Help Choosing Between Two Bikes...
10-04-10, 12:14 AM
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Help Choosing Between Two Bikes...
Hey there,
I'm a sophomore in college in Boston and looking to get a bike to get me to class and work faster. I've been watching craigslist for a week or two and have found a bunch of bikes I've liked but nothing just what I'm looking for. However, I've now got two I'm looking at that I like a lot and was wondering if I could get some opinions from the wise on which to go with based on my situation.
I'm not looking for something really fancy, just something to last me the year and hopefully the rest of my years in college. Something that I wouldnt constantly have to worry about or pour money into. Anddd of course, something that fits. I'm about 6'1'' and so according to online it seems I should go with a 58 to 60 cm frame. The one's I've found are 58 cm and that seems like a good height to me based off what my roommates ride.
So basically, any recommendations between the two, flaws I havent noticed, warnings about the brand/style would be great.
So let's get to it:
An old 70's or 80's Peugeot Course Road Bike, listed for $220, talked him down to $180. A twelve speed.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/5454372...n/photostream/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/5454372...n/photostream/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/5454372...n/photostream/
An old Univega Super Ten, talked him down to $110. A ten speed.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/54543724@N04/5050326162/
Basically, would the Peugeot be worth the extra $70? Thanks for your opinions!
I'm a sophomore in college in Boston and looking to get a bike to get me to class and work faster. I've been watching craigslist for a week or two and have found a bunch of bikes I've liked but nothing just what I'm looking for. However, I've now got two I'm looking at that I like a lot and was wondering if I could get some opinions from the wise on which to go with based on my situation.
I'm not looking for something really fancy, just something to last me the year and hopefully the rest of my years in college. Something that I wouldnt constantly have to worry about or pour money into. Anddd of course, something that fits. I'm about 6'1'' and so according to online it seems I should go with a 58 to 60 cm frame. The one's I've found are 58 cm and that seems like a good height to me based off what my roommates ride.
So basically, any recommendations between the two, flaws I havent noticed, warnings about the brand/style would be great.
So let's get to it:
An old 70's or 80's Peugeot Course Road Bike, listed for $220, talked him down to $180. A twelve speed.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/5454372...n/photostream/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/5454372...n/photostream/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/5454372...n/photostream/
An old Univega Super Ten, talked him down to $110. A ten speed.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/54543724@N04/5050326162/
Basically, would the Peugeot be worth the extra $70? Thanks for your opinions!
10-04-10, 05:11 AM
#2
Thrifty Bill
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Mountains of Western NC
Posts: 23,524
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
Mentioned: 96 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1236 Post(s)
Liked 964 Times
in
628 Posts
I would remeasure that Peugeot, does not look like a 58/60 to me.
10-04-10, 06:22 AM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Detroit
Posts: 10,303
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 42 Times
in
33 Posts
+1. That Peugeot looks to me to be only about a 54, and the Univega is not much larger. I question if either one is right for you.
That being said, either bike would serve your purpose, but how serviceable it will be depends on condition and how recently it has been serviced.
If the bearing have never been touched or if the chain/cogs are worn, or if there is any odd noise - you may be asking for trouble.
Some people revile French bikes because parts for them are more expensive, but if it does not need parts, this is irrelevant.
In general, both Peugeot's and Univegas are nice riding bikes. The Course may have an edge here, because it is a higher end bike - but then again, the Univega with the low-end top-mounted shifters and brake levers might actually be better suited to casual riding around campus.
That being said, either bike would serve your purpose, but how serviceable it will be depends on condition and how recently it has been serviced.
If the bearing have never been touched or if the chain/cogs are worn, or if there is any odd noise - you may be asking for trouble.
Some people revile French bikes because parts for them are more expensive, but if it does not need parts, this is irrelevant.
In general, both Peugeot's and Univegas are nice riding bikes. The Course may have an edge here, because it is a higher end bike - but then again, the Univega with the low-end top-mounted shifters and brake levers might actually be better suited to casual riding around campus.
__________________
- Auchen
- Auchen
10-04-10, 07:15 AM
#4
Vello Kombi, baby
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Je suis ici
Posts: 5,188
Bikes: 1973 Eisentraut; 1970s Richard Sachs; 1978 Alfio Bonnano; 1967 Peugeot PX10
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 80 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 14 Times
in
13 Posts
There were at least three different Peugeot models badged "course", one quite nice, the other two so-so. This looks like one of the lesser ones. They have Carbolite tubing; if the bike says that, I would pass. Odd seatpost size, hard to replace, swiss threaded bottom bracket, a number of other unique issues that you either have to have a really competent shop to deal with or be very good mechanically on your own. (The nice course has Vitus 181 double butted tubing. It will have a sticker that says so). The price is in line for one of the nice courses, but it doesn't look right. I'll disagree with auchen on this one; replacement issues are a problem on these, not so much on earlier and later Pugs, but this era has some particular troubles.
For the record, I own several Peugeots and like them very much, including one of the better Courses (which has been a regular rider for 20+ years). And the lesser Courses are nice riding bikes-- I've had a couple in the past, though not currently. But I would avoid this era and level of Peugeot to avoid parts headaches.
The Univega looks about the same level as the lesser Courses, but w/o all the parts issues. And cheaper.
All is dependent on sizing. Do they fit you?
