Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,403
Likes: 105
From: Dayton, Ohio
Bikes: Trek 720, Trek 620, Trek 520, Steel Schwinns, AD Puch, Kona, Nishiki Pro, All City Disc Spacehorse, Waterford
I am actually looking to buy a great vintage steel frame that is not a Schwinn. I have a Univega Superstrada and a Puch Starlight (Reynolds 531) frame that I have built (the only two bikes I own that are not Schwinn's). I have enough Voyageurs for touring. I am looking for a light, fairly responsive, sporty, vintage steel bike to ride on the many bike paths in the Dayton, Cincinnati, and Columbus areas. I do think and look beyond Dayton. I live in Dayton, work in Cincinnati, and have all my grandkids in Columbus. I look everywhere for decent vintage bikes.
I ride bikes that are 60cm to 63cm, comfortably.
I thought the Raliegh was in that size range - perhaps not. I may not have paid as close of attention as I should have - as I couldn't get past the no braze-ons or hangers.
I kind of enjoy building the frame I want into the bike I want. Its not the most economical, but it is personal.
I am open for suggetions to narrow my search. I will say, my favorite bike was a 57cm Nishiki Prestige built with Shimano 600 friction components.
It was just too small. I did everything to try and make that bike fit - extended and layback seat post and extended handlebar stem.
thank you