Finding a new best friend
06-26-18 | 01:42 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 16
Likes: 2
Finding a new best friend
Hello all,
I am a native nycer looking for a bike which is strong, dependable, and fast. I have been looking on CL for a good bike but everytime I think ive found something nice, I google the name and it brings me to this forum where this great community lets me know that the value is wayy under what its listed at. Im not looking for a steal just a fair and solid purchase
my background:
I have ridden bikes my whole life but am new to rode biking (bmx background). This past fall I got a heavy steel and too big for me kabuki ssk which I fell in love with. Since then I learned so much by riding it about how to be more efficient, have more fun, and go faster.
I am the type of person who tries to catch up to and pass any biker i see in my field of vision, no matter what. I consider myself a prettt “hard” rider due to my background in bmx and due to the city i grew up in and my attitudes toward biking and owning the road.
This past weekend I tried a true temper KHS areo at a bike shop near me and it was a mindblowing experience on how smooth and fast a better bike could be. Though at the same time this bike felt like if i hit a big pothole something would break and removavle tires is a pretty big nono for me. I invested ina good lock already but as I said Im a native new yorker and know what my city is capable of haha.. also I do not look for potholes but streets can be dark at nigt and when all your emergy is focused on going as fast as you can they cam sneak up on you pretty good.
What I’m lookig for:
my budget is around ~500. I would go up a little if it was truly worth it(will be riding this daily)
I am looking for durability foremost. I want a bike that can take the loving abuse of daily hard riding throughout my city. It would be cool if the bike could support racks or a basket added.
Since im always trying to race people it would be great to have somrthing fast and smooth as well , even though i feel i keep up decently in my current ride.
Also like I said, I knwo what my city is capable of so zi dont want something that is tooo nice (or at least that looks as nice as it is) because I know how fast things get stolen here.
I am looking for vintage/classic because I value recycling and hate the excess manufacturing of all kinds of dispensible things and want to set an example for the younger generation in this regard.
Lastly, I also grew a strong liking toward cable tensioners but im open to trying bikes from the 90s as well. I have an affinity to italian and japanese bikes , just because thats what im drawn to (doesnt really matter).
overall thank you if you’ve read this far and i would be very grateful for any tips or input at all. Ive already been lookig for cromo frames and aluminum wheels but beyond that I’m kind of clueless.
I guess since this could be in the “want to buy “ section as well in a way, if you have any suggestions on specific bikes in the nyc area or beyond - im open to them. I’m 5’10/5’11 and guessing my proper size is 54-56.
Thank you!
I am a native nycer looking for a bike which is strong, dependable, and fast. I have been looking on CL for a good bike but everytime I think ive found something nice, I google the name and it brings me to this forum where this great community lets me know that the value is wayy under what its listed at. Im not looking for a steal just a fair and solid purchase
my background:
I have ridden bikes my whole life but am new to rode biking (bmx background). This past fall I got a heavy steel and too big for me kabuki ssk which I fell in love with. Since then I learned so much by riding it about how to be more efficient, have more fun, and go faster.
I am the type of person who tries to catch up to and pass any biker i see in my field of vision, no matter what. I consider myself a prettt “hard” rider due to my background in bmx and due to the city i grew up in and my attitudes toward biking and owning the road.
This past weekend I tried a true temper KHS areo at a bike shop near me and it was a mindblowing experience on how smooth and fast a better bike could be. Though at the same time this bike felt like if i hit a big pothole something would break and removavle tires is a pretty big nono for me. I invested ina good lock already but as I said Im a native new yorker and know what my city is capable of haha.. also I do not look for potholes but streets can be dark at nigt and when all your emergy is focused on going as fast as you can they cam sneak up on you pretty good.
What I’m lookig for:
my budget is around ~500. I would go up a little if it was truly worth it(will be riding this daily)
I am looking for durability foremost. I want a bike that can take the loving abuse of daily hard riding throughout my city. It would be cool if the bike could support racks or a basket added.
Since im always trying to race people it would be great to have somrthing fast and smooth as well , even though i feel i keep up decently in my current ride.
Also like I said, I knwo what my city is capable of so zi dont want something that is tooo nice (or at least that looks as nice as it is) because I know how fast things get stolen here.
I am looking for vintage/classic because I value recycling and hate the excess manufacturing of all kinds of dispensible things and want to set an example for the younger generation in this regard.
Lastly, I also grew a strong liking toward cable tensioners but im open to trying bikes from the 90s as well. I have an affinity to italian and japanese bikes , just because thats what im drawn to (doesnt really matter).
overall thank you if you’ve read this far and i would be very grateful for any tips or input at all. Ive already been lookig for cromo frames and aluminum wheels but beyond that I’m kind of clueless.
I guess since this could be in the “want to buy “ section as well in a way, if you have any suggestions on specific bikes in the nyc area or beyond - im open to them. I’m 5’10/5’11 and guessing my proper size is 54-56.
Thank you!
Last edited by orewatsuyoi; 06-26-18 at 01:49 PM.
