Schwinn Mesa Runner 1984ish like new...
12-22-17, 06:39 PM
#1
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Schwinn Mesa Runner 1984ish like new...
What would a minty clean, in show room condition 1984/85 Schwinn Mesa Runner be worth today?
I found one that's been stored in a sealed bag since new, its got 3 miles on the vintage Huret odometer which still works. Even the tires are preserved and still have their nipples on them.
Its as if it rolled off the dealer's floor yesterday. (The same seller has a half dozen bikes all from that same era in the same condition).
Its even a larger frame model, I think its a 23" frame. The guy had it stored in a clear zipper type 'Bike Bag' since it was new.
He's also got a late 70's 24" frame Varsity in the same condition, plus two Nishiki mountain bikes stored the same way.
The Mesa Runner is the best of the bunch, lots of aluminum, (rims, bars, seat post, cranks, etc.).
The Nishiki's are steel everything, I think those are Pueblo models, also in taller frames.
He's asking $350 for the Schwinn MTB, $500 for the Varsity, and $200 for each of the Nishiki bikes. I'm only interested in the Mesa Runner though. He had a Panasonic ATB, in a super tall frame for $400, but he said that sold already.
I found one that's been stored in a sealed bag since new, its got 3 miles on the vintage Huret odometer which still works. Even the tires are preserved and still have their nipples on them.
Its as if it rolled off the dealer's floor yesterday. (The same seller has a half dozen bikes all from that same era in the same condition).
Its even a larger frame model, I think its a 23" frame. The guy had it stored in a clear zipper type 'Bike Bag' since it was new.
He's also got a late 70's 24" frame Varsity in the same condition, plus two Nishiki mountain bikes stored the same way.
The Mesa Runner is the best of the bunch, lots of aluminum, (rims, bars, seat post, cranks, etc.).
The Nishiki's are steel everything, I think those are Pueblo models, also in taller frames.
He's asking $350 for the Schwinn MTB, $500 for the Varsity, and $200 for each of the Nishiki bikes. I'm only interested in the Mesa Runner though. He had a Panasonic ATB, in a super tall frame for $400, but he said that sold already.
12-22-17, 07:01 PM
#2
Senior Member
I'd put the value of the Schwinn's at no more than half the asking prices, and that is only if they are truly like new. To get anything higher than that he'd have to sell them on eBay and deal with fees, shipping, etc.
12-23-17, 08:48 AM
#4
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Thread Starter
I went and looked at it, its as new as I've seen anything from that period. The decals are lifting here and there but otherwise its showroom mint. The tires are Cheng Shin, the dropouts are forged, the bars, seat post, and crankset are all alloy. The front chain rings are steel. The derailleurs are Suntour Sevin GT. The seat is early Avenir, the rear rack is Blackburn MTN. The wheels are Araya with steel spokes and the calipers are MX sidepulls, much like those used on some BMX bikes. Its got a set of Araya branded plastic fenders on it that don't show any signs of being ridden. I would have left with it but its too small for me, I need a taller frame, with a 38" inseam, its hard to get a bike that gives me good leg extension. I was looking at an MTB since I want to ride on a lot of hard packed trails.
I also don't want new, I broke two aluminum frames over the years.
My take is that this bike is made by Giant for Schwinn. I had a later model Sierra that I sold years ago and regretted it as time went on. I paid over $800 for the Sierra new in 1989 and rode it only a few times before moving. The Sierra had cantilver brakes and a chromoly frame but the brakes were its worst feature. The one issue I remember having with it was the brakes dragging and not being worth a dam in the cold or wet.
Its been my experience that the lower end model bikes are tougher models. At 6ft 3" tall and over 300 lbs, super light chromoly and low spoke counts don't work. Big, heavy, and steel is the way to go. Finding one of these that's not been beaten to death or left to rust away in some scrap pile is tough. When they do turn up, they bring top dollar, especially in taller frames.
As I get older, and heavier, I'm pickier as to how well a bike fits me. I've had knee problems since I was a teen, I need a bike that allows me to get almost complete leg extension to ride comfortably. Any less and I irritate the issues with my knees.
The Mesa Runner, Sierra, and High Sierra in those years were all pretty much the same with varied levels of equipment and gears. The High Sierra was full Chromoly.
