Purchased an no name vintage bike; it appears to have been a mistake.
08-12-14, 04:07 PM
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Purchased an no name vintage bike; it appears to have been a mistake.
About a week ago I decided that it was time to purchase vintage road bike to use for running errands, trail riding with my wife and perhaps riding on a rainy day. So I kept my eye out on Craigslist and found a 1970's vintage road bike: Standard Cycle Company, Inc. Ranger Ultra Tourer. The Bike was manufactured in Japan and has a Shimano Eagle rear-derailleur (which Sheldon Brown speaks highly of) and a Shimano Thunder Bird front-deraillleur, both of which are friction shift. The bike is heavy; approximately 35lbs and came with fenders that appeared to be factory.The guys selling the bike is the same dude that I purchased my beautiful (pride and joy) late 80's Miyata 512 from.
So, seeing it was his, I gave him a call and drove the 50 minutes to his place. Usually this fellow meticulously cleans and refurbishes bikes before selling them, but this bike was the exception. Other then putting new tires on it, he did nothing to it. He said he hated to put a lot of time into this particular bike because it was an unknown brand. The bike was rather dirty, but appeared to be very solid (not to mention heavy). The stand over height was right, so I decided that for a mere $85.00 it would fulfill the particular role that I had in mind.
Got the bike home, cleaned it up (not a full-blown detail, but still substantially better) and put new handlebar tape on it. I ended up having to go buy a new wrench (didn't have metric that large) in order to raise the saddle. Drum roll please..... It turns out the saddle will not raise high enough for me to ride it comfortably or correctly. I adjusted it up to the line that said "Max," but yet it still needs to be raised another 1" to 1.5".
So with that being said, I now have 2 questions:
1) Is this poor design why these bikes are pretty much completely unknown? Google didn't even produce any substantial results.
2) I don't want to put much money into it, it doesn't fit, so now what do I do with it? How likely is it that someone else with the correct stand over height is going to be able to ride it when the saddle does not adjust adequately? I hate to sell someone a bike that I am fairly sure is not going to fit them.
I learned my lesson when it comes to thinking that I am getting a great deal but cannot find the information online. I don't think the guy that sold me the bike purposefully deceived me or took advantage of me. I take full responsibility for being a bonehead!
So, seeing it was his, I gave him a call and drove the 50 minutes to his place. Usually this fellow meticulously cleans and refurbishes bikes before selling them, but this bike was the exception. Other then putting new tires on it, he did nothing to it. He said he hated to put a lot of time into this particular bike because it was an unknown brand. The bike was rather dirty, but appeared to be very solid (not to mention heavy). The stand over height was right, so I decided that for a mere $85.00 it would fulfill the particular role that I had in mind.
Got the bike home, cleaned it up (not a full-blown detail, but still substantially better) and put new handlebar tape on it. I ended up having to go buy a new wrench (didn't have metric that large) in order to raise the saddle. Drum roll please..... It turns out the saddle will not raise high enough for me to ride it comfortably or correctly. I adjusted it up to the line that said "Max," but yet it still needs to be raised another 1" to 1.5".
So with that being said, I now have 2 questions:
1) Is this poor design why these bikes are pretty much completely unknown? Google didn't even produce any substantial results.
2) I don't want to put much money into it, it doesn't fit, so now what do I do with it? How likely is it that someone else with the correct stand over height is going to be able to ride it when the saddle does not adjust adequately? I hate to sell someone a bike that I am fairly sure is not going to fit them.
I learned my lesson when it comes to thinking that I am getting a great deal but cannot find the information online. I don't think the guy that sold me the bike purposefully deceived me or took advantage of me. I take full responsibility for being a bonehead!
Last edited by rollingtourer; 08-12-14 at 04:09 PM. Reason: The paragraphs were all running together.
08-12-14, 04:18 PM
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What is poorly designed?
There were hundreds of brands of bikes back during the big bike boom in the ;70s some good and lived on some not so good and went away. Bike sellers were buying anything a manufacturer could produce and ship so there lots of odd names.
As for no info on google.... Someone has to take the time to put the information there for you to find. Again there are hundreds of lower end bikes like this that while good basic bikes have no listing on ebay. There are also hundreds of good quality brands that except for a listing on ebay or CL there is nothing on the internet about them.
If the standover height was good as it the reach to the bars maybe you just need a longer seatpost. Not a big deal.