06-26-18 | 01:59 PM
#2
Mr. Anachronism
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,110
Likes: 291
From: Somewhere west of Tobie's
Bikes: fillet-brazed Chicago Schwinns, and some other stuff
There are some great tips in this recent thread. 
__________________
"My only true wisdom is in knowing I have none" -Socrates
"My only true wisdom is in knowing I have none" -Socrates
06-27-18 | 04:36 AM
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 12,562
Likes: 2,738
From: Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada - burrrrr!
Bikes: 1958 Rabeneick 120D, 1968 Legnano Gran Premio, 196? Torpado Professional, 2000 Marinoni Piuma
Send me an email, if this interests you, and I will list it on the For Sale forum. Great higher end bike set up for daily riding and the bike does ride very nice. It has been upgraded to brifters but I kept a two ring crank set, not the triple pictured...
__________________
"98% of the bikes I buy are projects".
"98% of the bikes I buy are projects".
06-27-18 | 05:30 AM
#4
Senior Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 60
Likes: 19
From: Plantation, Fl.
Bikes: Lotsa
How about this?
I put a lot of work into this one, but just don't ride it enough. It is powder coated (Very Durable) and is a great looking, kick ass color combination. I can get it to N.Y. for $450.00
06-27-18 | 07:48 AM
#6
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 16
Likes: 2
Thanks for the replys everyone so far! The recent tread that was linked is helpful! (very sorry if this is a redundent kind of post!!)
Those who posted bikes thanks a lot as well! Im looking into them and will get back to you if interested or i have questions
will also check the for sale section here as suggested
much appreciated
Those who posted bikes thanks a lot as well! Im looking into them and will get back to you if interested or i have questions
will also check the for sale section here as suggested
much appreciated
06-27-18 | 08:15 AM
#7
Overdoing projects
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,464
Likes: 1,369
From: Rotterdam, former republic of the Netherlands
Bikes: Batavus Randonneur GL, Gazelle Orange Excellent, Gazelle Super Licht, Gazelle Grand Tourist, Gazelle Lausanne, Gazelle Tandem, Koga-Miyata SilverAce, Koga-Miyata WorldTraveller
Keep in mind that prices are heavily dependant on the area. F.e. a bike which would sell in the Netherlands for about €30-80 often go for €100-200 in our next door neighbour Germany.
It's all about supply and demand on a given market. I can imagine NYC having most of the better bikes being sold before anyone even notices.
It's all about supply and demand on a given market. I can imagine NYC having most of the better bikes being sold before anyone even notices.
06-27-18 | 11:09 AM
#8
feros ferio
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 22,397
Likes: 1,864
From: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
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;
Love that SuperCourse! [Un]fortunately, it's too tall for me, and i don't have room for another bicycle, but I really like what you did with it.
__________________
"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
06-27-18 | 12:20 PM
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 7,951
Likes: 688
From: Port Angeles, WA
Bikes: A green one, "Ragleigh," or something.
Though at the same time this bike felt like if i hit a big pothole something would break and removavle tires is a pretty big nono for me. I invested ina good lock already but as I said Im a native new yorker and know what my city is capable of haha.. also I do not look for potholes but streets can be dark at nigt and when all your emergy is focused on going as fast as you can they cam sneak up on you pretty good.
...
I am looking for durability foremost.
...
I am looking for durability foremost.
Think higher spoke counts like 32 or 36, maybe a Vee rim, double-walled that can still accommodate a fairly wide tire. This may make the bike feel a little heavier, but the tradeoff is worth it, if you're going to avoid fixing flats all the time.
__________________
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
06-27-18 | 12:47 PM
#10
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,898
Likes: 229
From: Bronx, NYC
Bikes: '19 Fuji Gran Fondo 1.5, '72 Peugeot PX10, '71ish Gitane Super Corsa, '78 Fuji Newest, '89 Fuji Ace, '94 Cannondale R600, early '70s LeJeune Pro project
Thanks for the replys everyone so far! The recent tread that was linked is helpful! (very sorry if this is a redundent kind of post!!)
Those who posted bikes thanks a lot as well! Im looking into them and will get back to you if interested or i have questions
will also check the for sale section here as suggested
much appreciated
Those who posted bikes thanks a lot as well! Im looking into them and will get back to you if interested or i have questions
will also check the for sale section here as suggested
much appreciated
My daily commuter build which has treated me well for over 8K NYC area miles. I love this bike but am working on another build for a change of pace.
My '94 Cannondale R600:
The other my '73 Raleigh Super Course TT. I have ridden this on numerous century rides.
Last edited by greg3rd48; 06-27-18 at 12:55 PM.
06-27-18 | 01:45 PM
#11
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 16
Likes: 2
thank you to caveman for the tip about the rims, thats actually really helpful. it was definately the skinny/small and light feeling rims that made the bike that i tried feel less than sturdy to me.
