soundthesteel

Hey guys. I know nothing about bikes so I have to ask:
Is any of these a good deal? If so, which is the better value?

Nishiki
https://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/bik/3323531952.html
Schwinn Continental
https://sandiego.craigslist.org/ssd/bik/3325565508.html

jon c. 

$120 is not a bad price for anything ready to roll in a major market. Can't tell about the components on either, but based on what I can see I'd go with the Nishiki. Should be lighter if nothing else. And the brake cables and seat on the Schwinn look suspect.

soundthesteel

Thanks for the help! I'll go check out the Nishiki tomorrow or something

anixi

Nishiki is gone, did you get it?
If not, the Continental is a dog, don't go down that rat-hole. They're heavy (over 30lbs), slow, don't shift well, have weird parts (some of them even French!).

https://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/bik/3325817516.html
https://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/bik/3305588558.html
https://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/bik/3308116680.html
https://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/bik/3296224126.html

These look a little better, check 'em out...

soundthesteel

You're right. The nishiki was sold already. I couldn't get in touch with the Windsor seller yet. How are free spirits?

https://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/bik/3290436058.html

wrk101

FS = junk

Get educated, get lucky, or get taken.

FWIW: The ones recommended above are 3X better.

Best bet is to get educated up front, then pounce. Decent bikes, at attractive (low) prices tend to go fast, really fast.

The "hey how about this one?" strategy takes too long for the best deals.

In just about every market, there are scoopers watching C/L continuously, with cash in hand, and ready to roll. Thats the competition when you buy on a public forum like C/L.

curbtender

https://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/bik/3325817516.html

FastJake

First thing we need to know: how tall are you?

soundthesteel

5'10"

T-Mar

The Sirrus looks like it may have been crashed. That front wheel appears to be extremely close to the down tube but it could also be an illusion caused by camera angle, focal distance, etc. Appears to have New Shimano 105, which would make it circa 1987-1992. Great price if not bent but looks too big for your average proportioned 5'10" person.

jon c. 

At 5'10" the first two you posted would have been too small in any case. You're probably looking at the 56 to 58 range for a good fit.

FastJake

https://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/bik/3296224126.html

Re-posted from above. Will fit you and looks like a good deal.

soundthesteel

This posting was up for more than a week so I can't email the seller anymore :/ Hopefully he relists it though

And thank you everyone for your advice! It's greatly appreciated.

T-Mar

FYI, the Nishiki Tri-A is a 1989 model with SunTour GPX. Orignal price would have been in the $550-$600 US range. That's a good deal for the market, provided it is in good condition and fits well. Make sure the shifting system works well and has plenty of life left in it, as the AccuShift replacement parts are getting hard to come by and they are not compatible with Shimano SIS.

anixi

A couple of Iron Man (Men?) 56 and 58, in CV:

https://sandiego.craigslist.org/ssd/bik/3318632611.html

soundthesteel

I'm going for the Windsor. Any thoughts?

https://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/bik/3308116680.html

catonec 

at 5'10 a 58 cm frame might be too big. Im the same height and Im comfortable on 55.

I like the specialized better but thats a 61.

oddjob2

I'd buy the Ironman. In fact, I'd buy both, keep one, and polish up the other for sale to pay for all but $50-$75 on the keeper. I have a Centurion Comp TA. Awesome, light, Smooth, fast.