There were hundreds of brands of bikes back during the big bike boom in the ;70s some good and lived on some not so good and went away. Bike sellers were buying anything a manufacturer could produce and ship so there lots of odd names.
As for no info on google.... Someone has to take the time to put the information there for you to find. Again there are hundreds of lower end bikes like this that while good basic bikes have no listing on ebay. There are also hundreds of good quality brands that except for a listing on ebay or CL there is nothing on the internet about them.
If the standover height was good as it the reach to the bars maybe you just need a longer seatpost. Not a big deal.
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08-12-14, 04:53 PM
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Store bike, made by someone else. No one has taken the time to catalog the tens of thousands of store brands back then. Thunderbird is a sign of a basic bike, as is the weight. Likely has stamped dropouts, steel rims, etc.
At one time, every department store, hardware store, gas station, tire shop, etc., was in the bicycle business. I always remember my first new bike, store branded, from a USED lawn mower shop. That's right, the store didn't even sell new lawn mowers, but they were in the bicycle business, with their own brand!
What I don't understand is why the seller bothered with this bike. He surely knew it was a dud. All he does by selling it is tarnish his name, and kill possible repeat business. Bad business decision on his part IMHO. Myself, I frequently come across bikes like that, and just take them to the co-op. If I do a credible job rebuilding them, I will be WAY upside down on just parts alone. I don't mind breaking even, but if I lose $$ often enough, the bike hobby goes away. And I can't in good faith present the bike as something it is not. The co-op is giving the bikes I donate away, and they have used donated tires and parts, so it works out.
If I made a mistake and bought one, I would be donating it. Right now, I have about 15 bikes to donate to the co-op, some I got free, some were mistakes I made.
At one time, every department store, hardware store, gas station, tire shop, etc., was in the bicycle business. I always remember my first new bike, store branded, from a USED lawn mower shop. That's right, the store didn't even sell new lawn mowers, but they were in the bicycle business, with their own brand!
What I don't understand is why the seller bothered with this bike. He surely knew it was a dud. All he does by selling it is tarnish his name, and kill possible repeat business. Bad business decision on his part IMHO. Myself, I frequently come across bikes like that, and just take them to the co-op. If I do a credible job rebuilding them, I will be WAY upside down on just parts alone. I don't mind breaking even, but if I lose $$ often enough, the bike hobby goes away. And I can't in good faith present the bike as something it is not. The co-op is giving the bikes I donate away, and they have used donated tires and parts, so it works out.
If I made a mistake and bought one, I would be donating it. Right now, I have about 15 bikes to donate to the co-op, some I got free, some were mistakes I made.
Last edited by wrk101; 08-12-14 at 04:58 PM.
08-12-14, 04:58 PM
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Standover height is not all that telling about bike fit. How the bike fits you when you are in the saddle pedaling is what that matters. If the only thing you have to worry about is finding a longer seat post to get that seat up high enough, you have done well.
Jim
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08-12-14, 05:00 PM
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i'd probably fully overhaul it in my spare tme and resell it as a barhopper for $100. it would be valued here because people need beaters they can lock up and avoid all worry of theft.
08-12-14, 05:17 PM
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I was thinking that perhaps the bike was poorly designed since the stand over height is correct, but the seat post doesn't adjust high enough. I would think that would make it difficult for someone to fit the bike correctly. The reach to the bars seems about right, perhaps I will nose around and see if I can find an inexpensive seat post that will work.
I will post some pictures soon (maybe tomorrow), but I have to wait for the wife to come home; she's the keeper of the camera.
I will post some pictures soon (maybe tomorrow), but I have to wait for the wife to come home; she's the keeper of the camera.
08-12-14, 05:19 PM
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The seat post may not be that long to save material or as it was made of cheap steel, any longer and it might bend. (also longer is more weight, although that is probably not the major concern, but mfg. cost might, more material is more money in material to a point.
See if you can locate a longer post of a matching diameter at a bike co-op for example.
The bike does read as very basic, and most of these bikes were sold by unknowledgable people to even more unknowledgable people, also the bigger the bike the bigger the man viewpoint was pretty pervasive.
See if you can locate a longer post of a matching diameter at a bike co-op for example.
The bike does read as very basic, and most of these bikes were sold by unknowledgable people to even more unknowledgable people, also the bigger the bike the bigger the man viewpoint was pretty pervasive.
08-12-14, 05:21 PM
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FWIW people who buy bike at the level usually are big on proper seat height adjustment.
