Originally Posted by wrk101

So little real information in that ad, such as what is the frame made out of, component model, and so on. Most of the Sekine's I have seen were low end.

When an ad is full of fluff, I assume the meat is not there. Not always true, but often that is the case. Someone who takes that much time to write fluff surely could have mentioned positive attributes if it had any.

I'm kind of doubting cantilever brakes. Back in that era, those were quite rare. I've seen plenty of sellers call center pull caliper brakes "cantilever". Of course, without a picture, this is a guess.

Seeing the pictures, my guesses appear to be on target. Me, that bike is a BIG PASS even at $200 (or $100).

Learn how to spot bottom end bikes: steel rims, stamped drop outs, claw rear derailleur hanger, stamped steel RD, turkey levers, likely steel handlebars and seat post, steel hubs, steel crankset. Its not about brand, its about the build.

I love vintage bikes, but IMHO, at the low end, riders are better off with an 1980s rigid frame MTB. Aim high, get a good one. Midrange MTBs will have better brakes, triple crankset, better components, handle almost any tire width and yes, they can be LIGHTER in weight than bottom end road bikes.