biche

I'm stuck between these bikes! Can you help me decide? I would get the first bike if the person actually responds to me...
But then it's a tie between the rest. I want the one that's the lightest, with the best components, but I don't know whether Suntour Cyclone is better than Shimano Light Action.

Cannondale r900:
https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/bik/5478885985.html
Campy
$425

Bridgestone 450:
1980's BRIDGESTONE road bike .vintage perfection
Shimano Light Action
$300

Miyata 710:
Vintage Miyata Seven Ten Road Bike
Suntour Cyclone
$280

Peugeot Bordeaux
https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/bik/5470406439.html
Shimano Light Action
$250

JamesRL

Do you want indexed shifting? If so, knock off the Miyata, though I'd bet it is the lightest frame.

I think the rear dropouts on the Pug are pugly, and that isn't a compliment. Are those plastic bits on the rear skewers? Yuck.

So if indexed shifting is important to you, the Bridgestone.

oddjob2

Figure out what size bike you need first. It appears that you have 56-60cm bikes in the list above, for riders between 5'8 and 6'3".

biche

Ah, thanks, that's pretty helpful in deciding. How much lighter do you think the Miyata is compared to the Bridgestone?

There's also another complication: I found this for $375... I think it's indexed shifting too
https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/bik/5470430338.html
Is it a better option?

biche

And oddjob2, I'm 6'0" - what frame size would fit me?

JamesRL

Fitting can be complex and personal. But I would suggest either a 58cm or 60. Depends on the length of your torso and arms

I'd say the last post with the Cannondale criterium with 105, has the better equipment.

Of course we are assuming you want light and fast not something for comfort.

biche

Is the Cannondale that much harsher in ride? I don't think I'll mind it too much to be honest.
Also, is 105 that much better than Cyclone or Light Action?

due ruote 

Judging by the map location, I'd guess the Cannondale r900 and the Bridgestone have the same seller.

Are you using this for recreation? Commuting? If you are doing a lot of riding on Chicago streets, bear in mind that none of these has a lot of room for higher volume tires, especially if you ever want to mount fenders. Narrow high pressure tires on rough streets isn't a great combination. It looks to me like the Bridgestone might have the most clearance. Again, that may or may not be an issue.

The Miyata is a fine bike and looks to be in great shape. Cyclone stuff is great if you don't mind friction.

biche

Oh, I never considered the thickness/volume of the tires as a factor. Now that you bring it up, is it possible to simply fit wider tires on the same wheels if there's enough clearance on the frame/fork itself? Or do I need to get a new wheel altogether?
With my current bike I've gotten lots of punctures in my tubes, so I suppose having wider tires would help coast over Chicago's cracked roads.

plonz 

As others have noted, your intended use is huge factor. These are all road bikes with more racing style geometry. That's always my preference for getting out on the open road but not my first choice for navigating traffic, pot holes and curb hopping.

Of the bikes you posted, I'm partial to the Bridgestone and Miyata. That Miyata looks taller than 60cm though. The Bridgestone will ride nice(I have a 400) but will be heavier than the ~21lbs the Miyata owner claims it to be. Also, Suntour Cyclone is very good equipment.

due ruote 

Fwiw I question the 21 lbs claimed for the Miyata. I had one of those with a smaller frame and I'd say it was more like 23-24. Nice bike though.