Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Classic & Vintage
Reload this Page >

Finding a vintage bike.

Notices
Classic & Vintage This forum is to discuss the many aspects of classic and vintage bicycles, including musclebikes, lightweights, middleweights, hi-wheelers, bone-shakers, safety bikes and much more.

Finding a vintage bike.

Old 07-14-15, 03:29 AM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 9

Bikes: '01 Bianchi Eros

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Finding a vintage bike.

Hello everyone!
I was wondering if this wonderful community can help me in my search for a vintage roadbike (preferably one from the 80's). I am only an upcoming high school senior so my budget is limited to around $250. My interest in cycling has only been growing the past several months and as a result I have started looking for a commuter. I have considered HB Bike Shop but is there any other places to buy besides Craigslist in OC?
deersmi is offline  
Old 07-14-15, 03:34 AM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
OldsCOOL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: northern michigan
Posts: 13,317

Bikes: '77 Colnago Super, '76 Fuji The Finest, '88 Cannondale Criterium, '86 Trek 760, '87 Miyata 712

Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 659 Post(s)
Liked 594 Times in 313 Posts
Welcome to the forums! Yes, 250.00 can find you a nice vintage bike. Know your size in frames, look for damage, bring a metric allen key multitool (check for frozen seat post and steering stem) and assess what it will take to bring it into good riding form. I always account for tires, cables and bar tape. Can you do some wrenching? That saves money.
OldsCOOL is offline  
Old 07-14-15, 03:37 AM
  #3  
Senior Member
 
OldsCOOL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: northern michigan
Posts: 13,317

Bikes: '77 Colnago Super, '76 Fuji The Finest, '88 Cannondale Criterium, '86 Trek 760, '87 Miyata 712

Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 659 Post(s)
Liked 594 Times in 313 Posts
By the way, you are the age where road biking infected me and it stuck. Let no one despise thy youth (an old and wise saying).
OldsCOOL is offline  
Old 07-14-15, 03:56 AM
  #4  
Forum Moderator
 
cb400bill's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Kalamazoo MI
Posts: 21,292

Bikes: Fuji SL2.1 Carbon Di2 Cannondale Synapse Alloy 4 Trek Checkpoint ALR-5 Viscount Aerospace Pro Colnago Classic Rabobank Schwinn Waterford PMount Raleigh C50 Cromoly Hybrid Legnano Tipo Roma Pista

Mentioned: 58 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3054 Post(s)
Liked 6,319 Times in 3,658 Posts
Welcome!

Here is a link to our forum member Randy's website on how to find vintage bikes. FINDING BICYCLES - INTRODUCTION
cb400bill is offline  
Old 07-14-15, 04:19 AM
  #5  
master of the burrito art
 
MacGyverBurrito's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Orange County
Posts: 187
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I would advise against HB bike shop. It's not a bike shop. Just a local bike flipper/turd polisher. Sells over priced low end bikes.

I have good luck on craigslist.
You have to be knowledgeable and quick. Basically live on craigslist for a while.
MacGyverBurrito is offline  
Old 07-14-15, 04:43 AM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,117
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 377 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 14 Times in 10 Posts
Nice, lugged, quality bikes are always out there. I recently bought a 1982 Trek 614 (reynolds 531 and Ishawata tubing) for $150. Of course I'm not in southern CA so maybe the market is less expensive here (the guy was asking $200 for the Trek).
Pemetic2006 is offline  
Old 07-14-15, 05:34 AM
  #7  
Still learning
 
oddjob2's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: North of Canada, Adirondacks
Posts: 11,620

Bikes: Still a garage full

Mentioned: 92 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 847 Post(s)
Liked 66 Times in 44 Posts
Keep your eyes peeled to shopgoodwill.org The Santa Ana location seems to always have some incredibly nice inventory. Know your size of frame and always know these bikes may need some work. Sold example below

shopgoodwill.com - #21925170 - BIANCHI EROS Italy Racing Bicycle - Red - 6/2/2015 7:11:00 PM

shopgoodwill.com - #22099313 - Bianchi Nuova Alloro Lite Weight Bicycle Frame - 6/12/2015 7:08:00 PM

shopgoodwill.com - #22199797 - Trek 7.5 FX 27-Speed Bicycle - 6/16/2015 7:06:00 PM

Read mytenspeeds.com too.
oddjob2 is offline  
Old 07-14-15, 07:10 AM
  #8  
Thrifty Bill
 
wrk101's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Mountains of Western NC
Posts: 23,561

Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more

Mentioned: 96 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1233 Post(s)
Liked 948 Times in 620 Posts
+10 Know your size first.

