JnaNsn91

I need a beater bike that I could use to travel short distances. Is this a good bike for the task. I do not have much experience with bikes, so any help would be appreciated.

Here is the link:
https://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/bik/2537056940.html

The owner is asking for $180.00. Please keep in mind that everyday I am not biking, I am wasting $6.00 on bus fare to and from Soccer Practice. : p

clydeosaur

Is it your size? Needs tires. Other than that it looks like a good source of transportation. Make sure the rims are fairly straight / tight & the cables aren't frozen. No harsh noises. Ask if he will take $140 for it.

JnaNsn91

Darn, it seems that I have gotten the sizing wrong. For my height the bike should have a frame of 58 - 60 cm. : p Thanks for the input though.

Seattle Forrest

Test ride some bikes. Trying to guess your frame size from your height is ... not very precise. You could have long legs and short arms, the reverse, or somewhere in between.

JnaNsn91

Thanks SF. Anyone familiar with the Iron Horse Victory?

https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/899147/

ahsposo 

Page has been pulled or bad link.

Kurogashi

I'm not sure what's your budget but this is in our city:
https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/907238/

It's a pretty good deal. Heck, if only it was a 52cm, I would've bought it.

Edit: You say you ft 58-60cm, so a 54 might be a tad small. But since you're new.. who knows.
I'd check that dent out though.

Soma Roark

If you just want a beater you can find some for way cheaper/crappier hehe check out good will, police auctions, craigs, freecycle, etc... if you go to the classic/vintage section, I bet there is someone in your area who will help you out or heck, probably have what you're looking for!

JnaNsn91

Thanks Kurogashi, I was close to just taking the plunge and buying the Trek, called the guy. We talked. In the end, if only it was 56 or 58 inch frame.

I'm going at to look at these beaters tomorrow. Can't go wrong for a 100 dollars.
Here they are:

https://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/bik/2541784174.html
https://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/bik/2541758427.html

55/Rad

Ummm..yes you can. Especially if you need a 58-60. Both of those are way too small.

Kurogashi

20inch in cm is 51cm. Isn't that way too small? That first bike is definitely 48-50cm. The second looks like a 54cm. I'm not sure if this guy knows what he's talking about, or maybe my eyes are playing tricks on me. Anyway, if you're going for a beater, I say wait a week and keep checking back here:

https://www.policeauctionscanada.com/...menbr=73603364
My buddy actually got that exact same Free Spirit as the one you linked 2 weeks ago for $35 on this police auction. It came in a decent condition. Tires were trashed though, but you can get cheap 27x1 1/4 inch tires for $25ish, if not less.

Heck here's a "20-inch", if you're willing to settle for a 20 inch.
https://www.policeauctionscanada.com/...unbr=161489974

Remember, if you're going to buy a beater, inspect the hell out of it before buying it. Lift the bike up, spin the wheels and look straight down on them and see if they waver (wavering = out of true). Test ride it, listen for any noises. Check the brake levers, and shifting, are they gummy or decent? A $100 beater may end up making you pay $100-200 in repairs, if the spokes suddenly starts snapping, axles are broken, and any other problem that I can't think of at the moment.

Oh, check out Charlie's Bike Shop (Sherbourne/Queen) or Bike Pirates (near Bloor and Lansdowne), they sell used bikes. FWIW, they're both non for profit, so your money goes to a good cause. I believe their price ranges from 100-250. They have solid bikes, professionally tuned. Most of the 'refurbished' bikes have new wheels, tires, cables, and housings. The last time I was at Charlie's, they didn't have any road bikes, well there are 'road bikes', but has been now converted into 'cruisers' (changed the handlebars). I am sure they can easily switch it back in a few hours or so if you asked and are serious about the purchase. There is this cyclocross bike though, I think 54 or 56cm with front shocks, relatively thin tires, curved handle bars, and it has STI shifters (I think it was Sora.. not sure but it shifts decently) for $250. If you're going to go to Charlie's, I say go on a Saturday. The mechanic there is super nice (as long as you're polite and nice to him - it's a different story if you're not). He'll be willing to do a lot of things free of charge.

Anyway, good luck.

Sundance89

As far as sizing - there is noooo reason to compromise when buying an old beater because there are plenty of larger sizes out there. Bikes were sold/sized bigger back then with the old rule of no more than a fist full of seat post showing.

Hit your area garage sales this weekend too. You'll be surprised how little you pay for a bike that's been sitting in someone's garage for 25 years.