Your Least Favorite Bike You Have Owned
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Central California
Posts: 1,084
Bikes: 2001 LeMond Nevada City, ‘92 Merlin Titanium, '84 Torpado Super Strada, ‘84 Schwinn Tempo, '81 Bianchi Limites, '73 Raleigh Supercourse
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 161 Post(s)
Liked 69 Times
in
41 Posts
I find this funny, because I have this exact bike and was just telling a friend of mine that I am considering selling it because it just doesn't inspire me to ride. ESPECIALLY now that I have a Torpado Super Strada that fits me like a glove!!
#27
feros ferio
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Posts: 21,765
Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
Mentioned: 44 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1384 Post(s)
Liked 1,294 Times
in
819 Posts
1. (Illegal to include in this list, per your rules)
1980s Sears Free Spirit
Fortunately, got stolen from my workplace.
2. 1974 Schwinn Varsity
Despite my aluminum rims, 6-speed freewheel, SunTour downtube shift coversion, and pie plate, chainring guard, and kickstand removal, it was still a slug.
1980s Sears Free Spirit
Fortunately, got stolen from my workplace.
2. 1974 Schwinn Varsity
Despite my aluminum rims, 6-speed freewheel, SunTour downtube shift coversion, and pie plate, chainring guard, and kickstand removal, it was still a slug.
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
#28
Still learning
Raleigh Competition, 1985 or 1986, Huffy era.
Santana Tandem, because the seatpost is stuck down inside the seat tube.
Never found a Giant I liked, road or mtb.
Bianchi Brava, made in Japan.
Santana Tandem, because the seatpost is stuck down inside the seat tube.
Never found a Giant I liked, road or mtb.
Bianchi Brava, made in Japan.
#29
Senior Member
I had a post trapped in a tube once. Was able to run a piece of all thread down through it to the BB, slide a large washer on and fix a nut. Then put an oversized washer up top and another nut. Turning the top nut pulled the post up. Eventually I was able to yank on the all thread and get the post out.
#30
Senior Member
But for me, it was a Trek 790 MultiTrack with drop bars that I could never get comfortable on. Weird sizing, very long top tube, just strange. The components and wheels on mine were fine, and I made a real effort to make it work ergonomically, but never warmed up to it.
#31
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Berkeley, CA
Posts: 7,445
Bikes: '72 Cilo Pacer, '72 Gitane Gran Tourisme, '72 Peugeot PX10, '73 Speedwell Ti, '74 Peugeot UE-8, '75 Peugeot PR-10L, '80 Colnago Super, '85 De Rosa Pro, '86 Look Equipe 753, '86 Look KG86, '89 Parkpre Team, '90 Parkpre Team MTB, '90 Merlin
Mentioned: 87 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 826 Post(s)
Liked 2,048 Times
in
545 Posts
'74 Nishiki Competition. I thought this bike would be ideal for commuting and/or grocery getting. Nothing wrong with the ride. Fits fine. Gives a very smooth and stable feel. It's just that it has been supplanted by another more "sporty" bike in my fleet for its expected purpose. The Nishiki is more of a classic touring bike with a bike longer (sluggish) wheel base, and expected weight penalty. But more than anything, the Nishiki is equipped with Suntour bar-end shifters and half-step gearing. I know they both have their fans, but I don't like either. It's a handsome bike, (imho) and performs as it should. It's just not for me. I even went through the trouble of repainting it, but just don't ride it.
Last edited by gaucho777; 03-24-17 at 10:56 PM.
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Prior Lake
Posts: 637
Bikes: 1989 Tommasini Super Prestige, 1985 Chris Kvale, 1977 Colnago Super, 1992 Serotta Colorado, 1984 Schwinn Cimarron
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 189 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 40 Times
in
20 Posts
In the end, I wasn't all that impressed with the RB-T I owned. Granted, wasn't built for the type of riding I like. Just didn't put a smile on my face while riding like my keepers. Spent some time building the bike up and it turned out visually very nice. Really enjoyed the rubber too. But in the end it was moved down the line.
