Vintage Build Up: Even Worth it?
10-25-15, 05:38 AM
#26
Senior Member
It's a waste of money to upgrade this bike. If you want a project, start with something a little better. These were middle of the road quality bikes in the day, but nothing special with a basic hi tension steel frame. For $40 its a good deal, but it won't ever be super fast. Look for something with Tange prestige, or of course Reynolds or Columbus.
If you must do something, build up or purchase some better lighter wheels and tires. That would make a difference. If you want to learn bike mechanics, overhaul everything and put it back together.
If you must do something, build up or purchase some better lighter wheels and tires. That would make a difference. If you want to learn bike mechanics, overhaul everything and put it back together.
10-25-15, 06:21 AM
#27
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The two bikes you cited are best left as they are, IMO. Approaching 22-23 lbs. is much more difficult when you're working with straight-gauge mild or high-tensile steel.
eBay can occasionally be a source of good deals, but you need to know exactly what the value of things are, or you'll pay way too much for stuff.
Lowest price is usually attained at swap meets (particularly in the first 15-20 minutes), bicycle co-ops and occasionally, Craigslist. The problem with Craigslist is that you have a lot of American Pickers wanna-bes jacking prices up - e.g. "DONT TRY TO LOWBALE BCAUISE I KNOW WHAT THIS BIEK IS WORTH" on Peugeot UO-8s, which were imported by the millions.
Supply and demand curves apply as usual. If you live a long distance from a population center with a supply of old bikes, chances are good you'll have to scrounge hard, or travel long distances to get what you want. When you find what you're looking for, it's often appropriately-priced, though.
Conversely, if you live in a city, and there is a large supply of boom-era bikes kicking around, then you're more likely to find rare/vintage items. Unfortunately, you'll also find an ton of hipster/millennial types on trust-funded playcations who will compete for those items (thus increasing the price).
eBay can occasionally be a source of good deals, but you need to know exactly what the value of things are, or you'll pay way too much for stuff.
Lowest price is usually attained at swap meets (particularly in the first 15-20 minutes), bicycle co-ops and occasionally, Craigslist. The problem with Craigslist is that you have a lot of American Pickers wanna-bes jacking prices up - e.g. "DONT TRY TO LOWBALE BCAUISE I KNOW WHAT THIS BIEK IS WORTH" on Peugeot UO-8s, which were imported by the millions.
Supply and demand curves apply as usual. If you live a long distance from a population center with a supply of old bikes, chances are good you'll have to scrounge hard, or travel long distances to get what you want. When you find what you're looking for, it's often appropriately-priced, though.
Conversely, if you live in a city, and there is a large supply of boom-era bikes kicking around, then you're more likely to find rare/vintage items. Unfortunately, you'll also find an ton of hipster/millennial types on trust-funded playcations who will compete for those items (thus increasing the price).
10-25-15, 06:32 AM
#28
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one thing's for sure, nice vintage road bikes in houston are less expensive than in seattle.
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Restored Nishiki Olympic
CENTURION, IRONMAN, Dave Scott
SCHWINN PROLOGUE ROAD BIKE
PEUGEOT VERSAILLES ROAD BIKE
Men's "Miyata Japan" Racing Bicycle Stored Many Years "Rare"
Lemond Tourmalet road bike size 59
Italian Bianchi Eros "celeste"
10-25-15, 07:16 AM
#29
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I'm with Robbie, ironman will be an awesome build. I bought mine as a complete bike for $250 shipped. It had 105 7 speed that worked perfect, let's add it up.
Ironman. $250
10speed campagnolo veloce group. $320
Campagnolo khamsin wheel set. $140
Cables, bar wrap, adjusters, etc. $100
Total: $810
Might have a few more dollars in it but don't think I'm over $900,
No carbon fork but im sure its around your 23 lb range. It rides very nice and its one of my favorites, I am currently pissing off the fiance after i said i would sell it when i bought my ti ride. I would also like to think that if I chose to sell the 7 speed bits and the 7 speed wheel set I can make at least $100-150 back. Deals are out there, just harder to find in Texas.
Ironman. $250
10speed campagnolo veloce group. $320
Campagnolo khamsin wheel set. $140
Cables, bar wrap, adjusters, etc. $100
Total: $810
Might have a few more dollars in it but don't think I'm over $900,
No carbon fork but im sure its around your 23 lb range. It rides very nice and its one of my favorites, I am currently pissing off the fiance after i said i would sell it when i bought my ti ride. I would also like to think that if I chose to sell the 7 speed bits and the 7 speed wheel set I can make at least $100-150 back. Deals are out there, just harder to find in Texas.
10-25-15, 07:59 AM
#31
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When I first got into this rabbit hole of "BIKE" stuff- I saw these incredible deals, but anything I saw was garbage or overpriced. The idea that a 531 or Columbus framed bike was attainable to me was laughable. I saw nothing like that available to me.
Then, one day, one was there for a decent price and I had the money.
Suddenly there were bikes. Go figure.
I think it's like when you're single, you've got "girl repellant" sprayed all over you- but when you have a girlfriend or a wife- you've got to fight the hot chicks off with sticks.
Then, one day, one was there for a decent price and I had the money.
Suddenly there were bikes. Go figure.
I think it's like when you're single, you've got "girl repellant" sprayed all over you- but when you have a girlfriend or a wife- you've got to fight the hot chicks off with sticks.
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Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
10-25-15, 09:04 AM
#32
Catching Smallmouth
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Start with a better steel frame than what you have if you want to upgrade the drivetrain the way you describe.
Look for quick release axles, brazed on shifter bosses & cable guides and a derailleur hanger that isn't bolted on.
Look for the frame tubing to be made from Reynolds, Columbus, True Temper, Tange etc. Also check to see what the stays and fork are made of. Look for the same materials as the main triangle or more generic terms like 4130, cro-mo, mangalloy and so on. Old catalogs are a great source of information. If I'm going to put drivetrain upgrades on a bike I want to start with a nice frame.
I've seen great deals in the for sale section here. I bought a 1988 Schwinn Circuit frame Steve Whitlatch on the for sale forum in C&V. I built it up with a mix of used Dura Ace stuff, laced up a set of wheels and now it's my travel bike that I take to work with me when I'm out of town.
Look for quick release axles, brazed on shifter bosses & cable guides and a derailleur hanger that isn't bolted on.
Look for the frame tubing to be made from Reynolds, Columbus, True Temper, Tange etc. Also check to see what the stays and fork are made of. Look for the same materials as the main triangle or more generic terms like 4130, cro-mo, mangalloy and so on. Old catalogs are a great source of information. If I'm going to put drivetrain upgrades on a bike I want to start with a nice frame.
I've seen great deals in the for sale section here. I bought a 1988 Schwinn Circuit frame Steve Whitlatch on the for sale forum in C&V. I built it up with a mix of used Dura Ace stuff, laced up a set of wheels and now it's my travel bike that I take to work with me when I'm out of town.
Last edited by BradH; 10-25-15 at 09:17 AM.
