Introduction and general question
 

Hey all,

I have been lurking around this forum for awhile now. I am an avid mountain biker but have been wanting to get a road bike for those rainy days in which the trails are closed. I have searched CL and various other forums, I keep finding myself wanting a vintage bike. Not sure what it is about them but I just think they look cool. I have narrowed it down to a few choices, Schwinn Traveler, Peugeot, and Raleigh. Any others that i should be looking at?

My concern is that if I am needing "new" parts for these bikes how difficult are they to find. Last thing that I want is this to turn into a money pit.

Thanks in advance

Hi Strike - Welcome to C&V.

If you have been lurking here long you probably know something about C&V bikes.

Don't limit your choices however - cast a wide net and be an opportunist - Sometimes a killer deal presents itself, and you just need to be educated enough to recognize it and pounce.

Insofar as money goes, C&V bikes are by FAR the best value in all of cycledom. DO expect however to make a little investment in tools and expedables to DIY, because virtually all vintage bikes need a good overhaul as-found and LBS rates are no bargain.

Don't limit yourself, but keep your eyes peeled. There are tons out there.

Raleigh
Nishiki
Fuji
Shogun
Centurion
Miyata
Peugeot (French doesn't alway fit, but not a bad bike)
Panasonic
Univega
Specialized
some Schwinn
Trek

Bianchi can be nice.

something that takes fenders for your rainy day rides.