I agree with that, but you might run into indexed downtube shifters!!!!! :eek:

And in response to a few comments above, I haven't seen many new road bikes with front suspension systems, but I have seen them with sealed cartridge BBs, threadless headsets, superior hubs (at least new won't be pitted or gouged) and rims (that haven't been torn up by cheap pads - though you should replace a new bike's pads with something like Koolstop to prevent a similar fate) with stainless (not galvanized), superior dérailleur mechanisms (excepting high end vintage components again...but even then there's a case for newer low end stuff), ramped cassettes that shift better with friction shifters as well.

I'll +1 what bigbossman says above. I love collecting and working on vintage bikes as well, but I think to a newcomer without the inclination to learn wrenching (perhaps the OP is, I don't know) a used bike will end up costing a lot more than the inititial purchase price. And that's fine if the OP is prepared for that. However, it's sometimes difficult for a newcomer to these forums to know that behind all these threads about great vintage bikes, a great deal of labor and money has been invested.

Actually, mine was a close cousin of that Volpe, with shifters on the flat bars. Seriously considering changing over to drop bars and SunTour friction bar end shifters...

Or maybe I need two of these bikes, one flat bar, one drop bar... ;)

I think that's probably true. I have several bikes in various stages of repair, so if you just want to get on a bike and ride, new or at least new condition is the way to go. On the other hand, getting a repair manual and taking on some of those jobs yourself is a great way to learn about your bike. Some repair jobs are very easy to learn...

These are very good bargains-- there are so many of them out there that prices aren't high. Might need a bit of work, but still worth it. I was given a 1991 Trek 830 by my building manager. It needs a headset adjustment and the indexed shifting needs to be tuned. Even if you buy one of these, you will be getting a bulletproof bike for very little money. Add some commuter slicks, and maybe some drop bars, and you have a bulletprooof citybike/commuter/tourer. Find one from the early 90s that wasn't ridden much, if you can, and you've got a bike that's ready to ride. The 800 series was their original mountain bike lineup. The higher you go (820, 830, 850), the better the bike. The 800 series became their "trail series" when they brought out the 900 series "Singletrack series." The higher you go in the 900 series (930, 950, 970, 990), the better the bike. All very good quality bikes that can be had for very little money, will be virtually indestructible, and will do almost anything you ask of them, depending on how you set them up.

Examples of what to look for:

Trek 830

Trek 950

Hi, I'm also new to this Forum and I was looking for a fairly inexpensive road bike. How does this Shogun look like?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Mens-Shogun-200-...QQcmdZViewItem

Thanks!!

The frame is decent frame material, not low end, not high end.**

The components seem entry level, but for $10, who's complaining? Make sure it's the right size frame for you...










** the frame is chromium-molybdenum alloy (aka cromoly, cromo, CrMo). That's a better grade of steel than the hi-tensile steel cheap bikes are made of. Once you get into cromoly, there will be cheaper and better grades of cromoly tubing (seamed tubing vs. seamless tubing, butted tubing, etc.).

The 90$ shipping cost is a factor as well.

Oh... My auction page shows a $61 shipping cost, which isn't excessive, but yes, shipping costs must always be factored in to the bidding decision, because they're always part of the total price.

I have an identical bike listed on CL for $40 (I've done no reconditioning and have made that clear in my ad). I've had a handful of interested inquiries, and it will likely sell tomorrow, despite the condition.

It appears, however, that the Shogun in that auction has an upgraded wheelset. If they are not damaged in some way, those Wolber Super Champion rims are highly regarded (or is it just one rim, as the description lists them as Weinmann?). It would be interesting to know what the hubs are. See this completed auction.

I listed mine at $40 because I think the frame is worth near that. Good for SS/Fixed gear, though the stamped dropouts make it a little less desirable.

OP, this is a good-quality bike, looks to be about the right size, has been recently serviced, and at a bargain price. It will go fast, so if you want it, you'll have to act fast. I can help you with shipping if necessary:

Raleigh Super Course Mk II

I too like a Raleigh . . . this one a full 531 frame. It is starting to get a bit expensive, but probably still within your budget. By getting just the frame (this also comes with headset and BB) you can look around for the exact gruppo you want, instead of having to settle for what is already on the bike, and end up with alot of spare parts lying around!

http://i19.ebayimg.com/03/i/000/9c/65/9624_1.JPG

Click photo for link

Another option, if you are okay with 26" wheels with slicks, is to look for an older Trek 800 or 900 series mountain bike, which has many of the attributes you're looking for. In fact, you can probably find one of these more easily for less money. Then you could add some moustache bars or the like for more comfort.