Personally I prefer the Mese Runner because it has steel chain rings and a heavier frame. I've broken a half dozen frames over the years, all were chromoly road bikes.
The bike I really want is an earlier Sidewinder but finding one of them in a 26" frame is tough. I had one but it was rough. I sold it in barely rideable condition to a guy at work for $400 last summer. He completely restored it and gave it to his son.
The Sidewinder however was a much heavier bike, it used a modified version of the Varsity frame.
I like the MR since it has fenders, and they fit well. Many newer bikes can't mount old school style fenders that really keep a rider dry.
Here's the only pic from his ad
I also don't want new, I broke two aluminum frames over the years.
My take is that this bike is made by Giant for Schwinn. I had a later model Sierra that I sold years ago and regretted it as time went on. I paid over $800 for the Sierra new in 1989 and rode it only a few times before moving. The Sierra had cantilver brakes and a chromoly frame but the brakes were its worst feature. The one issue I remember having with it was the brakes dragging and not being worth a dam in the cold or wet.
Its been my experience that the lower end model bikes are tougher models. At 6ft 3" tall and over 300 lbs, super light chromoly and low spoke counts don't work. Big, heavy, and steel is the way to go. Finding one of these that's not been beaten to death or left to rust away in some scrap pile is tough. When they do turn up, they bring top dollar, especially in taller frames.
As I get older, and heavier, I'm pickier as to how well a bike fits me. I've had knee problems since I was a teen, I need a bike that allows me to get almost complete leg extension to ride comfortably. Any less and I irritate the issues with my knees.
The Mesa Runner, Sierra, and High Sierra in those years were all pretty much the same with varied levels of equipment and gears. The High Sierra was full Chromoly.
Personally I prefer the Mese Runner because it has steel chain rings and a heavier frame. I've broken a half dozen frames over the years, all were chromoly road bikes.
The bike I really want is an earlier Sidewinder but finding one of them in a 26" frame is tough. I had one but it was rough. I sold it in barely rideable condition to a guy at work for $400 last summer. He completely restored it and gave it to his son.
The Sidewinder however was a much heavier bike, it used a modified version of the Varsity frame.
I like the MR since it has fenders, and they fit well. Many newer bikes can't mount old school style fenders that really keep a rider dry.
Here's the only pic from his ad
Last edited by oldlugs; 12-23-17 at 08:53 AM.
12-23-17, 08:50 AM
#5
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What would a minty clean, in show room condition 1984/85 Schwinn Mesa Runner be worth today?
I found one that's been stored in a sealed bag since new, its got 3 miles on the vintage Huret odometer which still works. Even the tires are preserved and still have their nipples on them.
Its as if it rolled off the dealer's floor yesterday. (The same seller has a half dozen bikes all from that same era in the same condition).
Its even a larger frame model, I think its a 23" frame. The guy had it stored in a clear zipper type 'Bike Bag' since it was new.
He's also got a late 70's 24" frame Varsity in the same condition, plus two Nishiki mountain bikes stored the same way.
The Mesa Runner is the best of the bunch, lots of aluminum, (rims, bars, seat post, cranks, etc.).
The Nishiki's are steel everything, I think those are Pueblo models, also in taller frames.
He's asking $350 for the Schwinn MTB, $500 for the Varsity, and $200 for each of the Nishiki bikes. I'm only interested in the Mesa Runner though. He had a Panasonic ATB, in a super tall frame for $400, but he said that sold already.
I found one that's been stored in a sealed bag since new, its got 3 miles on the vintage Huret odometer which still works. Even the tires are preserved and still have their nipples on them.
Its as if it rolled off the dealer's floor yesterday. (The same seller has a half dozen bikes all from that same era in the same condition).
Its even a larger frame model, I think its a 23" frame. The guy had it stored in a clear zipper type 'Bike Bag' since it was new.
He's also got a late 70's 24" frame Varsity in the same condition, plus two Nishiki mountain bikes stored the same way.
The Mesa Runner is the best of the bunch, lots of aluminum, (rims, bars, seat post, cranks, etc.).
The Nishiki's are steel everything, I think those are Pueblo models, also in taller frames.
He's asking $350 for the Schwinn MTB, $500 for the Varsity, and $200 for each of the Nishiki bikes. I'm only interested in the Mesa Runner though. He had a Panasonic ATB, in a super tall frame for $400, but he said that sold already.
