Hey, I need some help. I'm going to this sale:
https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/bik/1890994877.html

I know I'll probably not score any huge bargains, but I don't mind spending a little extra money rather than doing a lot of running around. I was hoping that you guys could name the top 2 or 3 models that most of your 80's vintage manufacturers made. I know this makes me seem really lazy and unwilling to do any research but I just learned about this sale yesterday and it is today.

Here's what he says he has: Nishiki, Miyata, Univega, Motobecane, Schwinn, Puch, Suncrest, Fuji, Puegot...

I'm looking for a nice steel ride- a touring bike might be nice, but not a deal breaker. I'm looking to be able to tell the higher end models from the entry level stuff.

Thanks so much in advance once again sorry for being lazy, but I just don't have the time to research.

take pics........ Guys like me, that live in a world that is void of quality bargain bikes, live vicariously through this forum......I'd love to see a buncho' pics.................

My two cents: go Fuji or Miyata or Univega or Nishiki (in that order) - the Japanese mid and entry bikes are nicer than their european counterparts, and the treading is more conventional on bottom brackets,e tc. $175 (at market) spent on a Fuji in fine condition will yield a very rideable bike. For touring bikes, look for brazed-on mounting points for the rear rack and front and rear fenders. A bonus would be front mid-fork mounting points for a low-rider rack. Good luck. PG

Just a quick note of some touring bikes that were available from the 4 mfgrs Phil_gretz mentioned above.

Miyata 610 or 1000
Fuji America, or Touring Series III, IV, or V
Univega Gran Tourismo
Nishiki Touring

It's perhaps easier to tell the lower level models for some makers. If you see a tubing sticker on one of the main tubes saying "Hi-Ten", "High Tensile", "10xx", "20xx", or "Carbolite" (on Peugeots), it's one of the lower end models. Seeing the same on the fork (but having something else on the main tube) is an indication that it isn't one of the top-of-the-line bikes from the maker (but not necessarily a reason to pass on the bike).

Peugots are going to be nearly impossible to tell models apart on. I'd scratch them off your list entirely unless you really know what you;re doing, and if you;re asking this question...it's better to leave them be.

Eighties Miyatas typically have a 3 digit model number...like 916...generally speaking, the higher the number, the better the bike's components. A 1xx series will be entry level...a 9xx series will be high level. If it says 1000, Team, or Professional...BUY IT.

I don't know much about Fuji models.

Avoid Motobecane for the same reason you avoid Peugot...unless you know what you're doing, it could get ugly.

I THINK (and could be totally wrong) that Somas from that period are crap. Same with Huffys...unless it's a rebadged Serotta, and it won't be.

Of the Schwinns he mentioned, none are especially high end and all will be fairly heavy. The Super Sport is the nicest, but he's singleing it out, so he'll want real, probably too much, money on it.

My guess is this stuff will be almost all low end entry level stuff and probably priced too high. He's pointing out the Brooks, so he knows something...and he's mentioning some very blahhh Schwinns. That leads me to believe none of this is especially desireable and he knows enough not to give things away. My guess is that if he had something of note, he'd know enough to say it.

The following is a GENERAL guide and isn't always accurate...but it's helpful and is often accurate...

If it has a kickstand, it's probably low end
If it weighs over 27 pounds and isn't a touring bike, it's probably low end
If it has suicide brake levers, it's probably low end
If it has shifters on the stem, it's probably low end

I would also look for "sleeper" bikes he did not mention....Panasonic for instance. They made some really nice bikes in the '80's.

Also look for mixte frames (if you're flipping) as they a really desirable right now. You might find some real deals with those.

Look closely at what he may call "cheap" bikes/parts.....you never know....

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I e-mailed him for directions and asked if he had some stuff in my size and he suggested a Schwinn Tempo. It sounded like he wanted $200.00 for it. This makes me tthink you guys are right about not letting anything good go cheap. Anyway, I'll still be making the hour drive to see what I can find.

Thanks again.

Actually...$200 for a tempo might be a decent deal. I wonder why he didn;t list that in his CL ad?!? It's not a steal, but it's likely fair...depending on condition. If memory serves, most of these were Shimano 105 bikes.

+1 $200 for a Tempo is a good deal for a keeper bike (too high for flip potential).

Yeah he said it was 105...

For an end user, non flipper, $150 for any road Fuji other than Dynamic or Sports models are a good deal if it is ready to ride and tuned up. For the two listed, maybe $100-130. In expensive areas like California or Portland, maybe a bit higher.

You are a freakin' mind reader. There were maybe 3 or 4 decent bikes, one that might fit me, all overpriced. Just row after row of suicide brakes and stem shifters. An hour drive each way for nothing. Oh well...

Sorry man...but I had a feeling that was a waste of time. The key was looking at what he advertised...if he knew the Brooks was a selling point, he knows what to point out. None of what he mentioned was especially exciting and he wasn't giving real price ranges to actual bikes. It was a fishing expedition where he was trying to lure folks out and sell them when they got there. When even the bait is blahhh, you know the fish are going to be mundane.

Yep, to find a good deal on a vintage bike, you have to chase after some deals that just don't pan out.

I've got one: a 60 cm frame from the famous Dutch brand Gazelle.
This Gazelle is from the Race series, a higher level frame Gazelle produced.
https://i768.photobucket.com/albums/x...e/SAM_0167.jpg