$75 for Univega Arrowpace - worth it?
 

Saw it at a garage sale. It's been there a couple of days and I'm guessing it'll last a few more hours until I could get back there if I decide to. It's marked as $95 but they'll take $75

Specs:

Cromo main tubes. Fork and stays are high tensile steel.
6 speed Shimano 600 shifters and RD
Suntour AR FD
Araya 27 1/4 rims
Sugino cranks

Condition:

Paint is in good shape except that the "Arrowspace" lettering is worn in places.
Otherwise is looks like it was barely used. Chain and sprockets are clean

Don't know why people don't patch tubes and fill the tires with air before they display them.

I was thinking about it as a replacement for my gaspipe Peugeot but since that has 700c rims, I'm not so sure. Might be a good bike for my wife.

Depends. Buying to ride or buying to flip? If it is in decent shape $75 is a good price for a "ready to ride" bike. Be sure to include the cost of the parts it needs in the final assessment, though.

You can always but it, swap the wheels with the Peugeot, and sell the Peugeot off.

Oh, one other thing. I do triathlons once in a while and one thing that turned me off a bit was that the seat tube angle appeared to be pretty relaxed although it's not always easy for me to tell by eyeballing it. Anyone familiar with this model? Is it designed for touring?

What I currently use for triathlons is nothing special either, but if I got the bike for me, I'd like it to be at least a bit of a step up.

The intention would be to ride but I'd flip it if things didn't work out. Even though my '87 Peugeot is just HLE, it's in really good condition and the Peugeot name itself would get me more than $75.

The tires on the Univega look like crap so they'd be a flipping deterrent. I'm not thrilled about the sponge grips either ;-)

I considered swapping the wheels but I'd need new brakes on the Univega. The pads are as far down as they'll go.

Then it would depend on the bike market in your area for used bikes. At $75, you'll be doing good breaking even after buying tires, tubes, tape, and brake pads. Probably should add in cables and housings, too.

For the "flip" angle - assuming you do all the labor you'll need to figure getting $150 for it as a "break even" proposition. But if you are going to keep it for yourself it isn't too bad a deal. I think you might be able to do better, though, with a little patience and luck.

Don't happen to have pics, do you?

I actually like the cable housings that are on the bike. They're translucent. Probably be best to replace them but it would be kind of a shame. I have some extra tubes so I wouldn't need those. I'd need tires for sure. The brake pads look to be in good shape but yeah, I'd probably replace them anyway.

The used bike market here is crazy. If we saved the bike until next spring for the LBS bike swap, we'd end up with $150 to $200 in store credit no problem. I can't believe what they sell used bikes for. Since this has a cromo frame, I think it would be highly desirable to local fixie riders.

The main reason I didn't buy right then and there it is that I've been toying with a serious upgrade to my Peugeot which this is not. It's got a lighter frame, but now I find myself wanting better wheels, brifters, and the whole nine yards. Of course, I'm not going to find that for $75 ;-) That's when I started thinking it might be a good bike for my wife as it's a touch smaller than my current bike. It'd be a pretty good fit for her and a decent upgrade as well although she's pretty fond of her Peugeot.

I forgot. No pictures but for what it's worth I do like the paint scheme. It's a metallic red with a silver seat post and head tube.

No, but you'll find a good selection of new bikes for $1000 or less. And if you're in a hot bike market you'll surprised how fast flip money adds up to a brand new bike of your choice.

Alternately, you can look for a good frameset (this one?), and build it out the modern drivetrain of your choice. Something to think about, but if you go that route you might look for a higher quality frame than the Univega. Lots o' ways to skin the kitty........

That's how I came to have three modern bikes, I used flip money to buy one and build two. And once you taste 10sp Campy, you'll never look back. :D

Thanks for the help. I think if I made flipping a habit, I think I'd end up getting flipped for a new husband by my wife ;-)

Nevertheless, as much fun as the vintage stuff is I commute and a more modern drivetrain would sure be nice.

No problem. Sounds like, for $75, you won't get hurt on it if you decide to take a flyer and tinker some. If it's in good shape and your comfortable with your assessment about what it needs to get it on the road, I say "go for it".

not sure how in depth of a project you want to get into but i pick my arrowpace up about 8 months ago just thinking about flipping it. it was in horrible shape paid 50$ for it rusted chain, crank, spokes, rear sproket set... no seat... list goes on. started to put it together useing the forums and ebay, and slowly started to fall in love first ride out had plenty of people asking me about it, a fellow area cyclist stopped me if i would be interested to sell and of corse i replied no but he offer 200$ so from what I have come across everyone that has road a UNIVEGA will always love them. MY 2 CENTS ;)