hi everyone, i'm new here and just recently became interested in biking. i'm looking for a relatively inexpensive, probably mid 80's to early 90's bike for riding on campus and maybe longer rides when i get the chance. came across this fuji palisade 12spd on local craigslist for $175. it's a 53-54cm frame, which i'm guessing is the right size for me (i'm 5'11", didn't have any measuring devices in my dorm room so i haven't taken any measurements). i also noticed it has stem shifters, which after doing some research here, seems to be frowned upon. i plan to upgrade the components anyways to at least something more modern with brifters.

so i guess my two main questions are:
1. am i getting ripped off?
2. is it possible/worth it to upgrade the components?

here's the craigslist link for more details and pics: https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/bik/443940870.html

thanks everyone!

Seems like that would be on the small side for you.

That would be a high price in this area, but each area has it's own price base. 54cm is a little on the small side, but if your legs are short, say 30" or 31" inseam, you could make it work. I have a 30" inseam and I'm 5"9", 54 cm is an excellent fit for me.

Well, I happen to agree with the above poster and think that Fuji is actually probably a bit on the small side. Having a bike that's too small, especially if you can easily help it, is not a recommendable option to take. In addition, even if it was your size, I dont think that's the best condition Fuji for $175, just noting the photos and the dent in the fork. That being said, if you're wondering about Fuji, I think they offer some good starter examples on the used market, possibly some of the more appealing uber cheap deals out there, certainly if you find one that's not been abused. Many of the frames of even their mid to low end bikes were at least solid, usually constructed of various incarnations of VALite steel, from single butted to quad butted construction. That Palisade probably weighs in the mid 20s, surely no lightweight but fitting for this level. The SunTour dérailleurs, Dia-Compe brakes, and usual Sugino cranks are all usually problem-free. It probably has the Nitto alloy stem with the Nitto B111 steel bars. More than likely, it's got 27" Ukai alloy wheels (either 27x1 1/4 or 1 1/8 with Sunshine hubs).

I actually had a very similar bike to the Palisade that my nephew now owns and enjoys. The Fuji had a nice ride, is super smooth, and feels of quality, easily better than most sub $200 offerings these days, especially the aluminum options. It's not a super light weight in the mid 20s but it feels very well-made and the same ducats could barely buy you a Wal-Mart connect-o-dot facsimile.

yea, i think you guys are right. after doing a bit more research i think my size is probably more of a 58cm-ish, 22-23" frame.

anybody wanna take a peak at these and tell me what they think?
-raleigh grand prix 10spd, $160: https://seattle.craigslist.org/est/bik/446313975.html
-schwinn le tour (luxe?) 18spd, $145: https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/bik/442523242.html

The Schwinn's your ace. The Raleigh's a bit pricey and not one of their higher-quality bikes, while the Schwinn's a higher-quality bike with the double-butted frame at a better price.