koraley

Hi Everyone!

I'm new here! Please help me make a decision on the best bike! I'm looking for the best bike for my money, they're all about the same price. I wish I knew the year on all of them - I emailed the sellers and should hear back from them soon, but they all appear to be from the 80's. Please let me know if any more info would be helpful?

Here are my choices (I copied and pasted the description):

1984 Schwinn Le Tour Xtra Light
Trek road bike. Very light frame made with Reynolds 531 steel
Raleigh Capri
Raleigh-Olympian
Raleigh Grand Prix 10 speed road bike

Thank you so much!

canyoneagle

Without pics and components it is difficult, but based on the info that you've provided the Trek seems like the winner. If the Schwinn is a Super Le Tour it may be worth looking at, and the Grand Prix could be worth a look.

Make sure you are looking at the right size too - a poor fit will make any bike uncomfortable to ride.

Pics or CL links would help for sure

Pompiere

The one that, first, fits best and, second,needs the least amount of work/replacement parts is the one to choose. If you have to pay for a shop to tune up and replace tires, cables, etc., you could raise your investment considerably.

wrk101

The last three are all a pass. You really should be able to quickly tell the difference in weight and components versus the Trek. The Trek is the best of the lot, but if the Schwinn fits better, it will be the best choice.

And then it is all about condition: frame in particular.

Why is the exact year important?

mickey85

Assuming they all fit - the 531 Trek. If not, go with what fits.

KonAaron Snake 

Exactly what was already said...either the Schwinn or (preferably) the Trek, but they have to fit. If they don't fit, look else where. If you have a cycling knowledgeable friend bring them along to help determine fit. I don't know what area you're in, but we're at the end of the season when people are re-selling the bikes they bought earlier in the summer and found they didn't like. It's a good time to buy.

koraley

Thanks so much, guys! I'm the first of my friends to get into cycling, so I don't really have anyone that can come with. The Trek was sold, darn! At least I know more now after talking to you about what to look for in listings. This is my first bike and I'm looking for something that I can upgrade and keep forever. From reading around I think that the 80's bikes are a much better choice for that than the newer, cheaper bikes that I can afford. And I think that the vintage bikes are cool. That said, I am 5'2" and 110 lbs so I don't want to get something that's very heavy, either.

Oh good, I am glad the year is not important. I wasn't sure if there would be big differences in models within the same decade or not.

The Schwinn comes from a local bike shop that says they've had it in storage for 25 years, that it was a bike that was never purchased and is otherwise brand new. What do you think about that?

leftthread

If you are 5'2", hopefully the Schwinn LeTour frame is a 19".
That would be a starting point. The LeTour also had a women's frame in 19".
There was also a LeTour Luxe in 1984 in addition to the Le Tour and Super LeTour.

1984 Schwinn LeTour

koraley

Yes, the Schwinn is a 19". All the bikes I'm considering are that size. I'm partial to the men's frame but I'll be happy with either. Thank you so much for the link with the info! I also found a late 70's/early 80's Fuji Gran Tourer for $120. What do you think about that bike?

Thank you guys SO much!

randyjawa 

I published MY "TEN SPEEDS" with the hope of helping people new to vintage bicycles. Have a look, if you wish, and learn how to determine a good vintage bicycle from a not so good one.

koraley

Here are some of the listings with photos:

Fuji Gran Tourer Late 70's, Early 80's: https://miami.craigslist.org/brw/bik/1960492657.html
Schwinn (unlisted model): https://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/bik/1951977449.html
And there is the bike shop '84 Schwinn that is supposedly new and unused in a box which isn't on craigslist but I can attach the photos if that helps, which is $140.

Which, if any, do you think would be the best choice?

koraley

Thanks, randyjawa, that does help!!

canyoneagle

The boxed schwinn for $140 is definitely worth a look. If there is any way to identify the components on it or grab a photo, it could be a really nice find.

I'd recommend going to the shop with the schwinn and have them size you up - stand over/ride a few bikes to get a feel for what fits and what frame size will work for you.

Oldpeddaller

Shame the Trek's gone!

If the 1984 Schwinn really is "New Old Stock in Box" that would be an amazing find - effectively a brand-new classic bike.

I don't know about US prices but if I could find something similar here in the UK I'd expect to pay a lot more for it. Good luck!

hamanu23

Do you know the model of the schwinn in the box, it should say right on the box if you have a picture. If so someone can get the specs on it. I bet it is a good buy though for the obvious New Old Stock reasons...

koraley

Here are pics of the new/old Schwinn. So far it seems like everyone agrees that its the best option? Its assembled and the box comes separately. Is that normal? If you think that the pics look good then I will head over there in a few hours! Its difficult for me to look myself because I'm not much of an expert.

canyoneagle

One vote for the Schwinn. That's a nice bike.

Pompiere

You may need to replace the tires on the new/old Schwinn due to age, but everything else should be like new. That would be my pick. A bike shop will normally take the bike out of the box and assemble the bike and fit it to the customer. Most people don't care about the box.

auchencrow

Of the three bikes remaining, only the LeTour is worth a look. The Fuji has been altered (single-speeded) and the Schwinn Sprint is a very low end bike - (not remotely worth the asking price.)

koraley

Thanks so much for your help, guys! I bought the Schwinn Le Tour. I'm really happy with my decision and am so thankful for your advice!

canyoneagle

Please post some nice pics of your new steed at some point.
Congratulations on a great find!!!!!