12-23-17, 08:57 AM
#6
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I thought so too but I haven't found anything but junk or new, and anything new is aluminum and made in China.
I took a walk this morning through a local flea market, I found lots of Chinese junk, all needing work, a late 90's Raleigh that wouldn't shift and in need of new spokes and rims for $250, and a Walmart Schwinn that looked new but with some missing hardware for $150.
After what I've been seeing, $300 or so for a bike I can ride away doesn't seem all that bad.
There isn't anything on the bike shop floor under a grand, and nothing in a steel frame or in my size. It seems mountain bikes and leisure bikes don't come larger than a 23" frame? The all plastic derailleurs and click shift stuff don't instill confidence in me either.
I took a walk this morning through a local flea market, I found lots of Chinese junk, all needing work, a late 90's Raleigh that wouldn't shift and in need of new spokes and rims for $250, and a Walmart Schwinn that looked new but with some missing hardware for $150.
After what I've been seeing, $300 or so for a bike I can ride away doesn't seem all that bad.
There isn't anything on the bike shop floor under a grand, and nothing in a steel frame or in my size. It seems mountain bikes and leisure bikes don't come larger than a 23" frame? The all plastic derailleurs and click shift stuff don't instill confidence in me either.
12-23-17, 05:37 PM
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I thought so too but I haven't found anything but junk or new, and anything new is aluminum and made in China.
I took a walk this morning through a local flea market, I found lots of Chinese junk, all needing work, a late 90's Raleigh that wouldn't shift and in need of new spokes and rims for $250, and a Walmart Schwinn that looked new but with some missing hardware for $150.
After what I've been seeing, $300 or so for a bike I can ride away doesn't seem all that bad.
There isn't anything on the bike shop floor under a grand, and nothing in a steel frame or in my size. It seems mountain bikes and leisure bikes don't come larger than a 23" frame? The all plastic derailleurs and click shift stuff don't instill confidence in me either.
I took a walk this morning through a local flea market, I found lots of Chinese junk, all needing work, a late 90's Raleigh that wouldn't shift and in need of new spokes and rims for $250, and a Walmart Schwinn that looked new but with some missing hardware for $150.
After what I've been seeing, $300 or so for a bike I can ride away doesn't seem all that bad.
There isn't anything on the bike shop floor under a grand, and nothing in a steel frame or in my size. It seems mountain bikes and leisure bikes don't come larger than a 23" frame? The all plastic derailleurs and click shift stuff don't instill confidence in me either.
A Mesa Runner probably wasn't even 350 brand new in 1985.
12-23-17, 08:12 PM
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$350 is too much for that. Take your time. There are better bikes out there for $300.
BUT it's your $300 so do what you want with it.
BUT it's your $300 so do what you want with it.
12-23-17, 10:54 PM
#9
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I've been looking around now for almost a year, not much out there in an older MTB here. There's plenty of beat up junk and China built bikes but no clean larger frame MTB's.
When it comes to used bikes, its either CL or Flea markets here, the thrift stores rarely have bikes, and when they do, they're busted up department store models. Most of the thrift stores take their bikes to the flea market.
Bike shops won't sell used due to liability, they won't even work on used bikes these days. If they didn't sell it, they won't touch it.
The last real bike shop closed up around here more than 10 years ago, they were the last to still remember bikes that weren't made in China. These days its hard to tell shop bikes from Walmart bikes.
There's a Nishiki Pueblo on CL for $400, but its rough, and in a smaller frame. It too was an entry level model. There's a Schwinn High Plains listed too, but over an hour away for $250, but it looks like it spent the last 30 years outdoors tied to a tree.
I kick myself for passing on the Panasonic ATB that sold over the summer here, I thought $400 was steep for an old bike but it sold fast. That was a huge frame, maybe 26" or better. I passed on it because it needed wheels and the seat and post were missing. I later saw what I believe was the same bike parted out on fleabay.
When it comes to used bikes, its either CL or Flea markets here, the thrift stores rarely have bikes, and when they do, they're busted up department store models. Most of the thrift stores take their bikes to the flea market.
Bike shops won't sell used due to liability, they won't even work on used bikes these days. If they didn't sell it, they won't touch it.
The last real bike shop closed up around here more than 10 years ago, they were the last to still remember bikes that weren't made in China. These days its hard to tell shop bikes from Walmart bikes.
