Craigslist Bike - Is it any good?
 

Looking at the used market in my area and I found this.

http://eastnc.craigslist.org/bik/3786447751.html

Is it worth it? What questions should I ask to get a better feel? I want to add to my collection. I have recently got a brand new 7.1, and want to know will this be a good next step into true rode bikes. I am a noob so not sure if the compoents quoted in the ad are any good or just basics that may not warrant purchase.

thanks for any input

It looks pretty clean. That is an old school bike with downtube shifters. Not sure if it is friction or indexed. That isn't a bad thing. People who learned to ride on them actually prefer them. I had trouble adjusting back to downtube friction shifters when I went old school a few years ago. ultimately I decided old school road bikes were not for me, as I didn't like having to reach down to shift.

Great condition and price.

Won't last long.

http://images.craigslist.org/3Ia3N13...ac44701c0f.jpg

I'm 6' and that bike's way too big for me. Make sure it fits you... I think the seller knows there is a limited market for a 60cm bike; he be fibbing just a little..

I would consider trying to talk the price down, but that is a pretty good deal, and I doubt he would go much lower. I wouldn't.

How tall are you? I'm 6'2 and a classic 60cm is way to big for me. I wouldn't pay more then 200 for for it. More like 175 or less.

Considering you can get this - http://www.walmart.com/ip/GMC-Denali...roduct+Reviews new for $160, that Trek would go pretty quick for $175. If he held out for $225, he'll probably get it. Those components aren't the highest end, and are old, but are still head and shoulders above the cheap crud on the Wally. I know, I had a good look at one that someone brought into a LBS.:rolleyes:

Edit: I just reviewed the add. The Deraluers are 105. The guy would be crazy to take less than $200.

You cannot evaluate the codition of the frame, components and wheels from looking at that photo. That bike is old. He may have bought it recently and only ridden it five times, but the bike is not anywhere close to new. Frame rust? Rim wear. Any life left in the drivetrain?

yah but it's an OLD alum frame...

i'd go for something like this....or similar
http://raleigh.craigslist.org/bik/3732934547.html

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/bik/3785299587.html

http://greensboro.craigslist.org/bik/3763002844.html

That Paramount is a great bike, with the ol' home-brew frames (made in the US) and Dura Ace gruppo. And that first Le Tour--sweet! But I also think the Trek is a very good deal, if it fits. Those are great frames, and 105 is a stout drivetrain. I don't mind down tube shifters at all--they're very easy to use and become second nature after the first ride or two (miss my old De Rosa with Campy C-Record...). Buy it if you like it. Any one of those would look pretty sweet next to your 7.1.

[h=2]"1989 SCHWINN PARAMOUNT - $495"[/h]I'd offer him 3, and take it for 375, If I were in the market, and 6" taller.

You get what you pay for. My aluminum bike has over 6k mi of hauling my Clyde azz around, and that Trek 1200 may go for what he is asking. Walmart sells a lot of those GMC's for 160. (Not to me of course)

yah I'd be all over that paramount too and eat top ramen for a few weeks to offset the price:thumb: Last yr I picked up a 87' circuit from CL for only $150. (2nd in command to the paramount) It has columbus SL tubing vs the Paramount columbus SLX tubs. Only added bar tape and chain lube. There are deals out there, when you see them, run to the ATM and GO get it done.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7193/6...451eb7b756.jpg
Schwinn Circuit by jsigone, on Flickr

Thats fooking sweet!! Nicely done!