VeganForPeace

So, as I've been posting, I was searching for a Road Bike and could not find anything of quality on CL (Thanks to BF for steering me away)

Well, with my 125 or so dollar budget I had decided to give up for a while after looking at my LBS. I walked in and walked out with a Raliegh Marathon. Not sure of the year or anything. The guy who helped me was very nice since I'm a newbie to biking. We rode about 2 miles together and it was like a dream compared to my Meijer Schwinn (which I will keep thanks to sucky Cincinnati weather that I wouldn't want to take a road bike out in for fear of death.

The bike was 125. The only problem is the seat is a little torn up, but I can live with that for now. It also came with a Cat Eye Velo 5 computer, which saved me a lot.

Did I do good BF?

mhamm

Pics and you shall be saved.

cshell

VeganForPeace

https://img369.imageshack.us/i/pict0004.jpg/
https://img188.imageshack.us/i/pict0005mtj.jpg/https://img188.imageshack.us/i/pict0003b.jpg/https://img188.imageshack.us/i/pict0002mjd.jpg/https://img369.imageshack.us/i/pict0006.jpg/

I knew I should have taken pics first. >_> Sorry about the quality. I tried to take one from all the angles I usually see bikes from.

VeganForPeace

Oh god, I'm sorry. I don't know how to format my post to make it show them.

And Cshell, ahaha

jesspal

Looks good, how about a pic of the whole bike.

cshell

signalnc

I think it looks real good for 125....

VeganForPeace

https://imgcash4.imageshack.us/Himg36...=640&ysize=480

https://profile.imageshack.us/user/ve...ict0007yjx.jpg

mhamm

I think it's a good deal for $125, especially since they tuned and greased it up (assuming they did). I think that bike would typically go for 200+ on CL. You should post it in the vintage forums to see what kind of response you get there

jesspal

Bike looks like it is in good shape, it is older but looks in near mint condition.

VeganForPeace

There is just a tiny bit of rust where the handlebars attach to the frame (I really need to learn bike terms) and some black electrical tape on the handlebars. No other rust and the chain looks the same as the one on my Schwinn, so they may have put a new one on. :/

J.W.

Not bad for that price. Now go eat some meat.....

diziet

Now get rid of that kickstand!

botto 

i heart mine more.

VeganForPeace

I know. I forgot to ask them to do it while I was there. I also need to get it off my Schwinn (the bike falls over unless there is a severe incline to rest it on) Just need to get a bike multitool or more varied allen wrenches.

mrvrsick

Looks to be a very sound investment
Although it sounds like you're on a budget, make sure you pick up these items as soon as the funds allow: Helmet (for your safety, though some may skip this ), saddle bag, extra tube, tire levers (I heard that if you break these, they will replace them free at charge), pump, and a patch kit from the LBS (local bike shop). The pack will let you carry the tube, patch kit, levers, some grub, some cashola and your phone. You never EVER want to get blind-sighted by a flat.

VeganForPeace

I have a helmet and have been looking into saddle bags for a while, but don't know if it would be any different from the backpack I use now (it causes no discomfort for me at all :/) And, if something goes horribly wrong on my ride, I have at least one person who will help me transport the bike back home, and the LBS I go to will come and help you if you break down, kind of like a biking AAA.

One more question for you guys, since the shifters are on the tube, would it benefit me to pay to have them made to shift from the handles? (If I'm not describing this right, I'm sorry)

THanks

mr handy

This is great advise. Get a helmet asap!
Patch kit, spare tube, tire levers, and a pump are a must. Also either a mini pump or a co2 inflator are necessary to get you home when you get a flat on the road.

Check your tire pressure before each ride and that will keep you going.

your LBS can give you advise on all this stuff... I would say you can get all the stuff minus the helmet for around $30 give or take.

All helmets meet the same safety rating, but dont buy a helmet that is cheep if you dont like the way it looks and wont wear it.

pgaulrapp

That would require some extra hardware. You'd probably be better off starting to save money for a new bike in a couple years.

VeganForPeace

.

Ah, okay. My plan was to do that while using this bike to get myself used to the road biking style and make sure I actually liked it.

I'm sure the LBS would be happy to take lots of money from me later.

pgaulrapp

That's what I did. I got a cheap bike a lot like yours, put tires and tubes on it and went riding. Then the next year when I was sure I likes it, I went out and bought a new bike.