rugerben

1) I actually always bid in odd numbers. people expect you to bid at $205. So I'll bid $207.03 or something.
2) I also saw this guy's feedback after I bid. I usually look before. I was dumb this time. I am kind of afraid. Although i did send him a message last night, and he replied within 10 minutes which was pretty cool. 95% ain't bad, but he's still not in the 98%plus category.
I don't really know how i want to proceed with him.

USAZorro

I looked at his feedback in a bit of detail. His main knock seems to be that he's slow at shipping. Fair chance you'll get outbid anyways, but make sure you save all correspondence, and stay calm and professional even if something doesn't go right. Odds are greatly in your favor, but strange things can happen.

rugerben

Yeah, I noticed that too. Honestly, I purposely gave a low bid, with the thought that I might not decide to go with that bike anyway. That Centurion is calling deep into my soul. It's like those damn Greek Sirens.

Edit to add:
The thing I like about the Centurion is that the seller specifically describes it as being in like brand new condition, and he has 100% positive feedback with many more sales that the other guy. so I kinda am more likely to trust him, than a guy with 95% positive feedback who says "very few scratches."

I'd really like something that I will have for a LONG time. If that Centurion is like new, I feel like it could be THAT bike.

McDave

I've been lusting after that Centurion too, but I'm afraid I can't swing it this month so it's all yours.

I have a question about it though that maybe someone here can answer. The fork says Mangaloy 2001 Tange. Does that mean it's a newer replacement fork or what?

fallsjohn

Rugerben - I'm a new classic addict just like you. I've been waiting for someone to say this but they haven't. It seems like you love your old Puch! Why not keep it and upgrade?

John - "Lover of my $25 World Sport"

rugerben

I do love my old Puch. It was my father's first real road bike that he bought when he was my age. Now I get a certain amount of pride when I ride it not only becuase it's a fantastic bike, but because it was his.

I have been looking for about 3-4 months for a really great bike to get myself. Something that would be up to date, stand the test of time, ride well, and be durable enough that MY future children (i'm only 23) can get the same source of pride that I do when they can ride it.
My search took me first to aluminum. It felt dead and soulless. It then took me to carbon fiber. It was great, comfortable and had fantastic riding characteristics and came alive! (still ahd no soul though). But I don't trust its durability, and it's pretty expensive.
I then thought to myself, "Hey self, listen up. You want a bike of your very own. Something with all the super characteristics of te Puch, but one that you can call YOURS. Go with something STEEL, that has workmanship and artistry built into it!!!"
My search led me back to where I came from originally. Wanting a bike that may well be older than myself. That way, my father can ride the Puch, while I ride my vintage bike together on the trail. One of those real postcard moments.
That's why I want my own. But good question.

Bogester 

This might be a little more than you wanted to spend but I'd recomend this one...

https://cgi.ebay.com/1981-531-Raleigh...QQcmdZViewItem

I bought one last week (25" version) and they really are beautiful. I know the fact that the Super Course wasn't top of the line, and it's made Japan turn some people off but it really is a well made bike with pretty decent components. The main frame is butted 531, and the Suntour components are all solid...plus it's a brand new bike only it's 25 years and the red paint is stunning. Opening the box and pulling out a brand new vintage bike is really a pretty cool experience and for the price I think its a pretty good bargain compared to what you'd be able to get today.

fallsjohn

Rugerben - great answer. I wish my dad was around to ride with me. I'm trying to get my sons to appreciate my classic, but they're of that age where they think the only bikes are mountain bikes. I'll get them on my classic road bike though soon enough, and they'll see the error of their ways. My addiction is pretty much complete - went from not having ridden in 20 years, to finding my 80's World Sport for $25 on craigslist, to riding an average 100 miles a week, and riding around the neighborhood stopping at yard sales looking for that $10 Paramount! Also checking craigslist every day too. Yep, I have a problem!

