skinz0506

This is my first post. I am getting back into cycling to lose some weight and fit back into clothes that are sitting in storage. I did the Thrift store circuit. While I was on Craigslist checking out bikes for sale, a guy in the next county (35-40 min drive) was advertising bikes he fixed, parts, and bikes he did not fix yet. I took a ride to his shop (in a storage unit) and asked about road bikes. This is a part time job for him. He had a Fuji Tiara that was rideable just needed minor work (tires, new brake pads) for $60. I do not have pictures, I left my phone at home. It looked in good shape and my size. He may take less because the area he is at has come on hard times. I looked at the catalog for Fuji when I got home and it appears to be a 1988 model. The catalog does not list the components that came with the bike so I am guessing that they were the same as the 1987 model. Is a Tiara in rideable condition worth $60 even if it may not have the original components?
He also had 3 bikes that he never touched hanging from the ceiling. It was difficult to view them because the storage unit was dark and the bikes were hung close together. The bikes were non-working condition missing tires but appeared to have wheels and the rest. A Schwinn World (He wanted $50), Raleigh Sportif, and Columbia USA Racing. I do know from searching this forum that they are lower end. If the price was low would the World or Sportif be worth picking up if I purchased the Tiara as a project? Any info would be appreciated.

FBOATSB 

Hi, skinz, welcome. My only advice I can offer is if you can do all your own parts purchasing, mechanical work, adjustments, wheel truing, fitting, then just pick which ever one looks best to you. If not, do not buy.

If looking for a bike to "get back into cycling to lose some weight", while I applaud your efforts, you really need a bike that is fully serviced and road ready and even if used should come from a bike shop

Clang

If you say it's your size, then $60 is a good deal on the Tiara, even if it needs new consumables. Buy it now and leave the Raleigh and Schwinn alone. One project at a time!

1988 Tiara specs are here: https://classicfuji.com/1988_33_Specifications2_Page.htm

jon c. 

"Rideable" covers a lot of ground. In good working condition, it's certainly worth it. Original components aren't a big deal at that price level. Especially if you're buying it as a rider. What's important is that the components it has are in good condition and working properly.

tmh657

You are looking at bikes with very low price tags that need work. If you buy a bike because it's cheap and put time and money into it you could soon be upside down on value. Do you have a budget for your new ride?

As FBOATSB has written, if you just want to ride and get into shape and not become a bicycle wrencher get something that is ready to ride, a turn key bike if you will.

skinz0506

Thank you for the feedback

FBOATSB I can do a lot of my own wrenching. The last time I rode and worked on my bike the Internet was not around. I do enjoy working on stuff, so I won't mind doing it. I have a lot of tools from years ago.

jonc the guy just used it as a loaner. It was sitting with his bikes for sale that were safe a mechanically sound. If I decide to buy it, I will test ride and go over it.

tmh657 I hear you about putting time, money, and effort into a bike and be underwater on the value. I have passed on a few because of that reason. I just purchased a new truck so I really do not want the make a large investment in a bike. The local shops are high end. One has a $10,000 bike on display. I think it is on sale foe $8,000. I did not see any used bikes at that shop. The box stores have their bikes. I have one that was my son's that I will use for now.

Clang thank you for saying the price was not out of line. I do not know the value of bikes these days.