senorverde

Hello, I currently own a Giant Cypress for my measly 4 mile commute and some light utility cycling but I'm looking to eventually upgrade to a road/touring bike. Besides the Cypress, every bike I've ever owned/ridden has been a beat up mountain bike. I would like to start transitioning to a road bike, but I've never ridden a bike with drop bars, etc.

I'm thinking that picking up an old bike off craigslist would be a great way to start before I invest money in a newer bike. This was posted today:

https://rochester.craigslist.org/bik/697997630.html

Is this worth looking at? I'm a college student and money is tight, but the Cypress is really starting to annoy me when it's windy out and I'm stuck upright like a sail. Plus it has no rack mounts. I e-mailed the poster asking about the 31" standover bike (I'm 5'10"-5'11") and he estimated it was late 1980s. I did a lot of searching and read some old threads, it seems like the World Sports are decent. Should I go look at it? What should I look for in particular? Would this be a good "starter" road bike for me?

Thanks in advance...

Scooper

The World Sport was an entry level road bike, but a good value. The 1982 World Sport used 1020 carbon steel for the frame and weighed 33 pounds, but by 1984 the main tubes were 4130 chromoly and the weight was down to 29 pounds. The '85 had lost two more pounds and weighed in at 27 pounds.

I'd say it's definitely worth looking at.

You can find links to catalog pages and specs for the 1980s World Sports and other Schwinns HERE.

ohjonnybegoode

I have a 1990 World Sport - while a entry-level road bike, mine features 14 speeds, cro-molly main tubes, alloy rims, index shifting. It is a smoooooth rider - I love it. I l think the bike in your photos is a couple years older than mine, but I would definently think it is worth a closer look.

senorverde

I've e-mailed the poster a few more times, apparently it doesn't have index shifting. I've never used friction shifting. Is it difficult to use? Should I hold out for a bike with indexed shifting?

Scooper

Heh.. I've never thought of using friction shifters as being difficult, but if all you've ever had is indexed shifting going to friction may take a little getting used to. Getting the right cog takes a little finesse, but it's certainly not difficult.