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08-12-14, 05:22 PM
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Store bike, made by someone else. No one has taken the time to catalog the tens of thousands of store brands back then. Thunderbird is a sign of a basic bike, as is the weight. Likely has stamped dropouts, steel rims, etc.
At one time, every department store, hardware store, gas station, tire shop, etc., was in the bicycle business. I always remember my first new bike, store branded, from a USED lawn mower shop. That's right, the store didn't even sell new lawn mowers, but they were in the bicycle business, with their own brand!
What I don't understand is why the seller bothered with this bike. He surely knew it was a dud. All he does by selling it is tarnish his name, and kill possible repeat business. Bad business decision on his part IMHO. Myself, I frequently come across bikes like that, and just take them to the co-op. If I do a credible job rebuilding them, I will be WAY upside down on just parts alone. I don't mind breaking even, but if I lose $$ often enough, the bike hobby goes away. And I can't in good faith present the bike as something it is not. The co-op is giving the bikes I donate away, and they have used donated tires and parts, so it works out.
If I made a mistake and bought one, I would be donating it. Right now, I have about 15 bikes to donate to the co-op, some I got free, some were mistakes I made.
At one time, every department store, hardware store, gas station, tire shop, etc., was in the bicycle business. I always remember my first new bike, store branded, from a USED lawn mower shop. That's right, the store didn't even sell new lawn mowers, but they were in the bicycle business, with their own brand!
What I don't understand is why the seller bothered with this bike. He surely knew it was a dud. All he does by selling it is tarnish his name, and kill possible repeat business. Bad business decision on his part IMHO. Myself, I frequently come across bikes like that, and just take them to the co-op. If I do a credible job rebuilding them, I will be WAY upside down on just parts alone. I don't mind breaking even, but if I lose $$ often enough, the bike hobby goes away. And I can't in good faith present the bike as something it is not. The co-op is giving the bikes I donate away, and they have used donated tires and parts, so it works out.
If I made a mistake and bought one, I would be donating it. Right now, I have about 15 bikes to donate to the co-op, some I got free, some were mistakes I made.
08-12-14, 05:30 PM
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Cut your losses NOW. I consider mistakes like this "tuition". I have lost quite a bit over the years on mistakes. Its a reminder of buyer beware. Like I said, shame on the seller, as he just tarnished his own image. If you are going to sell bikes, then repeat business is key. See if he will take it back. If I was him, I would.
I sold one family over a year's time six bikes. The process started with one son, who bought a bike from me, and brought it back two days later for a refund (he changed his mind). So I gave him his money back. His mother was so impressed, that next thing I knew, I sold her one, then her husband, then another son, etc. All started with a flaky kid wanting a refund.
I sold one family over a year's time six bikes. The process started with one son, who bought a bike from me, and brought it back two days later for a refund (he changed his mind). So I gave him his money back. His mother was so impressed, that next thing I knew, I sold her one, then her husband, then another son, etc. All started with a flaky kid wanting a refund.
Last edited by wrk101; 08-12-14 at 06:20 PM.
08-12-14, 05:35 PM
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Cut your loses NOW. I consider mistakes like this "tuition". I have lost quite a bit over the years on mistakes. Its a reminder of buyer beware. Like I said, shame on the seller, as he just tarnished his own image. If you are going to sell bikes, then repeat business is key. See if he will take it back. If I was him, I would.
I sold one family over a year's time six bikes. The process started with one son, who bought a bike from me, and brought it back two days later for a refund (he changed his mind). So I gave him his money back. His mother was so impressed, that next thing I knew, I sold her one, then her husband, then another son, etc. All started with a flaky kid wanting a refund.
I sold one family over a year's time six bikes. The process started with one son, who bought a bike from me, and brought it back two days later for a refund (he changed his mind). So I gave him his money back. His mother was so impressed, that next thing I knew, I sold her one, then her husband, then another son, etc. All started with a flaky kid wanting a refund.
08-12-14, 05:39 PM
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Don't worry about it. You can get a new alloy seatpost that is longer than the one in there for around $5 online. New Jagwire basics cables and housing ~$10, Diacompe grey matter pads ~$9 for 2 pair, fresh grease and you should be good to go. I use Niagaracycle, they're the cheapest for that type of stuff, but it takes a while longer to get it. So what if you are into it for $125 or so, after all that work you'll have something serviceable that should last a while. As for the seller, $85 doesn't get you much bike. I've paid less for bikes, but they are beat and require a lot of love to bring them back.
