Originally Posted by
SkyDog75
I took on a similar project, albeit for my daughter instead of my wife. I picked up a '91 Bianchi Advantage with a mixte-ish frame like the Schwinn you linked above. (Mixte-
"ish" as in it has a single top tube.) I meant for it to be a powder coat and easy refurb, but it snowballed as my projects often do...
I replaced the drop bar with a
Velo Orange tourist bar. I replaced the dull, somewhat corroded galvanized spokes with shiny new
Sapim stainless steel ones. I replaced the ugly MTB triple crankset with a shiny new semi-compact double. That required new shifters, too, and
Shimano TX-30's worked great with the new setup and handlebar. New saddle, cork grips, new brake pads, new chain, new freewheel, new tires, new cables and housings...
Maybe I went a little further than you'd need to, and I could've spent less, but my daughter wound up with a one-of-a-kind bike she absolutely loves. I probably spent upward of $400 on it, but that was a
complete teardown and overhaul to like-new condition. With the right bike as a starting point, you can do something great in the $200-300 range. The Sekai you posted could be refurbed in that range. It already has the handlebar setup you're looking for, aluminum rims, decent components, standard tire size... A new paint or powder job, new consumables, and elbow grease would leave you with a very pretty, functional bike.
SkyDog, we seem to be on the same wavelength. Thanks for the links, too. I'm not sure that Sekai is large enough, as it looks tiny in the photo, but it is probably worth investigating. I'm going to take a look at it now.
Originally Posted by
I-Like-To-Bike
What is the problem with steel rims, given the planned use of the bike for ten to fifteen miles on local multi-use paths on nice weekends?
The Raleigh Sports models would be perfect for that use, and if in decent shape would serve the OP's wife well without any fuss, muss or maintenance.
I'd prefer 'loomnum rims for better braking and weight savings, although the latter may be a theoretical paper advantage for the use this bike will see. Also, in anything built in the last forty years or so, steel wheels seem to be a sort of no-go indicator that the rest of the bike is of a lower grade than I want to invest much time and money in.
Originally Posted by
indyfabz
I like the Schwinn.
Some of them are very pretty. Which one are you referring to?
Originally Posted by
fietsbob
...go and test ride each for fit/ size. I cant to that for you.
Do you mean to suggest that you're not willing to drive inland and spend a few days test-riding random junk heaps for a pair of total strangers? And this used to be a good country...
Bob, what I am trying to do here is get a better feel for what sort of bikes are worth pursuing, and which ones are not. We'll find something that fits the rider as well as the plan.
Originally Posted by
Phil_gretz
go to the BikesDirect web site, and click on the women's tab.
Scroll down to the 3-speed Windsor Oxford ladies, blemished, on sale for $299. Go for the pink in 49 cm. Done.
It's everything that you described.
Unless, of course, building the bike is a necessary part for you...
Phil, that's an interesting idea, but it's not right for us. Building the bike isn't necessary, but I'm happy to do it; I enjoy the process, and I'd much prefer saving an old bike with some sort of character than just buying a new Chinese...thing.
There are way too many guns in this house for me to insult this woman with a pink bicycle.
Originally Posted by
fixedweasel
That ^^^^ is the answer. I've bought several bikes from Bikes Direct with brilliant results. If you want cheaper, keep scrounging Craigslist. Patience. Something will pop up. I wish you lived here. I often have completely rebuilt Mixte's that I sell here in Chicago for under $125. Just sold a beautiful Miyata 14 speed for $90.
Well, it's not so much that I want something cheaper - more that I think we can get a better bike by improving and updating an old machine than by buying a new-in-box cheapie.
There are a dozen bikes on Craigslist that could be had tonight, in budget, that would fit the rider and go down a paved path with little drama. But we have time to figure out what the most-best combination would be.
Here's an early Specialized HardRock for peanuts. Might be a decent candidate for a conversion like SkyDog75 did:
https://eugene.craigslist.org/bik/d/...469431272.html
Thanks for all the ideas. It may sound it, but I'm not trying to be obstinate - just trying to get the best result I can.