There's a Nishiki Pueblo on CL for $400, but its rough, and in a smaller frame. It too was an entry level model. There's a Schwinn High Plains listed too, but over an hour away for $250, but it looks like it spent the last 30 years outdoors tied to a tree.
I kick myself for passing on the Panasonic ATB that sold over the summer here, I thought $400 was steep for an old bike but it sold fast. That was a huge frame, maybe 26" or better. I passed on it because it needed wheels and the seat and post were missing. I later saw what I believe was the same bike parted out on fleabay.
12-23-17, 11:20 PM
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12-24-17, 07:48 AM
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As far as that $400 Panasonic, more than likely, it did not sell at all. Just because an ad on C/L disappears, does not mean it actually sold. And even if the seller tells you it sold, doesn't make it so. My guess is the one you saw parted out was the same guy selling it that way. I've parted out quite a few MTBs on ebay. No way I'm getting $400 on ebay out of a Panasonic ATB. I typically get more like $200, $250 max, and it needs to have desirable parts. Most ATB don't have such parts.
As far as China, most bicycle shop branded bikes are now made in China. China makes really good stuff, average stuff, and mediocre stuff. Not all China made bikes are Walmart crap. All of my Apple computer stuff came from China. I recently saw a Specialized branded bike at a bike shop, made in Cambodia!!!
__________________
Please don't confuse ebay "asking" prices with "selling" prices. Many sellers never get their ask price. some are far from it. Value is determined once an item actually SELLS. Its easy enough to check SOLD prices.
Please don't confuse ebay "asking" prices with "selling" prices. Many sellers never get their ask price. some are far from it. Value is determined once an item actually SELLS. Its easy enough to check SOLD prices.
Last edited by wrk101; 12-24-17 at 07:51 AM.
12-25-17, 05:08 PM
#12
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I took a ride over the weekend and stopped at one of the larger shops about an hour from here, they had only higher end bikes, most were road bikes in the $3500 and up range, and a few mtb or cross type bikes, all of which started no less than $800. Not a single bike in stock was a larger frame, all were tiny frames. None were common brands or anything I've heard of, no Raleigh, No Schwinn, no Fuji, no Trek.
The one dealer that does sell Trek doesn't keep lower end models, only top end. One dealer told me I was too big to ride a bike and they wouldn't even consider selling me one. The comment was "Bikes today aren't built like they used to be, 175 lbs max rider weight is it".
One shop told me flat out they don't make large frames anymore, they don't sell.
The Panasonic ATB did bring $400, I met the guy who bought it, he's 6' 8" tall, and over 350 lbs. He bought it to convert into a fishing bike. I saw it a few days ago down at the pier in AC. He was still riding his old bike, which was rusted through from saltwater exposure.
He was the one who told me about the Schwinn.
I have a few more dollars to play with now, I sold my 26" frame Nishiki Custom Sport last night for $300. I had tried to convert that to a more all purpose bike with upright bars and 1 3/8" tires but it just didn't cut it. I didn't like the feel of the tall bike on thin tires on dirt or sand.
I'm not opposed to drive to get what I want. I want a larger framed, solid suspension MTB with friction shift, lower gear count is preferred, I don't see the need for all those speeds, 10 is fine.
26" wheels, streetable tires, nothing that creates big resistance on the road, a taller frame, up to a 34" standover height is fine. This depends on the frame design, the higher the crank, the larger the frame I need.
I looked at a few bikes but they needed new rubber and cables right away and the guy wanted $250 each, that's another $100 or more at today's prices. The Mesa Runner needs nothing. Many of the used bikes I find have rust all over them from either being stored outside or being run in the salt air at the shore here. If its going to get rusty, I'd rather it be my doing not the result of years of neglect.
I looked at tall frame Panasonic ATB from the early 80's last week, it needs rims, tires, tubes, cables, and the guy said the seat post is stuck where its at like that other one that sold. I priced the parts to build the wheels, plus the tires, tubes, cables, seat post, saddle, some fenders, and some new grips and I'd be looking at over $600 in parts not counting my time building the wheels.
Finding vintage HD MTB rims is tough, the last set of Araya Dimpled 26" wheels I saw online sold for $200 used.
I haven't seen a set of them on ebay in years.
There is really no modern subsitute for the old 2.1" wide Araya Dimpled rim for the ATB that I've seen and its by far the strongest for a big rider.