08-12-14, 06:11 PM
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Other than the too short seat post, what would you have done to it? Would you have replaced cables/housings, brake pads, etc? Seatposts come in all sorts of lengths and sizes and it's really not a big deal. So what if it's not a "name brand". For $85 and for your needs will it work?
08-12-14, 06:15 PM
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I don't get the problem. I realize fit is a very personal thing, but if the standover height looks and feels right and you just need a longer seatpost, what's the big deal? Your local bike co-op will a have bin full of them or you can get one for ten bucks on the big auction website. Just make sure you've got the right diameter; measure carefully - there are many sizes.
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● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
08-12-14, 09:04 PM
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I don't get the problem. I realize fit is a very personal thing, but if the standover height looks and feels right and you just need a longer seatpost, what's the big deal? Your local bike co-op will a have bin full of them or you can get one for ten bucks on the big auction website. Just make sure you've got the right diameter; measure carefully - there are many sizes.
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08-12-14, 09:13 PM
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What is your standover clearance on the bike? I think older fit philosophy called for less top tube clearance than is typical now (try finding a 25" or 27" frame made today!). Along with this, seatposts were shorter. Mountain bikes hadn't came along yet to popularize 350-400mm seatposts, most older seatposts are significantly shorter than what is sold today. I really suspect that when the bike was new, you would have been directed to the next larger frame size.
Just pick up a new seatpost. $20 or so should get you a basic post off ebay likely with free shipping.
Just pick up a new seatpost. $20 or so should get you a basic post off ebay likely with free shipping.
08-13-14, 02:57 AM
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I bought a Raleigh Tourist DL-1... seat post was too short. New seat post was under $15... problem solved.
If you want to ride it buy a seat post, otherwise pass it on.
Aaron
If you want to ride it buy a seat post, otherwise pass it on.
Aaron
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Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
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08-13-14, 03:46 AM
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Wide variety of good solutions provided. If the bike meet your needs in every other way, you may want to consider changing the saddle. Sounds strange, but I have a bike that is on the edge of too small because the post is so short at the max line. My solution is to to use a Brooks saddle. The top of the leather is higher from the rail than the flite that was on the bike. Why utilize an expensive saddle on a low end beat around bike? Comfort. We do it even though it weighs twice as much as some other options.
08-13-14, 09:05 AM
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I really appreciate everyone's replies! The insight and encouragement offered is great. I spoke to a friend last night, he says he may have a seat post that may work. I'm going to see if the bike fits my wife as is (doubtful though). Still trying to decide what the best course of action is, I'll keep you guys informed.
08-13-14, 09:30 AM
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The bike you have sounds similar to a bike I bought in the 1980's called a Lotus Excelle. It was a great bike, but I moved on to a lighter bike with better shifters and sold it to a bike shop for $70, and I assume they resold it for about twice that. I think I paid $400 (a HUGE fortune for me at the time, 1985. It was considered a medium level bike, just below Fuji. It had a chromoly frame, stem shifters and an extra set of brakes. I bet this describes your bike too.) So $85 is not a bad price for the bike. I agree with the other posters who suggest getting a longer seat post. I think for the purposes you describe in your OP, then this could be a great bike for you.
08-13-14, 10:54 AM
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Post above (pun?) are all great suggestions. Anyhow, its rather common when one buys a NEW or USED bike from a LBS, changes or customizations are done. Could be a seat / saddle, bars, stem, grips, shifters, pedals and yes, even a seat post. Why make such an issue out of some used bike? Are you kidding?
One piece of advice to the OP. Don't pass a piece of mistake bike onto your wife. LOL
One piece of advice to the OP. Don't pass a piece of mistake bike onto your wife. LOL
08-13-14, 12:35 PM
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Post above (pun?) are all great suggestions. Anyhow, its rather common when one buys a NEW or USED bike from a LBS, changes or customizations are done. Could be a seat / saddle, bars, stem, grips, shifters, pedals and yes, even a seat post. Why make such an issue out of some used bike? Are you kidding?
One piece of advice to the OP. Don't pass a piece of mistake bike onto your wife. LOL
One piece of advice to the OP. Don't pass a piece of mistake bike onto your wife. LOL
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mb158127
Classic & Vintage
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06-01-12 05:49 PM
sykerocker
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09-06-11 11:13 PM