For the record, I own several Peugeots and like them very much, including one of the better Courses (which has been a regular rider for 20+ years). And the lesser Courses are nice riding bikes-- I've had a couple in the past, though not currently. But I would avoid this era and level of Peugeot to avoid parts headaches.
The Univega looks about the same level as the lesser Courses, but w/o all the parts issues. And cheaper.
All is dependent on sizing. Do they fit you?
__________________
"It's always darkest right before it goes completely black"
Waste your money! Buy my comic book!
"It's always darkest right before it goes completely black"
Waste your money! Buy my comic book!
10-04-10, 01:25 PM
#5
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I haven't actually had a chance to see either in person and just wanted to arm myself with some info before I go since I really didnt have much to go on. I'm going to see the Univega tomorrow though so if it is the right size, that's the one I'm currently leaning towards. Thanks so much for the opinions and do keep them coming if you got more!
10-04-10, 01:49 PM
#6
Thrifty Bill
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Mountains of Western NC
Posts: 23,524
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
Mentioned: 96 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1236 Post(s)
Liked 964 Times
in
628 Posts
Take a tape measure with you. And test ride them. +1 My guess is that they are both too small for you. +1 Univega has standardized parts, which is a huge plus.
My experience is that few sellers know how to use a tape measure, or even own one, or more likely, really don't care about the size. I rarely see a bike for sale with the size correct.
My experience is that few sellers know how to use a tape measure, or even own one, or more likely, really don't care about the size. I rarely see a bike for sale with the size correct.
10-04-10, 08:10 PM
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: New England
Posts: 251
Bikes: 2001 LeMond Poprad, 1983 Vitus, 1973 Raleigh Gran Sport, 1983 Fuji Del Rey, 1974 Fuji S-10, 1956 Triumph, 1971 Raleigh DL-1, 1964 Phillips, 1982 Motobecane Supermirage, 1962 Raleigh Superb, 1958 Robin Hood, 1966(?) Raleigh Sprite
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Hey lovebrigade - welcome to the forum.
Personally, as someone who lives in the Boston area and shops Craig's List quite frequently I would hold out for better options. As already pointed out, neither of these bikes look likely to fit you anyway so the point may be moot. Fit does trump almost any other consideration (except cost).
That said, I just did a search for your size (assuming 58 or 59 cm) and didn't find much listed at moment in your price range. But they do come along - patience is key. If you can go a little higher, and the seller is willing to be a little more reasonable (I think this would be fair at $300) this is a nice bike that you may want to consider:
https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bik/1985280624.html
Personally, as someone who lives in the Boston area and shops Craig's List quite frequently I would hold out for better options. As already pointed out, neither of these bikes look likely to fit you anyway so the point may be moot. Fit does trump almost any other consideration (except cost).
That said, I just did a search for your size (assuming 58 or 59 cm) and didn't find much listed at moment in your price range. But they do come along - patience is key. If you can go a little higher, and the seller is willing to be a little more reasonable (I think this would be fair at $300) this is a nice bike that you may want to consider:
https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bik/1985280624.html
10-05-10, 06:57 AM
#8
aka: Mike J.
That Bianchi might be more of a theft target. Look around campus and see what others are riding. For a campus bike I'd lean toward the lower priced Univega. Functional, basic, doesn't scream "steal me", and at the lower price it will be easier to live with if it does get all or part of it stolen or vandalized.
Just my thoughts.
Just my thoughts.
10-05-10, 08:07 AM
#9
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Hey lovebrigade - welcome to the forum.
Personally, as someone who lives in the Boston area and shops Craig's List quite frequently I would hold out for better options. As already pointed out, neither of these bikes look likely to fit you anyway so the point may be moot. Fit does trump almost any other consideration (except cost).
That said, I just did a search for your size (assuming 58 or 59 cm) and didn't find much listed at moment in your price range. But they do come along - patience is key. If you can go a little higher, and the seller is willing to be a little more reasonable (I think this would be fair at $300) this is a nice bike that you may want to consider:
https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bik/1985280624.html
Personally, as someone who lives in the Boston area and shops Craig's List quite frequently I would hold out for better options. As already pointed out, neither of these bikes look likely to fit you anyway so the point may be moot. Fit does trump almost any other consideration (except cost).
That said, I just did a search for your size (assuming 58 or 59 cm) and didn't find much listed at moment in your price range. But they do come along - patience is key. If you can go a little higher, and the seller is willing to be a little more reasonable (I think this would be fair at $300) this is a nice bike that you may want to consider:
https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bik/1985280624.html
I'm going to l go check out the univega today and if it doesnt fit too well I'll just hang in there and keep my eye on craigslist. Thanks a lot for all the opinions, really appreciate it!
10-05-10, 09:25 AM
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Schwenksville, Pa
Posts: 2,772
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 276 Post(s)
Liked 339 Times
in
179 Posts
If this is an Alyeska, offer $175 but be willing to go to $210. A tiuring bike will hold its value and is so versitle you should have it forever.
https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bik/1989686292.html
https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bik/1989686292.html
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
CountMeOut
Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals.
12
06-12-17 12:02 PM
Dr1Gonzo
Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals.
7
09-30-15 02:20 PM
PapaGanoosh
Road Cycling
24
07-08-12 08:37 AM