The one dealer that does sell Trek doesn't keep lower end models, only top end. One dealer told me I was too big to ride a bike and they wouldn't even consider selling me one. The comment was "Bikes today aren't built like they used to be, 175 lbs max rider weight is it".
One shop told me flat out they don't make large frames anymore, they don't sell.
The Panasonic ATB did bring $400, I met the guy who bought it, he's 6' 8" tall, and over 350 lbs. He bought it to convert into a fishing bike. I saw it a few days ago down at the pier in AC. He was still riding his old bike, which was rusted through from saltwater exposure.
He was the one who told me about the Schwinn.
I have a few more dollars to play with now, I sold my 26" frame Nishiki Custom Sport last night for $300. I had tried to convert that to a more all purpose bike with upright bars and 1 3/8" tires but it just didn't cut it. I didn't like the feel of the tall bike on thin tires on dirt or sand.
I'm not opposed to drive to get what I want. I want a larger framed, solid suspension MTB with friction shift, lower gear count is preferred, I don't see the need for all those speeds, 10 is fine.
26" wheels, streetable tires, nothing that creates big resistance on the road, a taller frame, up to a 34" standover height is fine. This depends on the frame design, the higher the crank, the larger the frame I need.
I looked at a few bikes but they needed new rubber and cables right away and the guy wanted $250 each, that's another $100 or more at today's prices. The Mesa Runner needs nothing. Many of the used bikes I find have rust all over them from either being stored outside or being run in the salt air at the shore here. If its going to get rusty, I'd rather it be my doing not the result of years of neglect.
I looked at tall frame Panasonic ATB from the early 80's last week, it needs rims, tires, tubes, cables, and the guy said the seat post is stuck where its at like that other one that sold. I priced the parts to build the wheels, plus the tires, tubes, cables, seat post, saddle, some fenders, and some new grips and I'd be looking at over $600 in parts not counting my time building the wheels.
Finding vintage HD MTB rims is tough, the last set of Araya Dimpled 26" wheels I saw online sold for $200 used.
I haven't seen a set of them on ebay in years.
There is really no modern subsitute for the old 2.1" wide Araya Dimpled rim for the ATB that I've seen and its by far the strongest for a big rider.
12-25-17, 05:25 PM
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https://goldcountry.craigslist.org/b...429114972.html not too far from you, right?
12-25-17, 05:41 PM
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If you can't find anything that you like better, buy the Mesa Runner.
12-25-17, 07:58 PM
#15
Cyclist
https://goldcountry.craigslist.org/b...429114972.html not too far from you, right?
12-25-17, 08:58 PM
#16
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"Finding vintage HD MTB rims is tough, the last set of Araya Dimpled 26" wheels I saw online sold for $200 used.
I haven't seen a set of them on ebay in years.
There is really no modern subsitute for the old 2.1" wide Araya Dimpled rim for the ATB that I've seen and its by far the strongest for a big rider."
Interesting. I'll have to pull out a set of those. I typically donate them to the co-op. Didn't realize they had a following.
I haven't seen a set of them on ebay in years.
There is really no modern subsitute for the old 2.1" wide Araya Dimpled rim for the ATB that I've seen and its by far the strongest for a big rider."
Interesting. I'll have to pull out a set of those. I typically donate them to the co-op. Didn't realize they had a following.
Last edited by wrk101; 12-25-17 at 09:04 PM.
12-25-17, 10:23 PM
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https://goldcountry.craigslist.org/b...429114972.html not too far from you, right?
Last edited by 2cam16; 12-26-17 at 12:04 PM.
12-26-17, 12:24 AM
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How about a silver brazed paramount mountain bike in a 23" in frame for less then what the guy is asking for a gas pipe made in taiwan mesa runner. This bike is near me with an asking price of 300.
00p0p_1q01M5IfH81_1200x900.jpg
There was also a mint fillet brazed Schwinn High Sierra mountain bike that sat on my C-list for a while for 90 dollars.
A mesa runner sold for 15 bucks.
I'm just saying better deals are out there. If the mesa runner is what you want it's your money. But it's only a $50-100 bike.
00p0p_1q01M5IfH81_1200x900.jpg
There was also a mint fillet brazed Schwinn High Sierra mountain bike that sat on my C-list for a while for 90 dollars.
