Originally Posted by
Eyes Roll
That's to prepare myself to spend an amount of $200 to $250 for a 1980s bike?
...what does the era of construction have to do with it ? Maybe you would be happier with a new bike.
Originally Posted by
Eyes Roll
What brand of tires (& tubes) do you recommend, since you seem to own a Nishiki Sport from the 70s? "No flats" tires only please. I am willing to invest in the best quality tires, no matter what.
...many people with a wide range of mechanical skills, and life experiences, start threads here for advice. My reaction at this point to your questions is that maybe you would be happier with a new bike, or maybe taking the bus. While there are some tyres /tubes that are guaranteed not to flat, they slow you down considerably. Most people settle for a compromise of some flat protection in a commuter tyre, maybe even use some sort of internal sealant that will work to seal small punctures. But no flats is kind of a marketing myth.
When you start a thread asking if 50 bucks is a good price for a decent bike, then segue to a willingness to spend whatever it takes to get the best tyres that will never go flat, it indicates that maybe you won't be happy as a bike commuter. I would say you have some unrealistic expectations as a starting point, which is a recipe for disappointment. Bicycles are a marvelous means of transportation, but they are not without mechanical problems that arise as a mater of course. You can either learn to deal with them yourself, which is usually the cheapest solution.
Or you can pay someone at a shop. But those guys are not working for five bucks an hour any more. So, as already stated, 50 bucks is small change in terms of your startup cost investment.