1987 Fuji palisade
 

Hi i have an opportunity to buy a 1986 Fuji palisade 54cm. The seller says it has never been ridden and is in excellent condition. He is asking 225 floor this bike. Does this sounds like a good deal? Quality bike?

entry level bike. $225 is a bit high unless it really has never been ridden and looks like new.

Ok from pics it looks very nice. He says price is negotiable. By entry level, will this bike be good for my purpose. Which is a commuter, riding around college campus and some paved trail riding? I really want the best for my money.

Yep, pretty entry level. Catalog page link: http://www.classicfuji.com/1986_18_P...Mixte_Page.htm

Would serve your purposes, but there are quite a few better models than that out there for your $225 (depending on regional market, but "seek and you shall find") . The tires might be dry rotted, brake pads dried out, and everything may need to be regreased. That's OK, but not for $225 from an "educated consumer". It does have eyelets for mounting fenders and a rear rack, which is something to look for in a commuter bike.

umm, could you perhaps give me some examples of some models that would be better? im going to look at this bike tommorow, he said price is negotiable, what should i offer? would 150 be more fair?

would i be better with? a Raleigh super grand prix for 180. a fuji sagres for160?

patience.

spend a little time looking at bikes here and in the valuation forum. this should give you an idea or what you like/need and the going rate. then you just need to be patient until one presents itself.

i have an oppotunity to go and buy one of these tomorow, and maybe not for a while. I would really like some opinions.

I wouldn't pay a penny over $125.

for a never used bike? it seems to be in good condition. how can i get the seller to drop down from so high?

How to drop the price? Take it for a ride...

lol, should i offer him 150? sound fair?

The seller's asking price is very optimistic. The actual price is what someone is will to pay based on supply and demand. The supply of "never ridden" entry level ten speeds is high and the demand for them is low.

I'm sure that if you show up with $125 cash, you'll walk out with the bike.

hmm whats the max i should go? this is a good quality bike you think? worth getting new tires and stuff...

$125 max (period) This is an entry level bike. Instead of spending on upgrades and parts get a mid-level bike. Worth it in the long run.

well whats a mid level bike you recommend? any of these http://cnj.craigslist.org/bik/2897141737.html http://cnj.craigslist.org/bik/2900052861.html http://cnj.craigslist.org/bik/2885828963.html http://cnj.craigslist.org/bik/2907113528.html http://cnj.craigslist.org/bik/2875316927.html
http://cnj.craigslist.org/bik/2909280917.html

If you can get that Centurion down, it would be your best bet.

really? down to what do you think??

You see quite a few high priced bikes make appearances on NY CL, and they do many repeat performances. Check the tires (OK, about $20 a pair online, $8 for brake pads). If everything is OK, it's clean (and that's what you want versus a little "scruffy") and ya gotsta have it ... $150 cash, a smile and a friendly, but firm presentation...and you're done with it. You can get a brand-new road bike from Bikes Direct (Motobecane Super Mirage) delivered to your door for $299. Murphy's Law says...after you buy an entry-level road bike on CL for $225+ you will stumble across a better quality one at a garage sale for $50. Murphy was an optimist (i.e, you will probably catch one for $25). The Palisades has Araya alloy rims and quick-release hubs (+1), eyelets for mounting fenders and rear rack (+1), stem-mounted friction shifters & turkey levers on the brakes (-1). Also, the crank set seems to be only partially alloy. Weight is around 27 lbs, which is so-so.

so you are saying go for the palisade? good first road bike? and stay firm at 150? I like to value people opinions, but with such variance idk who to trust. But it says you are a senior member lol so...

Doesn't look like a 54cm-offer 150 and haggle from there.

Sounds OK if you don't mind spending that much, but if it is something you want...you'll survive if you overspend a little. Should be a good, functional type bike. Fujis are pretty decent, BTW. If you see something better later, catch a great deal, upgrade. Focus on the tires and brake pads, which might need to be replaced. If you do your own work, no problem. If you rely on a shop, plan on spending lots of cash if you aren't careful. Check to make sure wheels spin true, gears shift and brakes work...check for cable stretch (easy adjustment) and it might need a good oiling. Ask for the owner's manual and any other stuff that might have come with it..."Gee, do you still have the owner's manual..."

well im not sure if its what i want, i know nothing about bikes, my friend is helping me and he said that was the best. hes going to look at it with me.

Hey, I went this morning, My friend said it was in excellent condition. Needs new cables, bar tape, tires and brake pads as expected. Haggled down the price to 150 dollars from his asking price of 225. Fits me well and im happy with my purchase, now i just need some helping choosing the components to fix it up with. I would like to spend 75 more to fix it.

Nice Haggling, If your going to replace the cables, i would suggest replace the stem shifters with some clamp on suntour downtube shifters, to keep w/ your ST Motif. Look on ebay, they should be pretty inexpensive. Stem shifters get annoying very quickly.