A mesa runner sold for 15 bucks.
I'm just saying better deals are out there. If the mesa runner is what you want it's your money. But it's only a $50-100 bike.
12-26-17, 07:01 AM
#19
Still learning
FMV on Mesa Runner in pristine condition $150-200.
i would be after an XL nuke proof Trek: 850, 930, 950. Speialized and Miyata MTBs are great too.
Or
https://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/b...431488518.html
i would be after an XL nuke proof Trek: 850, 930, 950. Speialized and Miyata MTBs are great too.
Or
https://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/b...431488518.html
Last edited by oddjob2; 12-26-17 at 07:15 AM.
12-26-17, 12:11 PM
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12-26-17, 12:57 PM
#21
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None of those are anywhere near me, I'm 20 minutes from Atlantic City.
Even if that Paramount was near me, I'd still have to buy it some new street tires and fenders, making it far more than the Mesa Runner.
Either way, the Mesa Runner is gone, I called him this morning and he said it sold Christmas morning. He sold that and two others he had there.
There's a 24" frame Panasonic ATB in a local free paper here that 'needs work' for $250. There's dozens of newer bikes for cheap, plenty of newer non friction shift bikes but nothing older with s big frame.
I trash picked a Raleigh Talon this morning, its a taller frame but it needs everything. All the cables are frayed or jammed up, the twist grip shifters are broken, it needs two tires and tubes, has no fenders, and the bars, stem, seat post, and cranks are steel. The cranks will have to go as one pedal is stripped out in the arm, the chain is rusted stiff on one side and the rear wheel is missing about 8 spokes.
I can make it like that Mesa Runner with a pair of fenders off ebay for $75, two new tires and tubes, about $100 if i can find something in a wider tire with a solid center tread rib, I'm likely better off just respoking both wheels with good spokes, so figure $80+/- for two boxes of DT stainless spokes, (no local dealers keep spokes so I'll have to order a complete box of both sizes). A pair of alloy bars and stem, another $30 or so off ebay, a decent seat post and saddle, another $50 or so, maybe more. A used alloy crankset and most likely a new bottom bracket, at least another $50 for something to match the era of this bike. Then I'd like a decent rear rack, so ad another $20 or so to the list.
The only problem is I'll have more into this Raleigh that I got for free than I'd have had in the Mesa Runner. Parts aren't cheap, tires have gotten downright expensive these days, and finding good tires is tough. There isn't any local dealers that stock older type parts either.
At the very least, the Raleigh needs new shifters and cables, a new seat, the wheels rebuilt, and a crankset and pedals. I'm leaning toward it being nothing but junk. The tires on it are ok but they're more suited for plowing the back 40 then rolling down the road here, and the seat is solid plastic, not something my 50 year old butt wants any part of. The original shifters look like junk, all plastic and all torn up. As are the grips. The bike itself isn't in bad shape otherwise, no rust, no paint loss, and its a taller frame. It is heavy but that don't bother me much. The frame says 4130 tubing, so to me that means plain steel, which is fine by me, I'm not racing and a few pounds either way don't matter much. Thicker tubes means it'll take longer for it to rust through and break.
I did try aluminum but it lasted only one summer, the salt ate into the aluminum anywhere it touched a steel part. The bottom bracket broke free of the frame after the first ride of the second season.
Steel lasts longer, especially if I spray the inside of the frame with something like BoeShield or even a good congealing chain lube.
Even if say that Gary Fisher was local, I'd still be looking at new tires, tubes, a rear rack, and fenders. So the $90 bike becomes a $300 bike real fast.
Another point I'm noticing with this Raleigh here, mounting fenders with the cantilever or U brakes might be an issue? I don't see how the V cable can clear the wide fenders it'll need to clear the tires.
Even if that Paramount was near me, I'd still have to buy it some new street tires and fenders, making it far more than the Mesa Runner.
Either way, the Mesa Runner is gone, I called him this morning and he said it sold Christmas morning. He sold that and two others he had there.
There's a 24" frame Panasonic ATB in a local free paper here that 'needs work' for $250. There's dozens of newer bikes for cheap, plenty of newer non friction shift bikes but nothing older with s big frame.