Older mountain bikes are a great value. They can be converted to use as a "daily driver" with road type tires, taken on long tours, or used on trails with fat tires (especially if you read up on some of Treks older models that were a bit above the recreational line-up). You can find them very cheaply...look for one with low miles. They mostly all use rather generic Shimano parts that last a long time and you can find them easily if your bike needs work.

An older 90's hybrid with 700 wheels is another good choice.

I love Vintage but until you know what you're doing I wouldn't want to depend on one as a daily user. Also, even a "free" bike might end up costing you alot of it needs work.

Oops...Blue Order you and I think alike! I wouldn't have bothered to post had I read your respose first! ;o))

Alicestrong (and Blue Order and JunkYardBike of course) are all right on the money. Last month, I obtained this 950 on ebay for $90:
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u.../950before.jpg

When I factor in shipping costs, new tires, grips, saddle, and cables, my total outlay is still under $180, and it looks (and works) as good now as it did in 1989:

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u...afterview2.jpg

It would be near impossible to find a new bike for $180.00 that would have even a fraction of this bike's looks, reliability, and classic style. (You guys have me now wondering what it would look like with slicks, racks, and a moustache bar!)

That's a beautiful Trek...I was so in love with my first Trek til it got stolen..;o( Luckily I found a replacement.

See the thing about an old mountain bike is it's utility. It takes some finesse to get a good used road bike cheaply (unless you are struck with dumb beginners luck) but with the plethora of MTB's made in the 90's you are in luck. Then, after you have bought yourself some time to find your "dream wheels" most likely you can easily sell your MTB for what you paid for it. That is, unless you fall on love ! It's been known to happen!

Oh and Epicurean you may be able to ride that bike for years with just a good regular cleaning, lube and an occaisional adjustment!

Oh yeah, old Trek MTB's rock. My 84 is a wonderful, stable as a rock machine. Not great in the looks dept, unless you like berry colored paint, but 501 Reynolds steel and good cranks. Also lugged, so it looks older than it's age which is a plus if you like vintage. (Who doesn't??:) ) I had bought from this pawn shop before so they knocked off 10%(Yes I'm still shocked at ANY pawn shop giving a discount) I foresee the bike turning black metallic soon.,,,,BD

Forgot to mention the price. Under $40!

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n...ker/red830.jpg

OK...here's my 1995 Ice Green Trek 850...all original except right shifter. All it needed was air in the tires and a rinse. Nice Blackburn rack included. $50...



http://www.geocities.com/alicestrong/Trek850.jpg

Do I dare say "Berry nice"..? ;o)

I had a Trek 850. Thats what got stolen. I was looking for something a little faster. I noticed someone put up a lint to a bike on bikesdirect.com. Whats the feeling about them on this site?

I have a possibility, shoot me an PM if you like.,,,,BD

Try searching the Road Cycling forum...there have been lots of discussions there regarding bikesdirect. As I mentioned, if you get a bike equipped with a decent component group, they are fine bikes but you'll need to adjust it properly (yourself or at you LBS). I've also read that customer service is a bit dicey. If there is a major defect, they will honor a warranty, but it won't be like an LBS where you can bring the bike back in person and have issues addressed to your satisfaction.

Velo Low...
 

I have owned several Velo Sports and some were very nice bicycles offering very nice rides. Entry level Velo Sports, such as the one in question, are are pretty heavy and ride like most entry level road bikes, offering slow acceleration and sluggish response or feel. If a Velo Sport does not have forged drops, you might want to pass. The Miche, Prestige and Criterium models are very nice. The Supra, full Campagnolo Super Record, is really nice.

Now this is the kind of finesse that I'm talking about with road bikes...;o)

Now, TS you want a bike that climbs hills fairly well and one that you can put a rack and panniers on, but you want speed, too. Do you see yourself going off road at all, or staying on paved backroads?

Like Blue Order said, it helps to know exactly what kind of riding you want to do. I just fixed up a friend of mine with a Bianchi hybrid from the 90's. It had a little more speed with 700 size wheels and a lighter frame, but she knew that she might ride on dirt roads sometimes so we had a little wider, knobbier tires put on it than a road bike would have. That was a budget bike, too, one she could ride to the coffee shop...still light enough to lift onto a bus.

Perhaps you are looking for a touring type road bike?

$300 or $400 mixed with patience and education can get you a really nice used bike. Take that much into a bike store and look at road bikes and you will probably feel frustrated.

The bike in the link provided by the OP is a Velo Sport. Velo Sports were manufactured by Procycle....the same company that made Peugeots.

If you want to read some comments about bikesdirect or chat with someone who bought a bike there you might try here also:

http://www.planetmotobecane.com/