+10 Anything for sale publicly, you have to POUNCE immediately. No waiting for the weekend, when it is convenient or whatever.

+10 Brush up on your knowledge. The best deals are often brands you have not heard of. Its all about quality of frame and parts, and NOT the particular model and brand.

You have a realistic budget and should be able to get something very nice. The 1980s were full of awesome Japan made bikes, with standard part sizing, totally upgradable, extremely well made. Just get one of the better ones.

Beware the turd polishers!
__________________
Please don't confuse ebay "asking" prices with "selling" prices. Many sellers never get their ask price. some are far from it. Value is determined once an item actually SELLS. Its easy enough to check SOLD prices.

Last edited by wrk101; 07-15-15 at 06:46 AM.
wrk101 is offline  
Old 07-14-15, 07:46 AM
  #9  
Senior Member
 
ButchA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Richmond, VA (West end - Henrico)
Posts: 706

Bikes: 1985 Fuji Del Rey, 25" frame, 12 speed

Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 127 Post(s)
Liked 17 Times in 12 Posts
I echo what all the others have said about Craigslist. It's either hit or miss and if you find something, you have to act NOW on the sale!

I got extremely lucky with my classic '85 Fuji Del Rey on Craigslist... The local college kid graduated and no longer needed it. It is in MINT condition too! When I got in touch with him, and then we text messaged each other, etc... I had the money right then and there, and wanted to wait until Saturday. He said that he had 6 other people contact him and for me to come over right then and there and get it (in other words - money talks, B.S. walks...). I got his address to his apartment downtown and rushed right over and bought it on the spot. I give the college kid a world of credit for being straight up and honest with me. I figured he was just B.S.'ing me about 6 other people wanting the '85 Fuji. But when I (very politely) called him out on it, he showed me his phone and, yes, there were 7 text messages about the bike (mine included)!

So, to make a long story short... Craigslist is your best bet to pick up a C&V bike for cheap. You have to really be careful and watch it carefully every few hours. You might find a "gold mine" of a bike where it's in perfect condition, but the owner just doesn't want it anymore. Those types of ads, go extremely quickly and get bought, sold, and pulled off Craigslist within the hour!!
ButchA is offline  
Old 07-14-15, 08:04 AM
  #10  
Bike Junkie
 
roccobike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: South of Raleigh, North of New Hill, East of Harris Lake, NC
Posts: 9,622

Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Specialized Roubaix, Giant OCR-C, Specialized Stumpjumper FSR, Stumpjumper Comp, 88 & 92Nishiki Ariel, 87 Centurion Ironman, 92 Paramount, 84 Nishiki Medalist

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 68 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 37 Times in 27 Posts
For that kind of money, you should find a really nice 80's bike with a solid, chromoly frame, probably double butted. You need to learn about steel frame tubing. Maybe a search on these forums for "Tange" or "Reynolds" in the title of the thread. Find out your frame size, posting your height and the size jeans you wear (especially leg length) here would provide you with good information. If you wear a long sleeve dress shirt, there should be a sleeve length number, like 33 or 34 or somewhere around there, provide that as well. This group could give you good information about what size frame to look at. The more time you put into this, the better your bike will be and the more fun you'll have riding it.
With regard to Craigslist, buying the wrong size "bargain" bike is no bargain at all, just a waste of time & money. If you make sure you have the right size frame, paying a little more for a really good bike will be well worth it in the long run.
__________________
Roccobike BF Official Thread Terminator
roccobike is offline  
Old 07-14-15, 08:23 AM
  #11  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: oregon
Posts: 100

Bikes: 97 specialized rockhopper,91 trek 800 commuter bike, 72 schwinn varsity

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I picked up mine for free.... it needed some work, but nothing too difficult
Attached Images
File Type: jpg
bike 115.jpg (44.2 KB, 50 views)
junkman71 is offline  
Old 07-14-15, 08:30 AM
  #12  
52psi
 
Fahrenheit531's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 4,133

Bikes: Schwinn Volare ('78); Raleigh Competition GS ('79)

Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 790 Post(s)
Liked 800 Times in 390 Posts
@deersmi: If you have an idea of your size and post it here (or even your height, which allows us to ballpark your size) I'd bet a few people around here would poke around the OC CL and pick out some potential winners for you. It's always fun (for me anyway) to look at someone else's CL instead of filtering through the bikes we've seen fifty times before on our own.
__________________
A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
Fahrenheit531 is offline  
Old 07-14-15, 08:49 AM
  #13  
Senior Member
 
Soody's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 1,047

Bikes: Gunnar, Shogun, Concorde, F Moser, Pete Tansley, Rocky Mtn, Diamant, Krapf, Marin, Avanti, Winora, Emmelle, Ken Evans

Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 272 Post(s)
Liked 412 Times in 214 Posts
^ yes lol. I really like American frame builders. A Landshark is probably my dream bike and we rarely see any C & V American bikes here. There are 0 C & V Schwinns cuurently for sale on the NZ craiglist equivalent, out of over 5000 bikes.

