bicyclebunny

Alright, I'm here again looking for opinions. I'm looking at either a Panasonic Villager for $50 or a Kabuki (Bridgestone) Superlight (owner says it's a '77) for $60. Owner says the Panasonic is in great condition and ready to ride with new tires. The Kabuki needs a tune up but can still ride. I'm thinking the Bridgestone depending on the size.

And to reiterate from other posts: I'm wanting a bike that I can ride on paved trails as well as to and from the shops several times a week. I wouldn't mind something that needs a little TLC. I like to tinker. A solid starter bike. I've taken a liking to vintage ten speeds. They're a nice fit for me (I've had the chance to try a few).

Kabuki


Panasonic

Thumpic

Buy both. Rehab both. Ride both. Sell the one you don't like. If you buy carefully and do good work; you'll break even (at least).

I'm a Panasonic guy but that one is the bottom feeder of the line up. The steel wheels alone take it out of the running.

oddjob2

NOOO, Thumpic, you know better. That Panasonic has the FFS system, like having a food grinder for a transmission. STAY AWAY BICYCLEBUNNY!

That Kabuki Superlight is an oxymoron, only 2 lbs less than the Submariner model, a known boat anchor. New tires, tubes, chain, cables, housing, bar tape, + tools, and you'll be adding $100 to a bike still only worth $75 all cleaned up.

You should read mytenspeeds.com so you can buy an enjoyable bike to ride, even with a limited budget.

Thumpic

I have flipped several hundred bikes and have never had one with FFS. I guess they didn't sell well down here. Everything I've ever read says to run away from these. I will blindly concur...

I've flipped several Kabuki bikes and was always impressed by the fit and finish.

bicyclebunny

If they're not worth the effort, I'll just wait a little longer. The market is really dry out here. I've been obsessively checking craigslist, facebook, ebay, and going to garage sales and thrift stores. Not much other than kid's bikes and mountain bikes.

I was looking at this one, too. It's listed at $110 and is close to me, which is nice, but I have no idea what make or model this bike is.




I don't want to lay down 110 bucks not knowing what I'm getting. It's close enough that I could stop by and take a look.

merziac

This is another non starter, stamped or such dropouts, claw hanger rear derailleurs, 2 out of three are steel, seel wheels and cranks. You really need to raise your sights and as already said, read "my ten speeds" to get a way better feel for this.

bicyclebunny

I really am awful at it. I've read some but not all of my ten speeds. I'll have to do take time for a cram session.

merziac

No worries, we'll get you there if you let us. It really is an art of some sort and you do have to find your own path ultimately, but the basic knowledge is crucial to finding it imho.

daf1009

Stay away from both!!!!!

ramzilla

I might go grab that Kabuki. Seller would probably take $50 for it.

cycleheimer

If it is the right size, might be worth it. Wheels true? Tires not dried out? Gears and brakes function? Paint and metal finish look good? If so, show him $50 and see if he accepts. Then keep looking for more bikes...better, cheaper, and with more accessories on them. You can stumble across them at garage sales, church rummage sales, flea markets, etc. When you least expect it! Before you know it, you could be riding a vintage Masi,, Colnago, Frejus, Scapin, and then some. Remember: "It's not just a hobby, it's an addiction." BTW, the yellow/black bike is a low-end model that was repainted. Avoid.

grayEZrider

I agree with ramzilla. Grab the Kabuki for $50 and get started riding and learning. It's a good framed basic ten speed that will be easy to tinker with and learn from.

Clang

I'd say set your sights higher. Here's a nice, early 90's hybrid. Might be on the large side for someone 5'7"

Nishiki Katmandu - $100 (Roswell)

https://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/bik/6118857358.html

StarBiker

The question is do you have a bike, and if you don't do you need one now?
I am to cheap to spend. Something will turn up sooner or later, but that's me.
Both of those bikes look like junk to me. All three bikes look like stuff you would see in a thrift store for $20 and they would sit for a bit.

StarBiker

https://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/bik/6161591296.html

StarBiker

https://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/bik/6159031243.html

bicyclebunny

I have a mountain bike right now that I got years ago, but I'd much prefer a road bike especially since I'm not going off road at all. I have some cash coming my way in a month or so, so my budget may increase. I was looking at this Schwinn you linked to, but as of right this second $120 is out of my range.

Here's hoping next month has a better selection. I'll probably sell my mountain bike once I find a reliable replacement.

StarBiker

Pound all the thrift stores in your area relentlessly. Never give up.
Also put a sad ad on your local CL. Starving student needs a bike. Just be careful and don't meet a stranger and get bopped on the head.

bicyclebunny

Haha. I went thrifting this past week. And I hit up the garage sales this weekend. I remain ever vigilant.

ryansu

I have always loved the Kabuki if only for that awesome head badge
[IMG]Kabuki by Ryan Surface, on Flickr[/IMG]

exxongraftek

The second bike shop I wrenched at was a Kabuki/Roberts dealer. Odd mix perhaps, but it worked for him, as did I.

He paid me in Campagnolo SR and Regina Titanium parts at retail credit for my hourly wages (of course, he paid wholesale for the parts).

However, were it not for that, I'd have no vintage cycle collection today. I think that makes him one of my enablers...

zukahn1 

Actually they sold pretty good but were so bad most of the bikes that had them have been scraped.