astrein

Hey everyone,

So as much as I like biking I'm one of the unfortunate New York City residents who's expected to pay $250 for a 1960 rusted Schwinn. I broke my old bike and am looking for a new one, through Craigslist and BikesDirect, and came across this Fuji (https://newyork.craigslist.org/stn/bik/3827089846.html). I've done some research on the bike and have found either very little information about the model or that it wasn't a particularly great one. With that being said I just want a bike, I happen to like this ones design and it's like-new condition couldn't hurt, that won't break the bank or me if it got stolen. Anyway, I was thinking of offering him $100 and going to get the bike ASAP, would that be reasonable?

Thanks everyone and enjoy your Memorial Day!

Retro Grouch 

That's a big bike. How tall are you?

I don't know anything about comparative prices in your area but the owner can't do anything more than tell you "No,"

astrein

I'm 6'0. Around a 33" inseam.

Retro Grouch 

That's good. I'm guessing it's going to be about the right size.

astrein

Thanks a lot Retro. I also found this bike (https://cnj.craigslist.org/bik/3828498181.html) but can't tell anything about the model. It's tough getting out to that part of Jersey but I definitely would if it is worth it. Anyone input on that one?

spectastic

I have a fuji with a frame that looks exactly like the one in the photo. It's a good bike, but it's probably gone.

spectastic

I have a fuji with a frame that looks exactly like the one in the photo. It's a good bike, but it's probably gone. the one I got was $75, and I literally saw the ad, called him, went to the atm, and arrived there within 2 hours.

astrein

Yeah that would be unfortunate. I contacted him the first time he posted the bike but was away in college so I couldn't make a move on it. Desperately trying to find a way down there.

astrein

Any input on this Univega? (https://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/bik/3853652335.html) I was planning on offering $150, is that a lowball at all?
My number 1 purchase priority is a road bike (hopefully this will be it) and then I plan on volunteering at Recycle-a-Bicycle, get some good experience working with bikes.
Again, thank you for anyones feedback.

SolitaryRider

Looks like a lower-end Univega. Uni made some decent bikes...but this ain't it. I'd keep looking. Regardless of the price, you're not going to get a lot of joy from such a low-end bike; and all the components are obsolete; so if anything needs replacing/fixing, you're going to have to hunt for vintage low-end parts. For $100 more, you should be able to get a pretty decent road bike which would be much better than this one.

astrein

Thanks Solitary.
Should I be looking at newer bikes from like bikesdirect or are other older models still fair game? I don't compete or anything, I just enjoy cycling with friends all around NYC

SolitaryRider

I think for your money, Astrein, you would get the best value with a higher quality vintage bike. Nothing wrong with BD bikes, but for two or three hundred bucks, you're likely to get a lot more with a vintage. Just try and find one that has 700c wheels, so you won't have to search for special and more expensive tires, etc.

Hint: Any time you see those "suicide levers" [The levers that come out of the side of the brake levers, for use when your hands are on the tops of the bars] it's usually a tell-tale sign that it's a low-end department store-type bike.

For a few hunnert bucks, you should be able to get something from the late 80's or early to mid 90's- which will make life a lot easier when/if parts and maintenance items are needed, as opposed to bikes from the 70's; which I think is what that Univega is. Good bikes from the 70's can be great too; you just need to know what you're getting into.

astrein

Great, thanks. I was leaning more towards a vintage bike as well. How about something like this then
https://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bik/3831629263.html or this https://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bik/3847198777.html ?
I'm always so skeptical looking at older bikes because I'm never certain whether or not it's really worth pulling the trigger and purchasing

catonec 

that lotus and trek are both decent enough, the lotus being the better of the two.

as solitaryrider said the suicide levers are a good indicator of a low end bike, so are the stem shifters that you can see on that univega.

SolitaryRider

Those are both decent choices! I think the Trek is way over-priced though, with those Suntour components.

If you can talk them down, fine; If not, just get one that fits you well, and get out and enjoy it- the $50 or $100 you might save won't matter much in the scheme of things vs. the time and enjoyment you'll have by having something decent to ride.

Personally, I think I'd go for the Lotus out of those two. If the Trek had better Shimano components, then I might go for it.

astrein

I'll definitely look into that Lotus then, I've been watching the owner decrease the price from like $350 to $265.
Thanks a lot you two

fietsbob

Inseam on pants is shorter than standover needs on a bike.

inside leg to ground is a better measurement, overall..