Advice and identify an old bike

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12-09-09 | 10:58 AM

gpogo

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Advice and identify an old bike

I'm looking at buying this bike:

Does anyone have any idea what frame that is? I can make out "KIN" at the end of the word. The ad mentions it is lugged steel

I haven't yet heard from the seller. He's asking $250. I'm new to buying a bike, my friends have made several suggestions on what to look at though. Sizing it, check the frame for possible damage/rust, check the brakes, check the chain, make sure the wheels aren't bent. Are there other things I'm missing?

From the pictures it looks like the handle bar tape could use to be rewrapped, would it be fair to ask for $10 off?

Erg, I probably should have posted this in the appraisal sub-forum. Sorry!

Last edited by gpogo; 12-09-09 at 11:01 AM. Reason: wrong forum :(

12-09-09 | 11:07 AM

EjustE

sultan of schwinn

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 3,536

Likes: 17

From: Lehigh Valley, PA

Not much I can tell from these pictures, other than:

-No derailleurs
-turkey wings
-and modern wheels (look like deep Vs) and saddle

Looks like a quick fixie conversion of a low end bike. Avoid and especially for $250.

12-09-09 | 11:08 AM

helicomatic

nice idea, poor execution

Joined: Oct 2009

Posts: 395

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From: West Newton, MA

It's a Marukin.

12-09-09 | 11:38 AM

Mos6502

Elitest Murray Owner

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 2,657

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Bikes: 1972 Columbia Tourist Expert III, Columbia Roadster

I wouldn't pay $250 for it, but I wouldn't necessarily avoid it either.

Consider that the bike itself is probably only worth $30 to $50, then factor in the worth of the wheels and you'll get a good idea of what it's worth.

12-09-09 | 11:49 AM

wrk101

Thrifty Bill

Joined: Jan 2008

Posts: 23,645

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From: Mans of NC & SW UT Desert

Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more

+1 Yes, you are missing that the price is ridiculous. Its a really low end bike, converted to a fixie. Its a good test of how much a hipster will pay for a mediocre bike converted to fixie status.

For that price, you would think the seller would at least clean up the bar tape! Ouch.

Personally I would avoid it. I look at simple stuff, and if it is messed up, then I assume the more important stuff had similar treatment.

12-09-09 | 12:11 PM

Ex Pres

Cat 6

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 7,524

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From: Mountain Brook, AL

That may be a SR (Sakae) crank as well. I used one I had on a SS, but it has odd BCDs, so that limits your ability to change the rings to your liking. Just another reason to pass at that price.

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12-09-09 | 01:05 PM

gpogo

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Joined: Dec 2009

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The seller's ad pointed to a Bianchi frame, but with the tiny pictures and the price I just wasn't sure.

I talked to a friend of mine and he said the only thing really worth anything on this bike are the wheels, and they are probably imitation deep v's.

For that price I'm considering just going new with a Windsor Clockwork.

Thanks for the help!