Jwall0804

So this is my first post and I'm looking into buying a cheap road bike. I ride my sirrus specialized elite to and from work everyday about 10 miles round trip and I'm just looking for something to ride faster on the weekends with. I know the nikishi is a lower end bike but the volkscycle I can't seem to find anything about it. I'm just curious as to which is a better buy. I talked down both sellers to 85 dollars so they are the same price. Any info or help would be greatly appreciated.

Here are the links to the sellers pages
https://offerupnow.com/item/detail/1...inel-road-bike
Nishiki 12 Speed Road Bike Sport Series - 20" Frame

howsteepisit

The Nishiki is a better value. Both bikes seem to have steel wheels, so there will be little braking in any wet. Of course, being the internet, no one can tell what work is really needed, but most old bikes seem to need lube, grease, cleaning, and the like. Nishiki is is better condition by far.

Jwall0804

Thank you! That's what I needed to hear. You mentioned the steel wheels, should I switch those out for something different?

juvela

Nishiki not only in better condition but is about one decade younger and has better fittings.

its rims appear to be aluminum alloy.

Volkscycle Co. was based in Los Angeles and was only around for two or three years ~1971-74. example cited likely ~1972.

Jwall0804

Thank you as well. Are aluminum alloy wheels any good? If you could recommend any basic upgrades that would make it a more enjoyable ride?

bikemig 

The Nishiki is a decent deal. Rather than upgrade it, I'd just fix it up. Old bikes generally need to be reconditioned with grease, new ball bearings, new cables, perhaps a new chain and freewheel (or cassette), new brake pads, etc. If you have the money to spend on an "upgrade," I'd just buy a better (and presumably) more expensive bike from craigslist.

Do you know if this bike fits you?

Jwall0804

That is more along the lines of what I wanted to do. Do you know a place where it would show me how to change/clean the bike? I know the frame height is supposed to fit me but I'm going today to check it out/purchase it. Then I'll have a better idea of what it needs done. If I do enjoy riding a road bike I'll probably invest in a newer more reliable bike in the future. Thank you for the great information!

juvela

will you get to take in the state fair while you are in town or is that all over now?

Jwall0804

Huh?

juvela

ah, i see it begins on friday:


Washington State Fair : TheFair.com

bikemig 

I'd check out the local bike co-op. There great since you can rent a stand to work on your bike and get some advice. Also once you buy the bike, you can start a thread and get some advice on what to do on the bike. This is a great way for you to learn how to work on bikes.

verktyg 

The 2 most important parts of a bike are the frame and the wheels.

The bikes you are considering were entry level models classified as "gas pipe" bikes. The frames were made of thick wall low strength steel tubing thus the name gas pipe comparing it to the pipe used for natural gas in a building.

The low strength steel tubing needs to have thicker walls to provide enough strength for use in a bike frame. The tubing walls can be between 1.5mm to 3mm thick.

This makes the bike heavy and gives it a dead feel.

Better quality bikes made with alloy steel tubing can be 2 to 3 times stronger with wall thicknesses of 1.0mm or less. A gas pipe bike can be 28 to 32 Lbs or more and some older Schwinns weighed as much as 40 Lbs.

A lighter frame can bring the bike weight down to 26 Lbs. or less.

The second part are the wheels. Most chrome plated steel rims were very low quality and stopped poorly when wet. Aluminum alloy rims could take 2 to 3 Lbs off of a bike. They give faster acceleration, easier climbing and stop better when wet.

So a bike with a better quality frame and lighter wheels will weigh between 24.5 Lbs. and 26 Lbs. Lighter components can take another 2-3 Lbs. off the bike.

This translates into a better riding bike that's smoother and transmits less road vibration.

One other thing, in the US, most "light weight" bikes (a euphemistic category) with steel rim wheels used 27" tires. By the 1980s most of these style bikes switched to the European 700c standard tires which were 4mm smaller diameter.

27" tires are still available but there's not much variety. 700c tires come in a much larger choice of styles.

I'd look for a better quality bike from the mid 80s or later for your week end fun rides.

Borrow a bike like this and you'll see the difference.

verktyg

Chas.