Excellent advice so far, nothing really to add.
Soody is offline  
Old 07-14-15, 10:05 AM
  #14  
Senior Member
 
MiloFrance's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Capestang, France
Posts: 1,378

Bikes: Lots of French, some British and a couple of Italian

Mentioned: 35 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 247 Post(s)
Liked 129 Times in 64 Posts
Instant research when you see a likely candidate, and if you like it and don't win it move on, there will be others. The folks on here are a mine of information and each has his or her preferences.
Things that put me (personally) off:

Plastic spoke guard on the rear wheel
Claw hanger for the rear mech
Cottered cranks

There are a few others but if anyone wants to add their quirks...
MiloFrance is offline  
Old 07-14-15, 11:04 AM
  #15  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 302
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 54 Post(s)
Liked 43 Times in 22 Posts
I'm still pretty new to vintage road bikes, so take this with a grain of salt. But, depending on your size and if you're able to make it about an hour down to San Diego this Nishiki Prestige could be a pretty good deal. It's been listed at $100 for the last week or so and it just dropped down to $60.

Nishiki Prestige road bike Shimano 600

Tange #2 Frame/Forks, Shimano 600 components. You would have to pick up tires and tubes though as well as replace the cables, etc. If you're handy and can do the work yourself I think it could be a good pick-up. What do y'all think?
WolfgangVerne is offline  
Old 07-14-15, 11:09 AM
  #16  
Senior Member
 
MiloFrance's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Capestang, France
Posts: 1,378

Bikes: Lots of French, some British and a couple of Italian

Mentioned: 35 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 247 Post(s)
Liked 129 Times in 64 Posts
Originally Posted by WolfgangVerne

It's been listed at $100 for the last week or so and it just dropped down to $60.

Nishiki Prestige road bike Shimano 600
Looks good to me, and I like the paint job!
MiloFrance is offline  
Old 07-14-15, 12:37 PM
  #17  
Senior Member
 
ButchA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Richmond, VA (West end - Henrico)
Posts: 706

Bikes: 1985 Fuji Del Rey, 25" frame, 12 speed

Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 127 Post(s)
Liked 17 Times in 12 Posts
$60 bucks for that Nishiki? Wow, if I lived in San Diego, I'd be all over the CL ad and snatch up that bike before anyone could even think about it!
ButchA is offline  
Old 07-14-15, 02:27 PM
  #18  
Senior Member
 
ramzilla's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Fernandina Beach FL
Posts: 3,605

Bikes: Vintage Japanese Bicycles, Tange, Ishiwata, Kuwahara

Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 700 Post(s)
Liked 321 Times in 251 Posts
Have cash in hand at all times. Good deals vanish quickly. Try to pay as little as possible. Ask seller whats the least amount they'll take. Then, offer $25 less than that. And, save up for new tires & chain.
ramzilla is offline  
Old 07-14-15, 03:11 PM
  #19  
Get off my lawn!
 
Velognome's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: The Garden State
Posts: 6,253

Bikes: 1917 Loomis, 1923 Rudge, 1930 Hercules Renown, 1947 Mclean, 1948 JA Holland, 1955 Hetchins, 1957 Carlton Flyer, 1962 Raleigh Sport, 1978&81 Raleigh Gomp GS', 2010 Raliegh Clubman

Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 93 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 98 Times in 48 Posts
The best source would be to meet someone on the forum in your area. They've most likely got a stash their wives & children don't even know about.
Velognome is offline  
Old 07-14-15, 07:14 PM
  #20  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 9

Bikes: '01 Bianchi Eros

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Well, I did not expect this huge amount of feedback! I will take all of your valuable input into great consideration in my quest haha. However, I have been eyeing this one bike and was wondering for your guys' opinions on this. Celeste Green Bianchi Road Bike
deersmi is offline  
Old 07-14-15, 07:42 PM
  #21  
Senior Member
 
67tony's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Williamsburg, VA Sebastian, FL
Posts: 1,373

Bikes: 1987 Centurion Ironman Master, 1992 Koga Miyata Exerciser, 1992 Schwinn Crosscut

Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 209 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 174 Times in 91 Posts
That Bianchi looks very nice, other than needing hoods.
Suntour Cyclone is a well-respected component group.
Although, $450 does not equal $250!

