Cate

Hello!

I posted a while ago when I was searching for a bike and got some really useful feedback so I decided to come back with questions. I'm looking to get a road bike for my brother, he's about 6'3" so I figured he'd fit about a 60cm? He'll mainly be using the bike for commuting.

Anyway I found these two bikes near me, both for $150, and I was wondering if I could get your opinions on whether or not these are worth the price, and if you could maybe give me more information based off the photos? I barely know anything about bikes so it would be nice to get some help, thanks!!

Thank you so much for all the input!

Cate

Oh and this?

bertinjim 

Cate-

Absolutely no to the Varsity. For the Raleigh, maybe but possibly a bit small. I'm 6 feet and ride a 60 cm frame. At 6'3''ish your brother will probably fit the Nishiki better. Check to see that the bottle holder is brazed-on, it looks like the frame tubes have simply been drilled. Both bikes have been modified so take a careful look to be sure the work was done correctly. The prices seem reasonable. A Raleigh Super Grand Prix was recently for sale in Toronto at $200 CDN.

Thumpic

Bent fork on the Nishiki........in 7 of 12 the handle bar and fork are not in the same plane.........I really suspect a significant front end collision......

zukahn1 

+1 The Nishiki does look to be bent. The Raliegh is a nicer bike but appears to need a some work and is likely too small for a 6'3" rider. Sorry but I don't think either of these bikes would work out good. And no and double no on any Collegiate series Schwinn for anything actuall riding.

oddjob2

Trek 520 great deal
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/4202158267.html

zukahn1 

+1 a little more pricey but this is a very nice Large bike seems ready to ride from a legit individual seller.

r0ckh0und 

Neither the Raleigh or the Nishiki is worth anywhere near $150. The Raleigh pics are terrible but my guess is Hi Ten tubing. The Nishiki........I pick up the exact same bike a few weeks ago and it is chromoly with decent components despite the turkey levers and claw hanger. The fork looks okay to me.........but the price is too high. I paid $39 for mine.

+1 on Trek 520........a lot of bike for your money

Frenchosa

Trek 520. When it is time to move on from it, you will get your money back and it will be easier to sell than the other two bikes.

Cate

Hi everyone,

Wow so much information in such a short amount of time. Thanks for all of your responses! So from what I gather, I'll be avoiding the Schwinn with a ten foot pole and probably not go for the Raleigh or Nishiki. The Trek is a little above our price range but from what you all are saying, it seems like it's worth it, so I've shown the link to my brother and dad and we're very much considering it.

Thanks so much for all your help!

oddjob2

If you buy the Trek for $200-$250, and your brother rode the Trek for a few years, if it were cleaned, polished and tuned, it would be worth at least the amount you paid for it, if not more.

Here is one sold by a veteran member of bikeforums, it went for $400 +/-.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Trek-520-Tou...p2047675.l2557

Cate

Thanks, oddjob2! Yeah I definitely have that one bookmarked, my brother likes it. Guess I should make a decision before someone else gets it.

A little more perusing though...

Quick question: how's this Peugeot PX-10?

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/4237972428.html

Or this:

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/4238148921.html

jon c. 

The Peugot experts can tell if it's really a PX-10. Seems a lot of older Peugots are sold as PX-10s whether or not they are. But it's 531 tubing and although not in the best shape is worth the money. The saddle alone is worth a fair bit. As long as the seatpost isn't stuck in that position and everything is functional, it's a good price.

Thumpic

No clear pics of the derailleurs is a big flag to me......count on replacing them.......

Cate

Okay, thanks you two! I'll be keeping the Peugeot in mind but also stay wary.. do you think you could clarify what might be wrong with the derailleurs? Just old or something?

And what about https://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/bid/4236589570.html ? I'm so sorry I just keep posting links to bikes, I really just don't know anything about them.

My brother's friend is the same height as him and he's ridden his friend's bike really comfortably before. I asked his friend and he said it's 60cm, so I'm not sure... I'm worried 63 might be too big for him?

Cate

And this Peugeot!

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/bid/4214305747.html

Again, I'm so sorry for the clutter of my messages!

oddjob2

Centurion blue = 1980ish Super Lemans. Probably high tensile frame, and for that reason overpriced. Barcon shifters are nice.
Peugeot blue = mismatched wheels, pass.
Sekai = turkey wing brake levers and suicide shifters indicate low end bike.
Peugeot PX10 = real McCoy at a low price, but looks neglected as far as drivetrain maintenance and cleanliness. The bike needs a full overhaul so add $200 to the price. Also the tires are tubular, which can be delicate and are very expensive to replace, $40 each + $20 labor.

0.2HP

The PX10 is a sought after vintage bike, Peugeot’s top of the line retail racing bike at the time, and also famous for being a comfortable ride. As mentioned above it has several high maintenance issues, like the tubular tires and questionable derailleurs. If you can handle a screw driver and a wench you could replace the wheels with modern cinchers, and replace the Simplex or Huret derailleurs with modern or vintage Suntour/Shimano/SRAM ones (that will work better than the originals ever did.) Put the originals away if you ever want to sell the bike at full collectable value.

Note there will be several “surprises” along the way working on this bike. The enjoyment of restoring a classic is a big part of the appeal of this bike. If you pay someone to do the work, it will not be a bargain bike.

I’m 6’ 2” with a 34” pant length and I ride a 63cm/25” PX10 (one from 1974 - 76.) Someone a couple inches taller would easily fit on it.

Good luck.

inkandsilver

The Trek 520 is the easy winner here!