hello. I went down to see this old man down the street today and spotted this bad boy buried under some trash and a coffee table. I dug it out and bought it for 35 bucks. I dont know a lot about columbia s so i was hoping to get some information about her. Like possibly the year or the cost when new. Also about their build quality in general. i couldnt really find a lot on the web for the blaze specifically. Im going to relplace the tires ( i think they are the originals as they match the bike and crumple to the touch) and keep it regardless but any info would be appreciated. Thanks

Dick

Thats a dept store quality bike but they did build them pretty stout. If it works ride it but if it needs more than $20 worth of repairs (the cheapest tires would max that budget) id sell it for what you paid and start over.

Probably late 70s. If you get a photo of the rear drop outs (where the axel is bolted) that is one clue, as Columbia changed their design around 1974/75.

$35 is probably not a bad deal, it looks like it needs new tires but you should be able to find tires in this size pretty easily. K-mart and W-mart still carried them for $9 a pop a couple years ago, but I think most stores have stopped stocking them. A bike shop should have some or be able to get some for you.

If you're mechanically inclined, then the bearings should be re-packed with fresh grease too.