Robp412

So, someone emailed me from craigslist this morning and told me they have a 1980ish schwinn continental. https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik...disp=inline&zw Looks to be in good shape yes, but the guy said theres something and I quote "I do think there is something wonky with the front fork, the tire seems to sit in it oddly" But, I could pick it up for 50 bones, he said it rides, but it just feels strange. My question for all of you is, any idea what might be wrong? Also, for $50 bucks, do you think it might be worth it just to go ahead and buy it?
Thanks.
-Rob

jgedwa

I can only answer for myself. But I would not be interested in a Continental at any price. And, fork damage is one of the fatal problems in my eyes.

jim

Robp412

Hmm. Alright. I got an email for a caliente for $120, but that seems a little too steep? Also, a Giant Perigee, and a schwinn tempo. Haven't gotten prices yet on the perigee or the tempo, but it should be under $150... Any help appreciated.

stringbreaker

Forks are a dime a dozen for the old Schwinns. Offer him 10.00 for it and see what he does

Robp412

hahahaahah I'll give it a go.

wrk101

Caliente is crap, Perigee is OK, Tempo is a nice bike and definitely the pick of the litter. Make sure what you pick fits.

Continental with a bent fork? I would pass, there are millions of them out there. No need to get one with damage.

Robp412

I Agree that there are a million out there, but in Pittsburgh there really aren't ever many chances to get vintage road bikes. There is pretty slim pickin's that's why I was even relatively interested. I told the guy $20 bucks and I'll take it, we'll see how that goes. If he doesn't like that price I'm not too worried about it. If the guy ever emails me back about the giant or the tempo, I'll probably end up with one of those. For now, I'll ride my ****ty ross with the bent front rim, until I get that sold.

Robp412

So the Giant is a 1995. Ne tape, new tires, (specialized nimbus tires), grip shifts, not stem, Re-upholstered seat. https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik...disp=inline&zw He's asking $150 for this.

Schwinn Tempo 59 cm frame. tenax lugged frame, pedals, bars, and seat changed, MSH BKS pedals, sugino cranks,shimano light action derailleur, Armadillo tire. Only thing wrong with it, the left gear shift assembly came loose, anyone know how to fix it? Also I prefer drop bars, so that will be another added cost. He's asking $125 for this. https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik...disp=inline&zw

Esteban32696

Maybe, if you are lucky, he just doesn't know much about bikes & the wheel is not set in the fork properly.

wrk101

If the frame and wheels are in good shape, this is a good buy.

A shop can fix that gear shifter for about $5. You will have to round up drop bars and proper brake levers, no big deal at this price.

pastorbobnlnh 

The Continental can be a lot of fun to either restore or customize, especially for $20-30. The Tempo is a great buy so don't hesitate if you have the cash. You can work out the other details later. Best of luck.

Robp412

Okay. Well I think I'm going to just go for the tempo then. Do I need to buy a new headset for the dropbars, or do they sit in where the other handle bars are now? Sorry, I've never built a bike myself...

Robp412

Also, are there size differences in drop bars? As in fit wise... Like the diameter of the pole.

rumrunn6

I can feel strange for free. Take a pass.

Fred_60

Most likely the wheel is improperly installed or the bearings are shot. Continentals are good strong bikes, and weigh in the mid 30s. The wheel bearings in the OE hubs are loose 3/16 ball bearings. They are easily replaced. Wheel bearing grease, or even chassis grease is perfectly adequate, and helps to hold them in place while the cones are loose. If you want to shave a few pounds you can replace the steel wheels with alloy ones, which are still readily available, though not as common as they used to be. 700c wheels can also be used, but at the cost of diminished braking leverage due to the greater reach to the rim, but with a significant advantage in terms of tire choices.

Continentals and Varsities used the same frames, but the Contis were fitted with better hardware than the Varsities which made them a few pounds lighter. With proper care they will last a lifetime.

rumrunn6

you keep giving us google links that don't work. if you're shopping for a bike to ride - go test ride them. don't feel funny about taking the time or soending the money on gas. get a bike that feels good and works well. you're better of starting with a bike in good working order and true wheels. while checking the wheels don't just look for wobble left to right, also check for roundness, meaning spin them and observe them spinning at the brakes from the side t see that they don't dip at any point in their rotation