gtipton55

I like this Bianchi. Should I see if he can go lower on the price?
https://austin.craigslist.org/bik/2953233400.html

Thanks again guys

FastJake

Would be overpriced here, but not a terrible buy. From what I remember the Strada was a lower-end Bianchi, but still a Bianchi.

Might be a bit tall for you, or it might fit just fine. Around here, I'd be thinking in the $200-250 range for that bike.

Chicago Al 

Didn't you start with looking at 54-56 cm bikes? Now this Bianchi and the whatever-custom you just linked to are both enormous. Before going any further you need to figure out what size bike is right for you.

oldskoolwrench

gtipton55,

OK... let's get this out into the open.

How tall are you? What's your inseam measurement? I'm wondering because the tall frame bikes (60's, 61's, etc.) are ideally designed for someone 6' 1" to 6' 3"!

You did start out looking at mid size bikes (54-56cm.) so I'm thinking... 5' 10", maybe?

Don't despair; the right bike is out there in Austin... we just have to find it!

The LAST thing you want to do is to compromise the proper frame size for the allure of something 'vintage'.

Alan

gtipton55

This was my mistake. Carelessly looked at the wrong measurement. I am 5'11" so more of a 57-58cm. I was looking at the top tube center to center. Inseam is about 30-32 inches. I had a Giant Defy 2 a while back but was forced to sell it for financial reasons. It also wasnt practical for me due to my use for it (was only doing real casual riding and it wasnt something I felt safe locking up somewhere unattended). I was fitted on a Large frame size and ride a Large frame size on my Specialized Rockhopper as well.

oldskoolwrench

Thanks for providing your measurements. I would concur... no more than a 58cm for sure. Are you using the bike for fast performance riding, or cruising/ commuting?

I'll keep my eyes open, and let you know.

Alan

gtipton55

Thanks man I really appreciate your help. It's just for commuting and something for me to take downtown and be able to lock up unattended at times and what not. Just something I feel safer commuting with.

oldskoolwrench

Just a couple I've come across CL locally:

https://denver.craigslist.org/bik/2961071368.html

https://denver.craigslist.org/bik/2964526033.html

https://denver.craigslist.org/bik/2942189905.html

Am I barking up the right tree here?

EDIT: And one that caught my eye in your neck of the woods:

https://austin.craigslist.org/bik/2963339229.html



Alan

gtipton55

Those are definitely what i'm looking for. The local Trek looks real nice though $300 is a bit out of range for me. They also seem fairly stern on price but it may not hurt giving them a call and seeing if they'd go anywhere near $200. I'll give them a call. I do really like the look of the bike though the brakes look a bit rusted haha. But yeah those bikes are surely but i'm looking for. I'm not to picky on the frames appearance. If I don't really enjoy the color I wouldnt mind learning how to do a good paint job on a bike. Though I feel kind of bad stripping an old classic bike of it's original paint and stickers.

gtipton55

Peugeot Monaco
Guy says he 6ft and it fits him great and he lives real near by for me to check it out.
I'd want to go lower on price and said I could go somewhere around $200
https://austin.craigslist.org/bik/2967361938.html

Not to sure about the components on this bike but it looks like it's in great condition.

wrk101

Bottom end bike there, probably has a Carbolite 103 frame. Pass.

gtipton55

1989 Bottecchia Road bike (some campy parts) 54cm
https://austin.craigslist.org/bik/2971112950.html

Looks pretty nice.

tmh657

I would have probably bought that Bottecchia before asking here as it might have flip potential. It's probably too small for you. Did you test ride any bikes yet to find out your size range?

FastJake

+1

The Bottecchia is beautiful. I'd be surprised if it isn't sold already. Probably too small for you though.

gtipton55

Yeah I take it due to the lack of a response from the email I sent them it's already gone. I emailed them well before I even posted here to. Haha guess it was just a steal.

56cm Trek 1420
https://austin.craigslist.org/bik/2972769582.html

Could see if they'd go down on price with it. I like what I see.

EDIT: On a second thought I'm not sure if I want an aluminum frame.

FastJake

I had one of those bonded aluminum Treks. I liked it. $300 is high considering the condition though.

zukahn1 

Very cool bike last generation Suntour componets are very desriable also the bike is likely a 86 model sold in 87.

gtipton55

Awesome I may contact him and see if he could maybe go $200 on it. I live right in the same area to so it'd be easy to go check out. Hopefully the blemishes on the frame are nothing major though.

Also a mystery bike. All he said was it says "TopBike" on the frame when I asked him the brand and model but said it's got Shimano RSX components which from what I read were low end but are still desirable because they have a real classic feel to them.

Can anyone identify the frame for me?
https://austin.craigslist.org/bik/2973163266.html

FastJake

Ok, this seems like a good deal. Can't identify the frame but as long as it's a "real" bike and not x-mart junk I would say it's well worth the $150. Looks legit to me. As you found, RSX was low end but solid as long as the STI shifters work.

wrk101

Real classic feel? Uh, not really. They are desirable because they were seven speed, and a lot of people with older seven speed bikes want to upgrade to STI, so they seek these out. Nothing wrong with RSX. $150? Its a great deal as long as everything works, should not last long.

gtipton55

I sent them a reply email asking about shifters. I'm curious to know what's written on the top tube to help identify the frame. Also there's a $75 Schwinn Varsity on CL
https://austin.craigslist.org/bik/2933358719.html
eh

Chris_in_Miami

The Varsity is a pig, go for the "TopBike." Whatever it turns out to be, it's got good components on it, and it's hopefully not too nice to leave locked up unattended. Ask the seller too many questions and it will go to the next person who says "I'll take it" (which will probably happen soon.)

gtipton55

Damn. The bike sold really fast and sadly not to me. Sucks that I missed that one. The search keeps on I guess.

gtipton55

Found a Lotus Pro Series 2000R That's really catching my interest. Also nearby. It may be a tad small for me though. The owner is about 5'9" and says it's just a tad small for him (though not uncomfortable). If the bike does turn out to be a little small is it something that raising the seat could simply fix? Also any info on Lotus 2000R's?

Thanks everyone

FastJake

Good deals on craigslist do not last. The best deals last less than an hour. If you want a great deal, you won't have enough time to post here and ask about it.

Good luck in your search!