bastie

Hi;

I'm new to Canada and just moved to Toronto and would like to buy a bike. Mainly to ride in town, but also a bit longer tours, if the weather is nice.
I found an offer for a Norco Monterey on Kijiji:

https://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-s...AdIdZ476993499

and I think it looks okay, but I'm not sure about the pricing. I read up a bit on the components (I never had a vintage bike, at home I have a Kocmo fitted with Ultegra and 105er parts) and they seem to be alright. I was wondering about the gear, though. I think it looks strange that it has that transparent plastic part to separate the chain from the wheel. Is that standard?
So anyways, I won't expect too much from the bike, but I would be happy if someone could tell me whether the price and the bike are decent...

Thanks in advance,
Bastie

randyjawa 

Welcome to both the Bike Forums and Canada.

The Toronto market is very strong and the asking price for the Norco is about right for the area. You might want to wait for something priced a little lower or even offer $150.00 for the bike assuming that it is a good fit for you. Fit..?

That Norco is for a very tall person. How tall are you? If you are not at least 6' 4", then the bike will, probably, be too big, in my opinion. Also, the bike us of entry level quality or slightly above. It is nicely made and has reasonably good components but don't expect it to offer racing or sound touring ride qualities. At best, it will afford you recreational ride quality.

I heve owned, built up and ridden a few Norcos and the Monterey was one of them. I had no issue with the bicycle other than it was a bit heavier than I am used to.

Hope this is a help and good luck with your quest. That said and before making a purchase, you might want to spend a bit of time learning about Vintage Bicycle Quality and Vintage Bicycle Value. The information offered in each of those two links will help you to make a good choice when shopping for an old bicycle.

T-Mar

The Monterey was an upper, entry level model. While it has CrMo tubes they are plain gauge and only in the main triangle. The forks and stays are hi-tensile steel. By this time the metal spoke prtotectors had given way to less expensive and lighter plastic versions. That is a fair price for Toronto, provided it is ready to ride, there are no mechanical issues and it fits properly.

Dave Mayer

This is one massive bike. Anyway, this is a circa 1980 mid-range bike, or somewhat below mid-range. The brakes are pretty poor, as with essentially all sidepulls of the era. If I was riding this (being 6'6" or taller), then I would replace the brakes, the brake levers and all of the cables and housing. Then I would assume that the chain was shot (they always are on used bikes - always) and perhaps the freewheel and the chainrings. I see these bikes at yard sales every weekend - just not this big. Huge bike...

bastie

Hi guys,

thanks for the input. I had a look at the bike and it was in very good shape. The handlebar wasn't original and the saddle is new (but also norco). I rode it and it was comfortable (I'm 1,96m), so I bought it (for 210). Thanks again for the help

Bastie