jondoexxxx

Hey,
I own a 86 Bianchi road bike which is a dream to ride, but I live in San Francisco and I have been getting a bunch of snake bite flats while riding around the city, I have been pumping my tires up to 110 -120 before going out, and I checked the rims for any problems, none so far.

Now I am thinking about getting a different bicycle for more of a utility use. Put on a rear rack, mustache bars, and larger tires. I was wondering if I could get some advice on what I should be looking for.

Ive got some ideas, I have been looking for a steel frame 531 or something like it from the 80's and 90's with a little longer wheel base for more stability. I have been searching CL for the past few months trying to find a good deal / the perfect fit. I just was wondering if I could get any advice on what I need to be looking for. I have been investigating old Bridgestone rb and mb 1's and 2's, Miyata's, Raleighs, Trek's.

luker

snake bites are twin punctures kind of on the shoulders of the tube, opposite one another, of course. Just so we're all on the same page. They are caused by hitting an obstacle, like a pothole, hard enough to squish the tube against the rim edges. at 120 psi, you are imparting a lot of force to the wheel to be able to pinch flat the tire. It may be that you have an unidentified slow leak - that causes the tire to pressure down while you are riding it - maybe a valve stem not completely screwed in?

If the tube is new and you acquire a fresh bite you'll be needing a bigger volume tire, or a stiffer sidewall for the tire, or to start running tubulars (noooo pinch flats with those). Or I guess you could go tubeless, if you want to shell out some coin. Option 2 is easiest, usually. I recommend gatorskins for combat riding.

jgedwa

Far be it from me to try to talk anyone else out of getting another bike (pot...kettle...black), but you might be able to save yourself the trouble by simply putting bigger tires on the Bianchi.

jim

Flying Merkel

This is a situation where an old rigid mountain bike is hard to beat. I have a Schwinn Mirada with 650b wheels. Heavy as a heavy thing with a brick on top, but great around town. Climbing hills isn't too bad with MTB gearing. If it's stolen, I'm out $25 + 40 for tires.

wrk101

+1 Old rigid mountain bike would be perfect. I really like my 1992 Trek 950. Here is my 950 with Nashbar slicks and trekking bars. I have also put Kenda Kross tires on this bike for use on rail trail.

jondoexxxx

Ill look into getting larger tires for the Bianchi, but it does not have any eyelets in the rear that would allow me to put on a rack, also it just seems like a fun bike to keep fast and sporty for now.

Ive found a couple options im exploring so far, one is a trek 613 posted on craigslist for 200, it is by no means exactly what im looking for, but im also looking to learn a little while building up this bike, kind of a project. Its posted here, https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/bik/939058409.html Seems like a pretty frame for the price right?
I also have been looking at a bridgestone RB2 on CL as well, https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/938187049.html , it has all the functionality that im looking for.

This viscount with replaced fork was another option, https://sfbay.en.craigslist.org/sby/bik/939382616.html

The trek's price and beauty (frame) is making it my best option, Just wondering if anyone knows if its a good deal, and if I will be able to convert it into my ideal transportation machine? Been looking at vintage-trek.com but some firsthand insight would be super.

Thanks for all of your help so far!