chaimonster

Bike looks pretty beat up and does not include original parts. Being listed at 175$ which seems a little high considering all the parts that need to be replaced.

sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/6057288128.html

Is this frame worth investing in?

T-Mar

Based on the contrasting head tube, this sample should be circa 1984-1985. If so, the main tubes were an unspecified double butted CrMo. The forks and stays were hi-tensile, though an Ishiwata fork crown is specified, so that may be tubing source, at least for the forks and possibly the frame. The geometry is sports oriented for the era. It would have been considered around the transition from entry level to mid-range and built up to a 24-26 lb bicycle depending on the component selection. The same frame was used for the lower RX-5 & higher RX-7.

The "stripped" crankarm reference doesn't make any sense. If the crank can't be tightened, then the problem is with the spindle and or bolt/nut threads, not the crankarm. The other reason you can't properly tighten a crank is because a burr has developed on the tapered hole or it has become distorted from riding with a loose crank. In neither case would I call it "stripped". Regardless, there is likely need for bottom bracket and/or crankarm replacement. I'd pass.

zukahn1 

I would say pass the bike would be worth the $175 or more in SF if to was either nicely done as an urban FG/SS with drop bars full brakes, more reasonable gearing and wider tires or a nice basic road bike setup with gears. As currently set up with junk broke crank set silly chop bars with a single short lever track brake and questionable gearing it is pretty bad. You get 46/16 gearing, skinny slick tires, almost no brakes and wobbly crank in a hilly urban city with rough streets making it downright dangerous to ride as it is in SF. You would be looking at $100 or more in parts to make it right. Also it is a small frame for someone 5'4" give or take a bit and way too small for it's current owner.

ramzilla

Looks like a total beater. Would have to be a really hot market to be worth the asking price. Not even that good of a parts bike. Too much stuff missing. It would have to be closer to $75 for me to be interested.