I trash picked a Raleigh Talon this morning, its a taller frame but it needs everything. All the cables are frayed or jammed up, the twist grip shifters are broken, it needs two tires and tubes, has no fenders, and the bars, stem, seat post, and cranks are steel. The cranks will have to go as one pedal is stripped out in the arm, the chain is rusted stiff on one side and the rear wheel is missing about 8 spokes.
I can make it like that Mesa Runner with a pair of fenders off ebay for $75, two new tires and tubes, about $100 if i can find something in a wider tire with a solid center tread rib, I'm likely better off just respoking both wheels with good spokes, so figure $80+/- for two boxes of DT stainless spokes, (no local dealers keep spokes so I'll have to order a complete box of both sizes). A pair of alloy bars and stem, another $30 or so off ebay, a decent seat post and saddle, another $50 or so, maybe more. A used alloy crankset and most likely a new bottom bracket, at least another $50 for something to match the era of this bike. Then I'd like a decent rear rack, so ad another $20 or so to the list.
The only problem is I'll have more into this Raleigh that I got for free than I'd have had in the Mesa Runner. Parts aren't cheap, tires have gotten downright expensive these days, and finding good tires is tough. There isn't any local dealers that stock older type parts either.
At the very least, the Raleigh needs new shifters and cables, a new seat, the wheels rebuilt, and a crankset and pedals. I'm leaning toward it being nothing but junk. The tires on it are ok but they're more suited for plowing the back 40 then rolling down the road here, and the seat is solid plastic, not something my 50 year old butt wants any part of. The original shifters look like junk, all plastic and all torn up. As are the grips. The bike itself isn't in bad shape otherwise, no rust, no paint loss, and its a taller frame. It is heavy but that don't bother me much. The frame says 4130 tubing, so to me that means plain steel, which is fine by me, I'm not racing and a few pounds either way don't matter much. Thicker tubes means it'll take longer for it to rust through and break.
I did try aluminum but it lasted only one summer, the salt ate into the aluminum anywhere it touched a steel part. The bottom bracket broke free of the frame after the first ride of the second season.
Steel lasts longer, especially if I spray the inside of the frame with something like BoeShield or even a good congealing chain lube.
Even if say that Gary Fisher was local, I'd still be looking at new tires, tubes, a rear rack, and fenders. So the $90 bike becomes a $300 bike real fast.
Another point I'm noticing with this Raleigh here, mounting fenders with the cantilever or U brakes might be an issue? I don't see how the V cable can clear the wide fenders it'll need to clear the tires.
12-26-17, 05:21 PM
#22
kVp & m*s
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 311
Bikes: Schwinn Paramount... someday
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Good luck in your search
12-26-17, 08:28 PM
#23
Still learning
No lugs, but it’s in New Brunswick
https://cnj.craigslist.org/bik/d/cm-...430483889.html
Phili
https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/...431385380.html
https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/...385948316.html
Brooklyn
https://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/b...406960598.html
https://cnj.craigslist.org/bik/d/cm-...430483889.html
Phili
https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/...431385380.html
https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/...385948316.html
Brooklyn
https://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/b...406960598.html
Last edited by oddjob2; 12-26-17 at 08:42 PM.
12-27-17, 01:05 AM
#24
Full Member
Thread Starter
They weren't expensive tires, but I don't see that type of tire anymore.
Everything is narrower, with a kevlar bead for $35 or more.
12-27-17, 01:18 AM
#25
Full Member
Thread Starter
No lugs, but it’s in New Brunswick
https://cnj.craigslist.org/bik/d/cm-...430483889.html
Phili
https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/...431385380.html
https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/...385948316.html
Brooklyn
https://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/b...406960598.html
https://cnj.craigslist.org/bik/d/cm-...430483889.html
Phili
https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/...431385380.html
https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/...385948316.html
Brooklyn
https://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/b...406960598.html
The Schwinn in NB looks nice but its too small, the ad says its a 54cm frame but it looks smaller, the Mesa Runner measured 23" at the seat tube but the headtube was way taller. The standover height was more like that of a road bike. Plus I'd still be looking at buying new tires, a rear rack, and a set of fenders for it, which would put it higher than the cost of the Mesa Runner that I missed.
The Myata is the best looking of the bunch but its too far away and too small, and again, it needs tires, a rack, and fenders to suit my needs.
An idea I did knock around was buying one of the newer bikes wtih the super wide tires but the few I did try pedaled too hard even on pavement, I couldn't imagine trying to get it to move in sand.