Originally Posted by
MInArmagh
Hi all, newbie here, please go easy on me
I'm taking my first leap into the world of retro bicycles and could use some help. I have spotted this bike online, it has a 23" frame, 7 speed, 52T Crank, 700C wheels, along with what looks like a mismatch of other components.
I would like to get more into road cycling, I am currently using my mountain bike for this! Does this bike look decent or should I continue my search?
The bike looks more like a 24" frame than a 23". Judging from the stamped steel dropouts and the way the seat stays attach, it looks like an entry level Japanese frame made of heavy "gas pipe" tubing. The components are low end too.
My first recommendation is to figure out what frame size or size range fits your needs. Second, how much do you want to spend?
Add about 50% to that figure because that's what it may end up costing you with things like new cables and housings, brake pads, tires, tubes, bar tape, repacking the bearings and a tuneup.
No bike is a bargain it the frame is too big or too small.
Once you decide how much you want to spend, you can find nice bikes for $250 to $500 USD. Look in thrift stores, yard sales, Craigslist and on eBay.
Good luck and happy hunting.
verktyg
Chas.