dreadpiratebly

I had the opportunity to purchase a red/white Schwinn Prologue yesterday for $180, maybe less. Though I was tempted, it had rims that looked like they might be getting thin, thread bare tires, a willy-nilly mixture of components (Shimano 600, 105, Cane Creek, bullhorns with front and rear brakes swapped), and a decent sized dent on the top tube (or maybe even two dents on top of each other, and the seller couldn't say why). Paint was OK, but raised and starting to flake at the cable guides from what looked like sub-surface rust. In all, a bike that didn't inspire me. Now, I know something about bikes and could have cleaned it up well. Probably couldn't have rolled the dent out myself, as it was just about on top on a cable guide, and because I'd be afraid of messing around with Tange Prestige.

So...was I crazy? Or am I crazy for second-guessing myself? I've gone back and forth about it, and figure I should take it to some more knowledgeable folks.

bikemig 

There are other fish in the sea and this is a very good time to be looking to buy particularly if you live in MN (or anywhere where the season is starting to wind down).

oddjob2

With a tt dent, at $180 =/-, you were smart to walk away. For about the same money, I picked up two Preludes last week, one in immaculate condition and one in average condition, w/o tires.

3alarmer 

...let it go. By the time you got it up and running and overhauled, you'd have more invested in terms of time
than a bike with dented TT could possibly be resold for. Also, let it go. Did I mention to just let it go ?

jjames1452 

I have a 60 cm red and white Prologue Frame that likely will not be being built any time in 2014/2015.
(my goal was to build a Schwinn Peloton, Prologue, and Circuit with pro level,old school, Suntour components)
LMK if that fits, and you want to start with a frame and chose the components.
Building from the frame is not the most cost efficient way to own a bike - and doesn't usually make sense for flipping.
I like it for owning forever.....

jet sanchEz

Dents are deal breakers for me.

TugaDude

+1, next........

Darth Lefty 

Junk is junk no matter how nice it once was. There's no shortage of steel racing frames in the world, this was just one of them.

exxongraftek

You did good. Dents = negative dollars.

jjames1452 

I need to re-think not building that frame. I measured the frame for another BF member. It looks like it is amazingly close to the dimensions of my Kona Kapu. Maybe I should see if I can build it with the 9 speed STI group I have. The rear may need to be spread a bit, but I'd bet it would make a sweet ride!

dreadpiratebly

Yeah, all I hear is how great these bikes are. 60cm is too big for me, but you (jjames) should do something with that frame. I've flipped a few bikes but was hoping to add this one to my personal stable... Oh well. I haven't lost any sleep over it, and now I can trust I made the right call. Thanks everyone.

coolkat

I've found that usually, if I pass on something, there was a reason. Trust your instincts; you knew to walk away!

daf1009

+10

Also...sounds like it would have been tough to even make anything parting it out...as Kenny Rogers sang..."you got to know when to hold them, know when to fold them, know when to walk away...know when to run!"