creed428

After determining the last bike i was looking at on craigslist was crap (thank you guys).
Can anyone give me opinions on these two.
I am going to look at both of them this after noon if you can provide questions to ask, things to look for. I appreciate the help

https://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/bik/3201239657.html

SX Sport $285
Chrome Molly Steel Frame: 56cm (22") / 32"
Shimano LX Group:
Exage brakes
Sport LX rear derailleur (80's index shifting)
Sport LX front derailleur (friction)
Shimano Biopace chainring
Upgraded 700c Araya wheelset

https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/bik/3202803153.html

not sure of the model $275
- vintage shimano 600.
-columbus tubing.
-advocet seat.
-mickey mouse handle tape.
-michelin highlite prestige 700

bibliobob

Both are fair deals (not screaming, but definitely still good deals) and would make decent riders. But, both will need to be fully overhauled. You can either find a local co-op that teaches build a bike classes, or you can pay a shop about $200 to do it for you. Be sure to factor that into the equation.

But, size is still the most important factor. Be sure that they're the right size for you (they look about the same).

Good luck!

Poguemahone

Both would be priced about right in Richmond. This assumes they are ready to ride. The black one looks better. The green one is Celeste, ads a bit to value. You probably have about 25$ of bargain room in these.

jon c. 

I think the Celeste bike is prettier, but the other is likely a better deal. I like the old Shimano 600 components. You'd have to change the bar tape first thing though :-)

lostarchitect 

The black one seems to have a Columbus tubing sticker and a better group. I'd go for that one.

anixi

+1 on the black one, looks like a better start on a long term keeper.

creed428

change the bar tape that is what really made me interested in this bike! haha j/k

Thank you everyone for your responses hopefully by end of day today I will have my very first Road bike!! very excited

Bianchigirll 

I believe the black one is a '86 Brava with the Bianchi Formula 2 frameset made by Columbus.

The Celeste is an '89 with a Tnage tubed frame made to Bianchi specs.

Although I am I diehard Celeste fan I think I may go for the black one. It is likely to ride a bit better and would be a better platform for upgrades. Try and haggle the black one down to $200 then go after the Celeste too.

creed428

So went today to look at the bikes and ended up purchasing the black one, only got the price down to $250 but am happy with it now comes the fun part researching upgrades for it. if anyone has any opinions would like to hear them. Also since im a complete noob is there a way of modifying the bike so i can switch gears from the levers like on more modern road bikes?

oddjob2

Maybe you fixed it already, but the QR lever on the front wheel should be on the left side of the bike.

Did it come with pedals?

If you don't like reaching for down tube shifters, there are bar end shifters commonly called barcons. You could put stem shifters in, but it is a design hallmark of a cheap bike.

Buy a $6 jar of Mother's aluminum polish and shine up the silver parts that aren't clearcoated with a microfiber cloth.

Shimano 600 components are excellent in durability and finish. You want to keep them clean and lubricated so they work well.

Stop by REI or other bike shop and get a pair of Park 13mm and 15mm cone wrenches and a tube of Park grease so you can service your wheel bearings. Some household degreaser too to soak the bearings clean.

You may want to replace or service your bottom bracket bearings or put a cartridge in too, but that requires 2-3 other tools. If you don't plan to buy more bikes, it may be cheaper to have the bike shop do that for you.

Check your chain for stretch with a 12" ruler. Directions on this forum.

If you need a rack and a rear trunk bag, REI has a big assortment of that gear too.

As you can tell, I like REI because they have a free bike maintenance class for noobs, the sales people don't try to upsell you, have a liberal return policy, if you buy a $20 LIFETIME membership you get a 10% rebate on non sale purchases annually, the service rates are cheap, and they do minor work at N/C, like loosening stuck freewheels and cassettes.

Bianchigirll 

Nice buy! I personally an not a big fan of polishing (well I am too lazy to also) but I think most bikes and parts clean up real well with SimpleGreen and soft brush like an old bottle brush.

Had you expressed an interest in upgrading to STI I would have said to get the Sport SX since it would be an easier upgrade as it is already 7spd. Give the DT shifters a fair shake before you run off and upgrade.

maybe there is a C&Ver near you willing to take you under his wing and teach you a few basics.

Phil_gretz

Agree with BianchiGirl on this. Don't rush to upgrade anything. Focus on adjustment to fit, maintenance of bearings, replacement of brake pads and cables. Your tools list should include:

- chain breaker
- spoke wrench
- two cone wrenches for your hubs
- metrick allen head set
- large adjustable wrench
- metric combination wrenches


Work on your front hub first, clean, regrease bearings, adjust.
True both wheels.
Inspect/adjust brakes. Replace front pads with kool stop Continental (red). Replace cables, use lined housing (have the bike shop cut to current lengths.

Then ride the bike for 1000 miles before you worry about upgrading anything. Learn to use the downtube shifters, they're simple, precise, and were the standard in the industry for many years. Nothing to fear...

Good luck,
Phil G.

Phil_gretz

Regular chain maintenance: lube weekly, using whatever* you prefer. Also wipe the chain down regularly, include pinching the derailleur pulley wheels with a rag while freewheeling the chain.

* I use a home mixture of 4 parts mineral spirits with 1 part synthetic motor oil.

Also, clean the freewheel regularly with a brush and old shoelace or edge of a rag. Get between the cogs and remove any grit. Use a toothbrush and a little solvent or penetrant to get the embedded grit from the teeth and faces of the cogs.

Have your bike shop remove the freewheel after a few months, so that you can clean/grease/adjust the rear hub, too.

PG

creed428

Wow thank you Phil and Bianchigirl lots of very useful information from you both. I will give the shifters some time and hopefully adjust to them this is the first bike i have owned in about 12 years pretty wobbily on it right now so almost fell off when i tried switching the gears but im sure with time it will just come nature and i wont even have to take my eyes off the road to do it. looks like i got a trip to the bike store to pick up some things.
The bike didnt have pedals on it, but i was able to talk the guy into throwing on a cheap extra pair he had but i am looking to get a new pair probably not clip in kind since that would require having to buy shoes also. but we will see. gonna try googling REI and see if we have one near me here in San Diego because that free maintenance class sounds like something I could definitely use!