#33
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: STP
Posts: 15,223
Mentioned: 74 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 821 Post(s)
Liked 253 Times
in
141 Posts
In the end, I wasn't all that impressed with the RB-T I owned. Granted, wasn't built for the type of riding I like. Just didn't put a smile on my face while riding like my keepers. Spent some time building the bike up and it turned out visually very nice. Really enjoyed the rubber too. But in the end it was moved down the line.
#34
Senior Member
For me it was this Trek 1400. I built this up during the winter with very high hopes. Fast bike but dull ride and after 10 miles of riding it, I was wishing the ride was over. It really hurt to ride it. Brutal bike. I sold it off.
__________________
My bikes: 1970`s Roberts - 1981 Miyata 912 - 1980`s Ocshner (Chrome) - 1987 Schwinn Circuit - 1987 Schwinn Prologue - 1992 Schwinn Crosspoint - 1999 Schwinn Circuit - 2014 Cannondale Super Six EVO
My bikes: 1970`s Roberts - 1981 Miyata 912 - 1980`s Ocshner (Chrome) - 1987 Schwinn Circuit - 1987 Schwinn Prologue - 1992 Schwinn Crosspoint - 1999 Schwinn Circuit - 2014 Cannondale Super Six EVO
Last edited by Steve Whitlatch; 03-25-17 at 01:30 PM.
#37
Senior Member
Worst by far....
I came across this Russian machine a while back & it is unforgettable...
Look:
Has a crude 4 speed derailler & awful beige paint...
That's the positive side of it.
Obviously a 'Peoples Bike' & this one was abandoned in Hull where the Soviet Fishing fleet used to dock...
Not surprised he left it behind, after a night on the town I reckon: )
Wierdly this same company used to make track machines for the Russian Olympic Bike teams.....
Look:
Has a crude 4 speed derailler & awful beige paint...
That's the positive side of it.
Obviously a 'Peoples Bike' & this one was abandoned in Hull where the Soviet Fishing fleet used to dock...
Not surprised he left it behind, after a night on the town I reckon: )
Wierdly this same company used to make track machines for the Russian Olympic Bike teams.....
#38
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 634
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 230 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 18 Times
in
11 Posts
I came across this Russian machine a while back & it is unforgettable...
Look:
Has a crude 4 speed derailler & awful beige paint...
That's the positive side of it.
Obviously a 'Peoples Bike' & this one was abandoned in Hull where the Soviet Fishing fleet used to dock...
Not surprised he left it behind, after a night on the town I reckon: )
Wierdly this same company used to make track machines for the Russian Olympic Bike teams.....
Look:
Has a crude 4 speed derailler & awful beige paint...
That's the positive side of it.
Obviously a 'Peoples Bike' & this one was abandoned in Hull where the Soviet Fishing fleet used to dock...
Not surprised he left it behind, after a night on the town I reckon: )
Wierdly this same company used to make track machines for the Russian Olympic Bike teams.....
If you still have this bicycle I'd be very very interested. I leave England next week for a european cycle tour but maybe we still make something work.
#41
ambulatory senior
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Peoria Il
Posts: 6,347
Bikes: Austro Daimler modified by Gugie! Raleigh Professional and lots of other bikes.
Mentioned: 76 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1953 Post(s)
Liked 3,634 Times
in
1,671 Posts
'74 Nishiki Competition. I thought this bike would be ideal for commuting and/or grocery getting. Nothing wrong with the ride. Fits fine. Gives a very smooth and stable feel. It's just that it has been supplanted by another more "sporty" bike in my fleet for its expected purpose. The Nishiki is more of a classic touring bike with a bike longer (sluggish) wheel base, and expected weight penalty. But more than anything, the Nishiki is equipped with Suntour bar-end shifters and half-step gearing. I know they both have their fans, but I don't like either. It's a handsome bike, (imho) and performs as it should. It's just not for me. I even went through the trouble of repainting it, but just don't ride it.
