matt.critchlow

Hi, I've been looking for a large vintage steel bike (not easy to find) for a backup commuter/grocery getter. I think I might have found one, and I'm going to check it out today or tomorrow. The pictures are horrible, but I was wondering if anyone can tell me anything more about the bike? From what I've researched on Shogun's, the 400 was a entry/mid level road bike and it seems as though the parts varied greatly. Anyone have any input on the asked price (150) and the overall value and quality of these bikes?

https://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/bik/1565159201.html

Thanks!

Matt

wrk101

That is one humongous bike, are you 6-10? For CA, that bike will probably sell pretty fast, although the huge size could slow it down. Nothing special, I don't care for flat bar conversions on drop bar bikes. But if it fits, and it is what you are looking for, it looks like a reasonable deal.

That model sometimes came with Tange #2 tubing, which would mean a pretty decent frame.

A bike that large is very difficult to sell, but also very difficult to find. So if it looks good in person, I would go for it.

matt.critchlow

Yea I'm not a fan of the flatbar either, I would replace it for sure. I'm about 6'5", 37.5" cycling inseam. I'm going to see how it fits in terms of size tomorrow. Thanks for your thoughts.

miamijim

@ 6'5" I'd say your tall enough. If it rides OK $150 is fair.

RobbieTunes

My Shogun Cro-Mo 400 was a Tange Champion #5 and it cleaned up like new. The components were pretty bad (Shimano Tourney, the old stuff) and the bike wasn't worth $150. However, you are in California. Here, it was a $25-$45 bike because it needed work, but made a great single speed converstion.

Yes. I said that on C&V.

matt.critchlow

Thanks. Do you know if the bike was a touring model? Does is have rack/fender mounts? What size tires does it take or are you running with it? From what I can tell in the pictures, it looks to be in at least decent shape, and I'll test out the components tomorrow.

And I won't go there with the single speed conversion

3373jones

the bike has been listed for quite a long time. might be able to talk him down...

Kobe 

I am 6'6" and always on the lookout for extra large bikes. They can be like finding a needle in a haystack, so if I see one I like I will jump on it.

If it is for sale by the original owner ask him if he kept the original handle bars and brakes. I would probably offer him $125, but if he is patient he will eventually get $150.

wrk101

No, it is not a touring model. However, even a lot of recreational level racing bikes (like this one) used to come with mounts for a rear rack and fenders.

Really lousy pictures to make any serious conclusions about, but Craigs List is the land of lousy pictures (or even no pictures). The fact that the bike has not sold already indicates its not a honkin hot deal. Make an offer if it fits. Just about any vintage bike with any cromoly frame, alloy rims and a cotterless crank, in good clean condition will be worth close to the asking price.

RobbieTunes

My Chro-Mo 400 had 27" wheels, and I converted it to 700c's with Textro Long Reach calipers. It did not have eyelets. I had to drill out the front fork and finagle the rear brake bridge, but it worked out OK. Since I made it a single speed, I was fine with the slick frame, just a front and rear brake and bullhorn bars...

matt.critchlow

Thanks everyone, I'm going to check out the bike tomorrow, and I'll report back. I appreciate all the comments and ideas.

Cheers,

Matt

T-Mar

+1, it's an early 1980's, upper entry level, recreational sports/touring model. It would almost certainly have eyelets on the dropouts, but don't be surprised if there is only one set, at least on the forks.

matt.critchlow

thanks everyone, it turned out the components were all in pretty bad shape. The frame looked pretty good actually, but for the cost of the parts I'd need to replace, I decided it wasn't worth it. thanks again for all the advice.