(sorry dontt hink i can quote yet)
thank you to fellow nyer for the reply and the offer for help! would you be able to message me a little more info about the peugot bike please?
in addition, I am currently looking at an 86 ironman bike which has 32 spoke rims, though it seems to be priced a little high.
it would be helpful for me to have a bike that I can load up with a good amount of weight as my backpack is usually nearing on full when riding, i definately like the idea of sacrificing a little speed for sturdiness while carrying a load.
thanks again
(sorry dontt hink i can quote yet)
thank you to fellow nyer for the reply and the offer for help! would you be able to message me a little more info about the peugot bike please?
in addition, I am currently looking at an 86 ironman bike which has 32 spoke rims, though it seems to be priced a little high.
it would be helpful for me to have a bike that I can load up with a good amount of weight as my backpack is usually nearing on full when riding, i definately like the idea of sacrificing a little speed for sturdiness while carrying a load.
thanks again
06-28-18 | 12:38 PM
#12
What??? Only 2 wheels?
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 13,496
Likes: 936
From: Boston-ish, MA
Bikes: 72 Peugeot UO-8, 82 Peugeot TH8, 87 Bianchi Brava, 76? Masi Grand Criterium, 74 Motobecane Champion Team, 86 & 77 Gazelle champion mondial, 81? Grandis, 82? Tommasini, 83 Peugeot PF10
I don't know you got enough info or not. You are actually asking for a lot in a bike, I think. Stealth to prevent theft (as if that helps), style, light weight, strength to resist damage-by-road-surface, inexpensive (which is a matter of perspective), plus winning every race real or imagined with every other rider you see. First, find one that fits and with all the components functional. Bikes are like cars, they all feel different. Some are good grocery-getters, some are race cars that will batter you to pieces on a public street, some can carry a load of gravel in the trunk. Beyond a few universal details (steel frame, alloy wheels with tires, control cables, brakes of one sort or another, chain and crank and pedals, levers and shifters and handlebars) the details make the bike.
__________________
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
06-28-18 | 12:45 PM
#13
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 12,562
Likes: 2,738
From: Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada - burrrrr!
Bikes: 1958 Rabeneick 120D, 1968 Legnano Gran Premio, 196? Torpado Professional, 2000 Marinoni Piuma
For me, these days, finding a new best friend usually means I have to say good bye to an old friend. So, bye bye to this...
...and hello to my new best friend (now fitted with a Brooks Pro in black and black wall tires...
...and hello to my new best friend (now fitted with a Brooks Pro in black and black wall tires...
__________________
"98% of the bikes I buy are projects".
"98% of the bikes I buy are projects".
06-28-18 | 07:39 PM
#14
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 16
Likes: 2
I don't know you got enough info or not. You are actually asking for a lot in a bike, I think. Stealth to prevent theft (as if that helps), style, light weight, strength to resist damage-by-road-surface, inexpensive (which is a matter of perspective), plus winning every race real or imagined with every other rider you see. First, find one that fits and with all the components functional. Bikes are like cars, they all feel different. Some are good grocery-getters, some are race cars that will batter you to pieces on a public street, some can carry a load of gravel in the trunk. Beyond a few universal details (steel frame, alloy wheels with tires, control cables, brakes of one sort or another, chain and crank and pedals, levers and shifters and handlebars) the details make the bike.
I have recieved some helpful tips and suggestions, thank you for yours as well jim. In my search (which I have also kind of slowed down to appreciate this moment more rather than rushing because after this bike it will be a little while before my next one.. and after that next one hopefully will be good for a while) I have realized what you said - that I won't be able to get it all in one package and that finding one that fits (for my needs and body) is kind of the main thing. I like your comparison to of bikes to cars, that was well said.
Actually the sentiment of your message is helpful to me as it reinforces what I have been leaning towards - a solid and sturdy commuter / workhorse bike. As much as I would like to grab some of the sleek and faster looking road bikes I have been viewing, I know something like a touring or commuter bike would be better for my purposes as they stand now. The good things are that I am enjoying my search and that pretty much anything will be an upgrade and feel faster than what I'm riding now. I don't mind grabbing something a little more on the heavier side and riding that for a while until I feel like getting something on the side to really go fast on.
comment appreciated
very true statement you've said there and both look like really nice bikes! I am certainly enjoying my last moments with current best friend, the heavy piece of steel i have grown to love. You inspired me and I will have to take a picture of it to display alongside it's replacement when I get it.
the bikes which I have been considering so far have been
a panasonic pro touring - being sold by a reseller on craigslist who also has a few other touring style bikes in my size i would be interested in trying
the pugeot build posted above by fellow nyer and bfer greg - seems like this one would be a pretty safe a solid bet
then 2 that i would love to own but am kind of ruling out for functionality's sake
a 86 dave scott centurian iron man uprgaded with stronger wheels (bike seems like a beast but probably not a good one for carrying stuff)
and lastly a 72 bottechia giro d'italia that appeared on craigslist today from the original owner.. (would love to own this one for the collection and style because im so drawn to italian bikes, especially from that era, though I know it's not the best choice for my needs at the moment)
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