clear on what size you ride, so there's a range here too. Also I limited my search to road bikes. There's some interesting mtbs I passed up that would still make good campus commuters.

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