#42
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Fairplay Co
Posts: 9,582
Bikes: Current 79 Nishiki Custum Sport, Jeunet 620, notable previous bikes P.K. Ripper loop tail, Kawahara Laser Lite, Paramount Track full chrome, Raliegh Internatioanl, Motobecan Super Mirage. 59 Crown royak 3 speed
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 786 Post(s)
Liked 1,706 Times
in
620 Posts
Last edited by zukahn1; 03-25-17 at 10:18 AM.
#43
Senior Member
Unfortunately/fortunately I am no longer in possession of it.
How cool if I was?: )
You could have had it gratis.
#44
52psi
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 4,134
Bikes: Schwinn Volare ('78); Raleigh Competition GS ('79)
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 790 Post(s)
Liked 800 Times
in
390 Posts
Cannondale R-900. It was a lightning-fast and soulless machine that I quickly dubbed "The Terminator." I imagine many would hold onto this bike forever, but it gave me very little enjoyment. I kept it less than two months.
[EDIT] I chose not to include the Godzilla Takara here, because that one's just too obvious.
[EDIT] I chose not to include the Godzilla Takara here, because that one's just too obvious.
__________________
A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
Last edited by Fahrenheit531; 03-25-17 at 10:14 AM.
#45
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Vancouver Wa.
Posts: 289
Bikes: Surly Cross Check, '92 Trek 520, Novara Randonee, '89 Allez, Schwinn Sierra beater
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 65 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The Schwinn Varsity I had freshman/sophomore years of high school (1977/1978) I hated that green tank. That said, I'd kinda like to have one in my size now and if I see a clean one in my size for cheap in local craigslist I'll snap it up "just cuz".
#47
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Norman, Oklahoma
Posts: 5,390
Bikes: Too many to list
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1764 Post(s)
Liked 1,121 Times
in
744 Posts
Early generation Giant compact geometry TCR, -- cool ONCE team edition paint scheme
the bikes came sized , S, M, L, XL --- which is common now, but in late 90's wasn't quite as widespread --- I normally ride a 53, so I picked a medium, -- it felt right at the shop, -- but after a few long rides, was uncomfortable --
Never could put my finger on why either -- I tried my best to duplicate the measurements from my old steel bike with different stems and things
I sold the bike after a while and never missed it
This is not the exact bike , but one very similar
the bikes came sized , S, M, L, XL --- which is common now, but in late 90's wasn't quite as widespread --- I normally ride a 53, so I picked a medium, -- it felt right at the shop, -- but after a few long rides, was uncomfortable --
Never could put my finger on why either -- I tried my best to duplicate the measurements from my old steel bike with different stems and things
I sold the bike after a while and never missed it
This is not the exact bike , but one very similar
Last edited by DMC707; 03-25-17 at 01:20 PM.
#48
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Soviet of Oregon or Pensacola FL
Posts: 5,339
Bikes: Still have a few left!
Mentioned: 48 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 462 Post(s)
Liked 497 Times
in
253 Posts
For me it was a vintage Colnago Cross bike. It was light, fast and nimble. The Mafac cantilevers stopped it well, but if a bike could be cursed, this one was. I enjoyed it for a few months, then had a near death encounter with a clueless woman driver. After several more incidents spread over 1 Summer, I pretty much quit riding the bike but hung on to it for years. Every so often I would take it out for a spin, but inevitably, another close call would put it back on the hook.
Eventually, I donated it to my local co-op. Don
Eventually, I donated it to my local co-op. Don
#49
Senior Member
A 1970 vintage Sears 10 speed that I rode to High School in downtown Atlanta. What a freakin boat anchor. I think it was made out of cast iron scrap metal. So heavy that when the planet explodes it will be floating around out in space forever. Just a pure evil hell bike.
#50
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Maryland
Posts: 3,980
Bikes: Lots of English 3-speeds, a couple of old road bikes, 3 mountain bikes, 1 hybrid, and a couple of mash-ups
Mentioned: 53 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 887 Post(s)
Liked 335 Times
in
225 Posts
A pristine Trek 1100. It cost me $35 and the tires were flat, so I couldn't test ride it. When I had it ready to ride, it was an ass beater and way too twitchy for me. I sold it for 5x what I paid and the buyer loved it. Go figure.