This is kind of long…sorry.

Okay, I'm learning a little as I read the forums, but I still need a lot of help :-)

I'm looking to buy a bike. I'd like to find something that is fairly light and has decent equipment. Currently I'm looking for a mid to early 80's steal bike with alloy wheels, seat post, handle bars, etc.

I've noticed on ebay how some older bikes sell for more than newer all alluminum bikes. Is this because the older bikes are better, or is it because they are more of a collector's item?

I am not a collector. I do not care about "original condition" nor do I have to have the latest and greatest. I'm looking for the best quality for the best value.

I'd really love to find something half way nice for less than $200.00. Good components and a fairly light weight (22-27lbs…my current bike is 34lbs so anything is better).

So on the one hand I'm kind of lost, but on the other hand I kind of know what I'm looking for. Based on what I've read I think I'd be happy with something like a Peugeto PX-10, or Raleigh Professional, or perhaps a Schwinn Super Sport (or on of the others that is a step down from the paramount). Also the early Treks seem to be right up my ally.

Here are some of the bikes I've been watching on e-bay that have either gone too high, or I've been unsure of before bidding.

7176341734 - Trek 1100 No bids started at $99
7176109312 - Trek 1100 Sold for $202
7175091593 - Peugeot $285
7175831152 - Montagner $125 - I bid on this one and should have bid more to get it
7176060320 - Trek $282 - Older steal frame

There have been others as well, but this gives you an idea of what I've been looking at.

I don't really know what my question is. I'm just kind of brainstorming through this with you to see if you think I'm headed in the right direction. Or perhaps I'm wasting my time. There are no used bike stores near me, and I can't afford to purchase a new bike. So ebay is one of my main sources for finding a bike. I don't want to end up paying $200 for a piece of junk that is only worth $25.

Thanks.

Bikes on Ebay generally go for more than they're worth. There are exceptions, but generally, someone is always willing to pay more for something than you.

The best way to find something is searching thrift stores, garage sales and www.craigslist.org. The competition for bikes is much less through these outlets. Often, thrift stores and garage sales will net you what you are looking for for less than $50. Shipping is that much on Ebay.

It just takes a little time, but be patient.

The biggest problem with buying a bike on eBay is the freight. That adds 10-20% to most riders, maybe more.

Look in the thrift shops. Look at the local bike shops (LBS in the parlance). You'll be happy with an 80's Schwinn lightweight, or a 70's-80's Raleigh. Probably your best bet at the thrift shops. Third, a real possibility is an earlier steel Trek. Any Trek, unless it is whipped completely, is a very good bike. There are about a million other bikes that would fit your needs - feel free to post any bikes you find here - there's a large group of expert knowledge here that can steer you in the right direction about any bike.

A word of warning, here. This is absolutely correct. I recently shipped a FRAME and FORK--not a complete bike, a frame and fork only--from Tallahassee, Florida to Covina, California for $62 via UPS. That was the LEAST EXPENSIVE shipping method, too (heck, 3rd-class mail was $219). With fuel costs increasing, this is likely to only get worse--much worse.

eBay is a wonderful resource to find that long-needed vintage frame or part, but you can be reamed on shipping costs. Additionally, you're never sure exactly what you're getting, even if you know the right questions to ask. It all becomes a matter of trust; you'll find most people to be honest and forthright, but that one stinker will sour eBay for you. eBay's not a terrible risk, but the risk does exist. Generally though, I like eBay quite a bit. It's a good market to buy and sell things that were IMPOSSIBLE to find 20 years ago. A little prudence as a buyer, and you will find lots of things that will fit your needs.

As a new buyer, however, I would strongly consider speaking to your local bike shop. Consignment sales and word-of-mouth goes a long way in finding reasonable bikes for the tight-of-budget. Thrift shops are good, too, but you need to be semi-educated in bicycle knowledge to recognize decent finds and trash-heap-bound-rattletraps. Someone really should consider codifying some of this basic knowledge into a guide here.

Good luck!

Okay, here are the ones I'm currently watching.

I'll worry about shipping. I'm just figuring shipping into the price of the bike. If shipping is going to cost $50, and the bike is worth $175, then my high bid is $125.

What I need from you guys is more of a compare and contrast to help me get a better idea of which bikes are better and why.

Schwinn

1985 Trek 460

1981 Trek 620

1982 Trek 728

Raleigh Pro-Technium

1980 something Trek 1100

I kind of lean toward the Trek 460, but I don't have any good reason that I can put into words. I just like it better. (better pics so I'm more comfortable knowing what shape it's in I guess).

A couple of comments:

That 620 is huge! The others are relatively consistent in size - 54-55 cm. Size does matter here. You'll want to be sure you get something that fits reasonably well.

The Schwinn, the Raleigh and the 460 are designed for racing and/or sport riding. If that's what you are looking for, they all seem decent choices. My personal preference is for steel - for durability and IMO a sweeter ride - which would put me in agreement with you at having the Trek 460 at the top of the list.