If it is still available, the Nishiki is a way better value for your money.
Similar quality bike, for about 1/7 the money.

Last edited by 67tony; 07-14-15 at 07:45 PM.
67tony is offline  
Old 07-14-15, 07:50 PM
  #22  
Still learning
 
oddjob2's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: North of Canada, Adirondacks
Posts: 11,620

Bikes: Still a garage full

Mentioned: 92 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 847 Post(s)
Liked 66 Times in 44 Posts
Where's the @RoadGuy when you need him?
oddjob2 is offline  
Old 07-14-15, 08:22 PM
  #23  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Brea, CA
Posts: 70

Bikes: 2010 Cannondale CAAD 9.5; 1987 Centurion Ironman Retro Roadie (5800); 1985 Centurion Cinelli Project Retro Roadie (6700)

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Where in the OC are you located? There are always great deals popping up on craigslist. As stated above, know your size and have money to go right away! I have scored amazing deals by replying and buying the same day a bike is listed. I have also kicked myself for waiting and missing out. Decide if you are wanting a bike that is ready to ride or might need some basic maintenance. You will save money if you are willing to clean a messy bike and replace simple things like tires/tubes, cables/housing, bar tape, and maybe brake hoods. I have scored several great Centurion Ironman bikes for sub $175, but they needed around $50 in updates/repairs. One that has been "tuned" will cost you more and may end up needing the same repairs/updates.

I would think in your price range, you will likely end up getting the most bang for your buck with 80's Japanese bikes. Centurion, Miyata, Nishiki, Univega, etc.

Is 58cm your size? If this bike was my size, it would be in in my garage Rare! Centurion Prestige Full Dura Ace Road bike for sale!!!

If you are taller and more around 60cm, I might know where you can get a good deal on a miami vice centurion ironman

If you want to buy from a shop, The Bicycle Stand down in Long beach sells older used bikes. Their prices are higher than I would pay, but they include an basic overhaul with purchase.

Last edited by btpdragon; 07-14-15 at 08:27 PM. Reason: grammar
btpdragon is offline  
Old 07-14-15, 10:49 PM
  #24  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: SoCal
Posts: 1,334

Bikes: 89 Schwinn 754, 90 Trek 1100, 93 Trek 2300, 94 Trek 1400 (under construction), 94 Trek 930, 97 Trek 1400

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 29 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
I prefer bikes that are a little newer myself. I grew up with friction shifting, but I think I like indexed better now. I also prefer cassettes over freewheels, dual pivot brakes over 80s single pivot brakes, and aluminum frames over steel, so 90s bikes are more to my liking.

Still, how about a an 80s steel Trek 560? Seller is asking $250.

Vintage Trek 560 Pro Series Road Bike

Or, you can get a much newer (2000?) TIG Aluminum Trek 1000 with brifters for an asking price of $275.

Trek 1000 Alpha Series 24 Speed Road Bike

Or, how about a Trek 430 for an asking price of $220?

Trek 430 Campagnolo Campy 1984 58cm

Or, a 200X TIG Trek 1000 with brifters for asking price of $220

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/5060677975.html

Last edited by RoadGuy; 07-14-15 at 11:33 PM.
RoadGuy is offline  
Old 07-15-15, 04:58 AM
  #25  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Northern San Diego
Posts: 1,857

Bikes: mid 1980s De Rosa SL, 1985 Tommasini Super Prestige all Campy SR, 1992 Paramount PDG Series 7, 1997 Lemond Zurich, 1998 Trek Y-foil, 2006 Schwinn Super Sport GS, 2006 Specialized Hardrock Sport

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 59 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Just the other day, a a nice Miyata 914 sold for $75 in Carlsbad off of Craigslist. The seller was moving within the week, and intentionally priced it low to move it fast. They could have priced it twice that high and moved it within a day. Of course, the person that got it responded within 15 minutes of the ad being posted. But that's an example of as good as you might find if you're vigilant.

Last edited by D1andonlyDman; 07-15-15 at 05:01 AM.
D1andonlyDman is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.