John

rugerben

Fallsjohn, don't lose hope. I went though the mountain bike thing also. Let them. Better to be into riding than not, even if it's only a MTB. Once you find them racing (because, let's face it, who deosn't like to go fast?), show 'em up on the road bike. You show them how smooth it is, and how well it rides and how nible it is in comparison to the knobby, clunky things they are riding. they'll see the light.
What did it for me, was when my dad found a Rampar next to a dumpster, brought it home. Gave it new tires, and a new wheel, and tuned it up, and then gave it to me as my own. I rode it a few times, thought it was cool, and then left it for about 2 years. But I came back to it. It planted the seed.

USAZorro

I concur with what rugerben says - but don't be discouraged if they go through a BMX bike phase too along the path. My son is 16, and even though he has acknowledged the superiority of road bikes, all he wants to do is practice driving or skateboard. Dang kids these days - don't have no sense. Why when I was his age...

rugerben

Gosh, when I was his age.....we still had dial-up modems, and everyone used AOL!!! I feel so old!!!!!!!(runs and hides)

Bikedued

When I was 16 computers had green text on black, and mobile phones were only in cars on TV shows. Fast forward to now, and I have a Razor and a G4 Powerbook. My how things have changed.,,,,BD

rugerben

Well, I just got into a furious bidding war and in the last 4:30 min of the auction got bid up just over $100, and I WON the Specialized.
https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=250168881438

Thanks so much for all of your help. When the bike shows up, I promise to give it a good cleaning, and then take pics for you all.

Picchio Special

Among life's key precepts, one that ranks just behind "Never get involved in a land war in Asia" is "Never get involved in a furious bidding war on eBay." If you had simply waited to rebid until the closing seconds of the auction, you probably would have saved yourself some money. Especially when you're up against a 2-feedback adversary who never would have seen it coming. Congratulations on landing the bike regardless.

rugerben

oh crap. good call. hrm....if only I had thought about that a little more...

bbattle

I bid what I think I'm willing to spend and then go to bed. That way, I don't have to wait up till 2 am to do a last second bid on a bike. If somebody comes in and takes the bike for $2 over what my max. was, no biggie. There are scads of bikes on eBay and what is a hot seller on Tuesday goes on Wednesday for the opening bid.

Now, when I get a job and get some serious cash to play with and a once-a-year bike comes up, then I'll bring the A game and it won't be pretty.

I will crush the enemy.
See them driven before me
And hear the lamentations of their women.

USAZorro

If you get the bike, and decide you'd rather have a crankset that's a nice Ultegra 175 mm double, instead of that triple, let me know. I could be willing to trade.

USAZorro

So you're the fellow who would shop victoriously.

rugerben

USAZorro, that's a very nice offer...if only i knew WTH those components even are!! lol. I finally just learned a bit about tubing. Now I have to learn what all those things are, and what is the diff between what you've got and what I've got.
BTW, I'm still pretty happy with the price. The way I see it, if I compare to a new bike...hehe, imagine the quality of road bike I'd be getting if I paid $342 (incl. delivery) for a new one. ha!!! It would be made in china, and some hunk of crap that would break next week after my first 100 miles.
This bike may last the rest of my life. and it ought to be a heck of a good quality ride! I can't wait.
Any opinions on those Wolber wheels?

Picchio Special

There are inexpensive services that will do your sniping for you. Then you can have your cake and sleep well too.

USAZorro

Wolber has a good reputation. I believe Mavic bought them out.

Ultegra, is the #2 component offering from Shimano for road bikes (just below Dura Ace). I believe what you have on the bike you bought is Deore (which I think is the #2 component offering from Shimano - generally for Mountain bikes). I obviously wouldn't want to encourage you to make any such decision before forming your own opinion about how you like what's on there, or before you would feel you'd be making an informed decision. But if a couple months down the road, you decide that's something you want to change...

rugerben

Meh. I'll look into it after riding it. I don't know that i'd change anything major yet. The only thing I am thinking of changing right now are the saddle, pedals, and grip tape. I'll see after riding a bit if I want to change anything else.
Thanks again for the offer.

rugerben

By the way, why would anyone put MTB components on a road/race bike?

Bikedued

Same reason I just put drop bars on a hard rock. Must be a Specialized thing,,,,BD

USAZorro

Cheaper than Road components.