1980's Velo Sport (should I buy it?)
07-15-18, 08:49 AM
#1
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1980's Velo Sport (should I buy it?)
Here's the info from the ad:
Go to imgur rVhzcTl.jpg to see a picture since I can't do urls. There is only one pic in the ad.
I've never had a vintage bike but I would be looking at using this for commuting and recreational riding and some light 2-5 day touring trips in the future.
At 220 lbs I'm also fairly heavy. Can vintage steel frames like this support a heavy rider?
I like the idea of a vintage bike and don't mind doing some work on it but I'm not sure if I know what I'm getting into. Are vintage bikes practical or are they just for hobbyists who enjoy constantly fixing things?
FWIW, I have a fair amount of experience fixing/maintaining 21st century bikes.
I'm just looking for a modest bike that's durable, reliable, practical and relatively fast (compared to bikes with an upright riding position). Do I sound like I'm a good candidate for a vintage bike or should I stick with the modern stuff?
Men 12 speed Velo Sport road racer bike, 27'' inch tires, and 24'' inch frame, in very good clean working condition, nothing to do on it, ready to ride, price is $250 firm.
I've never had a vintage bike but I would be looking at using this for commuting and recreational riding and some light 2-5 day touring trips in the future.
At 220 lbs I'm also fairly heavy. Can vintage steel frames like this support a heavy rider?
I like the idea of a vintage bike and don't mind doing some work on it but I'm not sure if I know what I'm getting into. Are vintage bikes practical or are they just for hobbyists who enjoy constantly fixing things?
FWIW, I have a fair amount of experience fixing/maintaining 21st century bikes.
I'm just looking for a modest bike that's durable, reliable, practical and relatively fast (compared to bikes with an upright riding position). Do I sound like I'm a good candidate for a vintage bike or should I stick with the modern stuff?
Last edited by user2; 07-15-18 at 08:57 AM.
07-15-18, 09:01 AM
#2
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peecha assistenza -
looks somewhat overvalued to my eye
suggest wait for something a bit nicer
do you know it to be correct size for you?
https://www.kijiji.ca/v-road-bike/ot...cer/1369653029
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peecha assistenza -
looks somewhat overvalued to my eye
suggest wait for something a bit nicer
do you know it to be correct size for you?
https://www.kijiji.ca/v-road-bike/ot...cer/1369653029
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07-15-18, 09:17 AM
#3
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Thanks for posting the pic!
I don't know if it's the right size... I'm guessing it might be a tad big for me at 6' tall with 32.25" inseam.
I don't know if it's the right size... I'm guessing it might be a tad big for me at 6' tall with 32.25" inseam.
07-15-18, 09:27 AM
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your first order of business, prior to shopping, should be to determine your best frame size
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your first order of business, prior to shopping, should be to determine your best frame size
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07-15-18, 09:33 AM
#5
Bad example
Vintage steel framed bikes can easily handle your weight. But I agree with Juvela that the seller is asking way too much. It appears to me to be a $125-150 Bike.
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07-15-18, 10:39 AM
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It appears to me to be a $125-150 Bike.
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07-15-18, 11:09 AM
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The subject bicycle is a 1983-1984 Velosport Aero. You can see how the hi-tensile down and seat tubes have be formed into an elliptical shape in their mid-section. The components are mostly Shimano Adamas AX with the rear derailleur having been replaced. The price is not as high as you might think,given the 'hot" condition of the Ottawa market. However, I would still pass.The big concern are the Adamas AX brakes, which like the others in the AX series, had dedicated brake pads, that are now hard to find. The only other option is to carve brake pads to fit.
07-15-18, 11:19 AM
#8
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To the OP's question about vintage steel frames supporting a 220# rider. Absolutely they can. What is challenged on a bike like that is the wheels. 1980s they might make it if well tuned. Which they won't be unless you know how to do it. Skinny tires like that will need extreme high pressure and still won't work well. Don't buy used bikes that need to be extensively re-equipped.
07-15-18, 03:18 PM
#9
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Thanks everyone for the advice.
It's amazing how much you were able to determine from a single picture.
Good to know, the vintage steel frames always look fragile to my eye since I'm used to looking at modern aluminum frames.
The subject bicycle is a 1983-1984 Velosport Aero. You can see how the hi-tensile down and seat tubes have be formed into an elliptical shape in their mid-section. The components are mostly Shimano Adamas AX with the rear derailleur having been replaced. The price is not as high as you might think,given the 'hot" condition of the Ottawa market. However, I would still pass.The big concern are the Adamas AX brakes, which like the others in the AX series, had dedicated brake pads, that are now hard to find. The only other option is to carve brake pads to fit.
To the OP's question about vintage steel frames supporting a 220# rider. Absolutely they can. What is challenged on a bike like that is the wheels. 1980s they might make it if well tuned. Which they won't be unless you know how to do it. Skinny tires like that will need extreme high pressure and still won't work well. Don't buy used bikes that need to be extensively re-equipped.
07-15-18, 04:49 PM
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Aluminum frames are much less durable. Other than neglect and rust, steel frames last a very long time, can be bent back or straightened, dents can be rolled out, etc. Now this does not mean an aluminum frame is going to ass-plode. But I have straightened crashed steel forks for example. I would not try it with aluminum.
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