cornerstore1

Today was the first time I went to a garage sale with the specific intention of picking up bikes, and I did! I got three, actually, and since it's my first haul I wanted to share it. They're not the most sought after bikes but I'm still pretty stoked to have them. Keep in mind this is Detroit - the market's not great :/

First up, a Schwinn Continental for $45. I know it's a common bike, it's heavy, etc. But it's in pretty good shape, and I need something to get around on that actually fits me. Only issue is a flat tire. Still deciding if I want to swap out the steel crank for something lighter. Probably will do so with the wheels. The most roadworthy of the three.





Second - and my favorite - a Raleigh Sprite. I've been told it's a 1967, and the Sheldon Brown page on Sprites shows a catalogue which seems to support that. Paint is EXCELLENT. Decals the same. Some of the chrome is perfect, some is lightly rusting. Original Brooks saddle is in near-perfect condition. Needs brake work, new rubber parts, a good cleaning, and might have to repack the bearings. Probably going to leave everything original. Got it for $25






Third is this mixte Motobecane. It was kind of an afterthought. it was off in the corner of the garage. Front wheel is seriously out of true, back wheel has a big dent in it. Needs a lot of cosmetic work, and the seat isn't original (doesn't even look good on the bike, I'll probably replace it. Haven't done the research yet, but I don't know the model name. It only says "Made in France". Any help would be appreciated. Got it for $20.





So that's it. None are going to win the Tour de France, but they're really good looking bikes and I'm happy to have them and learn about bike repair while working on em.

oddjob2

Photos aren't working.

Bicycle Addict

You will need to have a post count of 10 (? Guys is it 10?) to post photos.
Sounds like a real good haul though.
Welcome to C&V
Looking at the bikes purchased, there is an armchair waiting for you here, you will fit right in.

daf1009

Good haul...if you decide to ride/sell/part out...all should work out well with those prices...good job...and welcome to the Bike Forums...

oddjob2

I don't think you need 10 posts, because in appraisals, there are always a few noobs with a brand new post with photos.

If you are using a host, some are tricky. With dropbox, the www needs to be changed to dl

67tony 

The $25 bike with the Brooks is your best value, the saddle alone is worth maybe twice that.

Bottom bracket conversion is doable, but some would question the benefit. Yes, the Ashtabula is an anchor, but you have to ask yourself if dropping two pounds off of 38 (?) is worth it. Of course, I did it myself with a '72 Super Sport, but at the same time I swapped out all components and wheels, and got the weight down to about 28lbs.

jefnvk

Ever since I let one go a the thrift shop I've always wanted to find another Motobecane mixte to make into a step-through city bike. Been wanting a Raleigh, too. Until very recently, my heavy gas-pipe Schwinn was my most ridden bike (although the Miyata is slowly stealing that spot), so don't let that worry you if it fits well!

oddjob2

It could be a vinyl Brooks, we won't know till the photos are up.

EDIT

Also, if the OP refurbs the Motobecane with the right girly touches, it will be worth double what the Sprite would ever bring.

It is the vinyl Brooks mattress, no extra value for it.

billytwosheds 

Pic assist.

cornerstore1

Photos are fixed. I don't have the bike in front of me but from the pictures it looks like vinyl... I think they came standard on those bikes (?)

Thanks for that! The pictures in the original post are working now. I guess I should stick to photobucket when uploading.

non-fixie 

Nice haul! So far I'm liking the Motobecane best.

gugie 

+1

I luvs me some vintage mixte.