CliffordK

Vintage Shogun 200 Commuter Distance Triathlon with Extras - $180 (Lilburn Stone Mountain Decatur Tucker)

Ok, a slightly smaller frame that might be good for you.

I think I'm seeing notes of Tange 900 Double Butted Chromoly. That would put it at the bottom of the Chromoly, but better than the High-Ten steel that might be found on similar bikes.

The bull horns are odd, but it has kept the drop bar levers and shifters, so the conversion to drop bars should be cheap. A local co-op or bicycle recycler should have drop bars for about $5. Oh and maybe a shorter stem for another $5 to $10.

The bike is nothing fancy, but would be a good commuter, and even has fenders.

I am seeing notes of 27" tires which are widely available, but will limit you a little bit. If you haven't maxed out your brake reach, you may be able to change to 700c, or just keep the 27".

I wouldn't plan on going all out upgrading. Just repair or replace anything that breaks.

"Claw" derailleur hangers are a bit old-school, but adapters are available if you need them.

Whew, jumping to a whole different class of bicycles.

MTBs are popular for commuters with some people. Not my cup of tea.

Good for short commutes < 10 miles. Heavy for long rides > 30 miles.

People often choose smaller frames than for road bikes, so that one is probably pushing it a bit for size.

satbuilder 

Is there a reason you're looking for a newer bike with a vintage look? How about a vintage bike that is in real nice shape?

Like this one just posted up in the classifieds: https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...a-19-50cm.html

T Stew

Not that great IMO, it is a low end bike. I'd try to search for a better model myself, Schwinns of around that period are pretty good and usually good value if you stick to their lightweight road bikes, like off these two lists:
https://www.trfindley.com/flschwinn_1...90/1987_17.JPG
https://bikecatalogs.org/SCHWINN/1988...LL/1988_16.jpg
And off those lists I'd avoid the World, and probably the World Sport and Traveler unless you got really good deals on em.

tojayho

Thanks for the links they look useful
What do you think about these?
https://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/bik/5495283441.html
https://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/bik/5469152440.html
https://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/bik/5488199070.html
https://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/bik/5450108411.html
+ I know some are 22inches, and I was wondering if it is okay for me to ride
I am supposed to ride 21"/54cm

tojayho

I was just wondering if there were any. I realized I will get a vintage bike that is in real nice shape. I am just looking for budget vintage bike. Thanks for the link though

CliffordK

The first two are about your size.

The second two are a little bit large. You can try them. I ride a bike that many BF forums would say is way too large for me. 60cm (I think), for 5'10". But, if you're finding bikes that are the right size, and not growing, then there is no reason to get one that is too big.

Ok, the first Schwinn, Schwinn Super Le Tour 12.2 - $275 (Decatur), is probably the nicest out of that batch.

You won't find a really expensive bicycle for $200... or you won't without a lot of looking, and some really good luck. But that isn't a bad bike for your price range.

The red & black bike would be ok, just 5-10 pounds heavier, and a little clunkier. Still fine for its niche.

Oh, SWEET BICYCLE!!!!

30 years ago... 40 years ago?
Everyone's dream bicycle was outfitted with all Campagnolo Nuovo Record components.

Of course, that was few decades ago. You'd do well changing to clincher wheels/tires for general use.

But, it would still be a nice bike.

T Stew

You'd have to try it out and see. My fit is very flexible, I'm about 5'9" and ride from 21 to 23 inch schwinn frames. 22 might be a touch large but only you will be able to make that call. 23" is large for me, I need to dismount on level ground and have to be a bit careful of the top tube against my man parts but honestly the fit feels fine while biking.

Out of those the Super Le Tour is probably the nicest, and most classy. I'd love to get a nice chrome 12.2 someday. But it will have to be in nice shape as I don't think there is much you can do to revert rust and oxidation of the chrome once it's there.

The only other one I'd consider personally would be the Traveler, and I'd try and talk him down. It was pretty much bottom line of the upper tier Schwinns, but still better than the lower tier ones. A great budget ride, especially if you offer $75 or $100 and they take it. However they say it needs a complete tune-up to be road worthy, so that might be a red flag. FWIW my first road bike a couple years ago was my '88 Le Tour (next bike up from the Traveler that year in the hierarchy) and I got it for $80 ready to roll with the exception of needing new tires and tubes. I'd still try to find a Tenax framed Schwinn if I could, like Premis, Prelude, Voyageur, Tempo, Super Sport, etc. Plenty of other good bikes out there to choose from as well, I just happen to be more familiar with the Schwinns.

tojayho

Yeah it looks like you know your stuff with Schwinn. Chrome seems to be fine on the pictures. I might talk to the guy to bring it down to $250. I guess I will try to get Super Le Tour 12.2. Any tips on buying anything from Craigslist lol

CliffordK

It looks like it should be aired up and ready to roll, so take it for a test ride.

Ask the seller when the last time the hubs, bottom bracket, and headset were cleaned and repacked. If it has been a while, then put that on your to-do list.

I tend to be a bit too trusting. But, you can look up bicycle serial numbers on Stolen Bike Registry

I was surprised at the number of silver/chrome Super Le Tour bikes that showed up.

Unfortunately none have enough information to be identifiable.

Virtually all Craigslist transactions are CASH. It is just expected.

I've never had problems meeting at people's houses, or sometimes at a nearby business.

CuttersRidge

It sounds like the potential buyer is headed in the right direction, some of those linked look excellent.

If one bargains down; there are some sellers on CL that discount for students, so if one is a student, maybe that would work. Sometimes you see that in ads, "student discount"; usually $25.

eschlwc

the novice shouldn't purchase such a bike if he merely wants any old ride. he will likely fall in love with vintage cycling and invest far too much time riding, admiring and studying his new obsession. his future could become quite uncertain with such a beautiful object in his life. better to play it safe.

CliffordK

tojayho

Thanks for giving me tips and feedbacks on the bikes to a newbie tryna get a new bike.
Help me out one more time
Centurions in good condition came out
https://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/bik/5525746136.html
https://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/bik/5524701917.html ( I talked with the guy and he said 300 is the lowest he will go)

eschlwc

^ those are two different sizes.

usually, the bigger bike (in your range) will be more comfortable, especially on long rides.