NukiWaza

Every time I start riding I get the urge to either create a custom bike or at least fix an old one up and maybe give it a custom paint job. The wife seems amenable to the idea so I have been hunting Craig’s list and eBay. I am shocked by the prices people put on what looks like junk to me.

I am looking at three different choices all of them would require significant drive time to see in person so I am hoping to get your thoughts on these from the A team.

Not sure how scarce the Shugun is but it looks like it could shine with some work. https://syracuse.craigslist.org/bik/...552387142.html

I doubt this is worth much but at least I would not screw up anything valuable

https://syracuse.craigslist.org/bik/...552387142.html

This one looks like it could be a real find.

https://buffalo.craigslist.org/bik/d...543763503.html

oddjob2

Keep looking. No one googles shogun or mariushi. You will have invested in excess of FMV to bring either of the two up to speed, no pun intended.

NukiWaza

Fmv?

katsup

Full Market Value

oddjob2

Fair, not Full

NukiWaza

Thanks for the feedback. None of these are worth flipping. The Shogun might be worth getting still because with a cromolly frame I would keep it to ride not to flip but should be careful not to invest too much in it.

CliffordK

The first question is how tall are you. Both of those bikes are quite small. Perhaps for someone around 5'5" or so???

I think the Shogun is worth at least the $70 asking price, and has most of the features that I'd look in a vintage bike:

• Butted cromoly tubing.
• DT Shifters
• Real rear derailleur hanger
• Aluminum Alloy bits including alloy seat post and alloy crankset.
• DT/ST water bottle bosses, as well as appropriate cable guides and stops.
• Side Pull brakes of some sort.
• Probably 700c clinchers.

It is rough. I see rust on the headset. But, it isn't a bad deal for $70, and would make a good project bike.... if it fits.

NukiWaza

I am 5”9’ so it would be on the small side for me. That’s a good list though and I will keep it in mind.

wrk101

Rarity has no bearing on value. Some bikes are rare because they were not successful in business.

The second bike is a turd.


Size first, then shop. Google bike sizing.


"I am shocked by the prices people put on what looks like junk to me." "This one looks like it could be a real find. (in reference to the Maruishi)" Seems like you don't know what makes one bike better than another as the Maruishi has all the markings of a bottom end bike. Get knowledgeable or get taken.

To be far, at the $75 mark, that is what you are going to find.


You can easily spend $100 to $150 getting a neglected bike ready to ride, and that is if you do the work yourself. Do you have the workspace, tools, knowledge, techniques, time, access to affordable parts? I pick up donations for our local co-op all the time from local bike shops where owners bring them in to get refurbished. After finding out it is going to take $250 to get their bike ride ready, they drop it off, and the bike shop owner calls me. At the co-op, we have the advantage of free parts, free labor, free space, etc., so we can refurbish one of these for very little cost and resell.

In general, it is much wiser to start with something better, that costs you more up front. Putting $150 into a bike that you paid $200 for, which might be worth $500 when you are done is much better move financially than putting $150 into a free bike that might be worth $60 when you are done. And get the right size first.

CliffordK

Budgeting around $100 is a tough market to buy used bikes of any quality. Sometimes they pop up at thrift stores, but good deals are still few and far between.

I do think the two bikes you found are on the smallish side. You could probably ride them, but you'd end up with quite a bit of bar drop. It might be OK, but I'd probably try to find one with the bars closer to even with the seat, at least to start with.

Here are two more for your consideration:
https://syracuse.craigslist.org/bik/...548921635.html
https://buffalo.craigslist.org/bik/d...511164245.html

At 56cm, the Shogun would likely be a good fit. The Bridgestone looks to be about the same size

The size of the two could be close to the upper end where you'll feel comfortable.

oddjob2

Clifford K's recommendations are overpriced IMHO.

Try this one, a Centurion LeMans for $100;
https://rochester.craigslist.org/bik...548682510.html

NukiWaza

Figured as much.

Doing that now, will also look at the seat height on my current flat bar bike. Wont be exactly the same but will put me in the ball park.

Been reading here and everywhere I can find data. Lots to learn.

I already do all my own maintenance but I am interested in learning more. Sure I will lose money, make mistakes, and get burned but I hope to at least have a few good stories out of it.

NukiWaza

Well the good news is my current bike works so I have time to look around but I agree the general theme here is I will like have to spend more to have a decent bike at the end.

NukiWaza

Thanks I might be able to see it this weekend.