fusiongtx

looking to maybe purchase this 1 : https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv...291892809.html Seller is pretty firm at $325


and the 2 64cm bikes listed here : https://adopt-a-bike.tumblr.com/tagged/60-69-cm


Any input on if these prices are fair? The bianchi can be bought for $325

thinktubes 

given the larger size, I wouldn't pay more than $250. Demand dictates the price, not the seller.





Range: $25 to $125 (for the Trek)

fusiongtx

Thx. I really want the bianchi so bad! Its driving me insane! I wish the seller would be more reasonable! $325 is too much for it.

thinktubes 

How long has the Bianchi been listed? - let the seller sit on it for a while.

I would try a cash offer of $250 and maybe go up to $275 if it fits you well and it doesn't need anything. Any money spent on tires, cables, ect... should be deducted from the asking price.

Bianchigirll 

I am pretty sure that Strada LX is an '88 and has a Chromoly main frame only and either manganese or Hit stays the fork is HiTen for sure. The original retail on this was right around $340 or so.

If your looking for a bike that bike and your going to do some serious riding you need a full chromoly frame/fork.

All the bikes on that Adopt a bike website have something about them that make them look dorky. Seat clamp wardsback, seats all bottomed out, brakelevers too high on the bars, and an Aluminum Trek that looks like it has Turkey Levers!

rjhammett

The Bianchi was at/near the bottom that year. I would pass on all of them. I have owned a Technium which is one of the bikes you are looking at. I did not like it. I used it as my winter trainer (it was ok for that) and sold it in the spring. Mine was about the same size and I paid $75 for it.

zukahn1 

+1 every one of these bikes seems to have some cheap parts that don't match the bike. It looks like who ever built them up just threw whatever parts where handy and cheap on them. For some pretty basic bikes that are bin coop style builds the prices seem fairly high.

wrk101

When I see a bike poorly set up, I assume it was poorly assembled, and will need a fair amount of mechanical TLC. Now if the bike is discounted, no problem, I like a project. But when it is full retail or higher, forget it.

fusiongtx

being 6'6 sucks. ill never find a bike

wrk101

While the supply is limited, the customers for them are even more limited. Vintage bikes tended to be sized larger than modern bikes. Whenever I get a XL bike, it is very difficult to resell, and I sell them at a discount.

Meanwhile, the supply of XS bkes is very limited, and the demand is high.

Bianchigirll 

You'll find a bike you just need to be patient and maybe raise your budget a bit.

I am not a scwhinn so I need more details but this may be a decent bike, but the price is a bit higher.

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv...270619510.html

beautiful older " hi-quality" schwinn lug frame color blue 10 - 12 speed, shimano 600 components, mavic grey/brown rims.
large frame for tall rider , needs tires. phone calls only please 626 818-3519



I would go look at it and offer $275 and agrue that

1 the tires are flat and you need to replace the tubes $10-20 and more if you need tires.

2 bar tape and hoods look old and ratty and need replace $20+

3 It needs a professional tuneup $40-50

Poguemahone

I'm shorter than you, but with a long inseam and ape index. I have more than one friend in the six six range, and they fit on my 62cm bikes no problem. Unless you have long limbs, you should be fine. And you should be buying at a discount. I've found tremendous rides for under 350$. They're a hard sale, don't let sellers tell you different.

fusiongtx

i have a 38" inseam though...

called the guy about the schwinn.. Long story short "Its only listed at $375 because of the fact that it needs some work"

Hes pretty firm on that price. Bummer. I need to start typing TALL, HUGE, XXL into craigslist as typing just 63cm, 64cm, 65cm. For example, I never would have seen this schwinn, so thanks for that!

oddjob2

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb...280627538.html

only $260

oddjob2

I can't believe it's owned by a Korean!!!!!

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac...284984942.html

Raleigh
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv...291803635.html

Poguemahone

37.5 pubic bone height here. Trust me, you can find the big ones cheaper than that lower end Bianchi. The seller will be sitting on that bike forever. Hint: do some research and see if there are any bike swaps in your area. Sellers at them tend to understand that they have trouble getting rid of the big ones and price accordingly (probably because they're actual bike people). I've picked up two Serottas, a Lightspeed frame, a Mondia Special frame, a Masi Team3v frame-- all at prices substantially less than that Bianchi-- at swaps. And have passed on many nicer bikes in my size.

You appear to be in LA-- there must be a swap around there somewheres.

fusiongtx

great idea pogue ill find the next one and bring $400

fusiongtx

3 more .. pricey but worth it?

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb...305385160.html

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv...303728712.html

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac...300799827.html

Bianchigirll 

The Lygie would be real tempting for me, but I understand that Campy RD has a bad rep.

For a Novice the Schwinn is very nice with the index shifting. That at $400 would be a nice buy. The raleigh is nice too. If you want something real classic the Lygie is nice if it ha s aChroMoly frame.

Poguemahone

Avoid the Schwinn like the plauge. It has a specialized and irreplacable expander wedge seatpost, and is very overpriced (in no small part due to that seatpost. You do not want to deal with this issue).

The Lygie is very likely Italian gaspipe, and very like overpriced, unless I am missing something in the frame.

The Raliegh looks nice, but IMO is overpriced by at least 150$. That assumes LA is a hotter market than here (Richmond, VA), where that one is about a 250$ bike at best.

wrk101

The Schwinn 564 is a decent bike if it were more reasonably priced ($250). +1 It has an unobtainable and somewhat mediocre quill seat post. 1/4 turn takes you from loose to tight. So as a practical matter, you go from very close to tight, to tight. Bad design.

fusiongtx

ugh... I just want to ride. This is getting ridiculous, and this isnt fair!

oddjob2

This is a whine free forum! There are plenty of deals out there in your size.

And I guess we can't talk about bike lust either!


Hancock Park - Univega @ $120

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac...307838153.html

Driving East? - Fuji @ $215

https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/bik/3299348879.html

Santa Ana - Trek 660, use balance of bikes to pay for it

https://www.shopgoodwill.com/auctions...23948.html#des

Poguemahone

There is a patience aspect when hunting for an old bike. One thing I sugest doing is mentioning to friends and family you're looking for an old bike; it's surprising what turns up. And if you see something that looks nice and fits, go for it; then you'll have one to ride. With a bit of searching and patience you can find a very nice ride in your size. Craigslist is not your only local option.

In addition, hunt ebay in the months around January/Feb. The market slows noticably then and good bargains can be had, especially in larger sizes. There's a lot of overpriced crap on ebay, but there are still occasional auctions for good stuff that starts low.

fusiongtx

Patience is killing me. Are any of the bikes listed so far worth buying? I have my commuter/dink around touring bike right now. I would just like something lighter and faster so I can go on some real rides! I got the itch, and it wont go away!