Stix Zadinia

Hello all,

Besides shopping for a 'serious' bike these days, I've been giving thought as to getting 'a beater' (ppl keep telling me to do so)

Couple of days ago I've been offered this bike through fb- seller is asking $200 for it, the guy says it's a restored Monark:









Do you think I should go for it?

I'm concerned the bike only has a rear brake.. Which parts do you consider to be upgradable?
What sort of things would you say I should inspect the bike for (I've never bought a used bike before).. I'm thinking frame integrity and weight of the bike?


Thanks much for your opinions!

Artkansas 

It looks like a great toy.

Just my bias, but I'd want something with less eye appeal and more utility. Racks, real fenders, lights, more brakes, a wide range of gears and I'd want to pay less.

I like the frame, does it have 27" wheels? These days I'd go for 26" as they are much easier to get.

monsterpile

That doesn't fit the description of a beater thats a bike to ride around when you want to look cool or whatever or something to add to your collection. Why the guy didn't pony up a few bucks for a new rear tire I don't understand ether. Oh if you want uyou can easily add a front brake thats no biggy. Its a neat bike if you want a beater watch the curbs for trash bikes. =)

kenji666

Is that a rocket launcher on the top tube?

Stix Zadinia

You mean less theft-appeal? I was thinking even though the bike is eye-catching, it still looks pretty 'banged-up'.. Or vintage, if you prefer.

Stix Zadinia

The guy says it's to carry stuff on it..







A grenade, probably.

2manybikes

There's no reason you need to spend $200 on a beater bike. Beater bikes may be more useful if they look terrible. You don't want to spend a lot on a beater, because you don't want to worry too much if it is stolen. 2

Stix Zadinia

^ I guess that would qualify as the dictionary definition of a beater.


I still thought it would be less prone to theft that a Carve or a roadie (the two options I'm considering for replacing my stolen Trek).

Artkansas 

Being a fixie will attract some attention.

Is where you live hilly or flat? That affects what you need gearwise. Do you intend to carry stuff.

Stix Zadinia

Never really understood that fixie thing.. Isn't shifting more attractive/practical?


Everywhere I usually ride around is flat. I carry stuff on a backpack (don't intend to have racks for now).

Mr. Hairy Legs

Hey, uh... Beetle Bailey called, he wants his bike back.

Stix Zadinia

monsterpile

So what is your definition of a beater? $200 for that bike you are paying for what it looks like its a neat bike no doubt. Its not in amazing mechanical condition based on the pictures. Also those fenders won't do much for you either in terms of function. Its a cool bike and if you want that bike go for it, but if you want something with more bang for your buck there are better options out there.

dynaryder

Why take a nice restored classic and use it for a beater? That's like the hipsters who take nice old road bikes and strip them to make kewl fixies.

Get a X-mart bike or a cheap Schwinn/Diamondback from Performance.

dramiscram

In my mind beater = 60$ maximum. But I'm a cheap bast**d

I paid 300$ (used) for my main daily commuter

megalowmatt

That's not a beater it's a parade bike. I would ride it but not as a beater.

unterhausen

that bike wouldnt' be suitable on my commute.

terrapin44

I'd get it, but others said it isn't really a beater. Also, if you have a lot of hills, you'd want gears. That said, it would bea cool bike to paddle to the corner pub on, which is what I'd use it for.

byrd48

Surely the pistol holster is worth the $200 I could use one of those on my inner city commutes, however it would make more sense on the top tube than on the fork...