If you're looking for something a bit more comfortable for longer rides, or to carry a bit of gear, my advice would be to take the 728. That is one beautiful ride!

"That 620 is huge!"

What do you mean, huge? Its the perfect size .

Seriously, Z is right. It's best to know your fame size when bidding on ebuy. I'd agree with comments about prices on ebuy running high (more so lately, it seems) for vintage steel. But if you can't take the time to look locally-- and it took me a couple of years to just figure out where to look locally-- ebuy is a good resource. Personally, I'd go for one of the steel Treks, as I like them. Pre 1984 is best for Treks IMLTHO. But the 728 should go for a lot more than the current bid. Old tourers do well on ebay.

I prefer the pre 84 Treks because they were entirely handbuilt (edit: I mean the frames). Still, any old steel Trek is a good base.

I agree the 460 is the pick of the lot. Mainly b/c I think the 728 will either go for alot more than the current or will end up staying under a high reserve. It is a sweet handbuilt Reynolds frame and should draw bids even though I'm not a fan of half-step gearing, even with a granny.

The 460 will, I'm pretty sure, draw more bids. Older Treks have a following and this one looks real clean in a popular size. I don't know if you're an experienced e-Bayer but this bike may well introduce you to the lovely world of sniping. If you know e-Bay you know the drill, if not I'd go ahead and submit your max bid a minute or 2 before the end and if you get last second sniped, c'est la vive. There's more classic bikes.

If it happens more than once, there's brands besides Trek that'll give you the ride you want and don't attract as much attention.

Good luck!

The Trek 460 is already more than I want to spend and there are still 3 days left in the auction ;-)

Patience…patience

Do you live near a major US city, and have you heard of Craig's List? No doubt, e-bay is a potential resource, but if what you're looking for is not so terribly rare, there are other alternatives.

so - how tall are you? what is your inseam length?

All good bikes but how can you not help but watch that Raleigh sitting at $75 with no bids and so little time left. Of course no shipping price is listed that I could see.

I've got a question in to the seller about the shipping. With shipping on E-Bay ranging from $20-$80 I'm not bidding unless I know some specifics.

5'11" - Inseam around 31".

https://cgi.ebay.com/SCHWINN-PARAMOUN...QQcmdZViewItem

https://cgi.ebay.com/Mens-Black-Peuge...QQcmdZViewItem

schwinn paramount sells for 225 including shipping.

bottom of the line peugeot is higher price with 1 day left.

ebay is messed up.

Suggestions:

Try options OTHER than Flea-Bay to start

I just copped an '80 Trek 4xx on a local city web page for posting stuff for sale (to keep out of the solid waste dump... they even ask for a weight estimate so they can estimate how much stuff they are PREVENTING from reaching the dump). Took a bit of checking for some time, but there it was. Can even post a WANTED and that is a nice way to fall into stuff... it comes to YOU.

Local Craigslist.org (if you live near a large/medium city) is a good place to look too... stuff doesn't move real fast and is cheaper than ebay. Also can post WANTED.

There is a usenet group here (wi.madison.forsale)
I post there and sometimes stuff comes up locally and is easy pickin's

Good Lord!! Over $200 for THAT!?!?!?

"Good Lord!! Over $200 for THAT!?!?!?"

I'll say. I have one of those frames in the basement; I bought the whole bike for a fiver. It's my backup frame in case my beater UO8 fixie gets stolen. Carbolite 103, not a lugged frame, nothing special. Now I'm thinking of selling it to finance the addition to my house.

Those old Japanamounts are pretty nice. Nicer than that Pug, anyway. And I like Pugs.

Ebay shipping can be more than 80$, esp if it is not listed. Beware. I'd steer clear of the technium frames anyhoo. Had one, least durable frame I've ever had.

Yeah, but you get them cool suicide brake levers.

And, if my eyes don't deceive me, those stylin' stem shifters AND sturdy steel wheels. Still, for that price I'd insist on a genuine chrome dork disk (not that crappy plastic one) and wheel reflectors.

At least it has a kickstand....

John D.

That's the same bike I just gave to a friend of mine for free. I found it in the junkpike, cleaned it, put on a new saddle (Selle Italia). It looked EXACTLY like that one. Maybe even better condition.

EDIT: After taking a second look, I am ABSOLUTE SURE that the bike I gave my friend was WAY BETTER. It even had new tires.

The one I found in the junkpike didn't have them either, but I found a couple in my spare parts bin and put them on. It already had front and rear reflectors though.

Yeah but just think the buyer paid slightly more than $2.00 per pound!
that's less than the price of hamburger!

Marty

ebay is best if you are looking for exactly one thing know the size color.

another source of help to find a bike is a local bike club .. here in georgia we have the Southern bicycle league

Bikesbl.org .. they have a for sale forum

Kb

I noticed that the old Peugeot went for $295 including shipping. The high bidder could have bought a brand new bike equiped with Sora for a few bucks more!