I'm looking for a vintage bike to do a light first resto job on. My area rarely has anything worthwhile come on on Craigslist but today I found this.

https://saginaw.craigslist.org/bik/2939077715.html

I would want to find original drop handlebars and saddle (or at least some respectable looking alternatives). They put the drop brakes on some ugly looking flat bars, from what I can tell. The seller does not have the original saddle or handlebars, unfortunately.

Thoughts from you pros?

Looks like a good choice to me. Some caveats:

1) Make sure that it's your size. No point in spending any money on something that won't fit you.

2) Make sure that the seat post and stem aren't seized.

Good luck!

What the one in the CL ad you're looking at looks like...




What is should look like...



It's probably late '80s. The components it might have come with:

Cromoly Frame and Fork
Suntour VX Accushift derailleurs
Suntour VX Acushift shifters
Diacompe VX brakeset
Suntour VX crankset
Champion handlebar and stem
Quick release
Weinmman rims
Alloy seatpost

Off the tip of the bat...tires, tubes, seat, alloy drop bars, correct brake levers and hoods. Is there a seat post under that saddle? What type? Alloy micro-adjust (would be surprised)? Check to make sure it hasn't been downgraded with inexpensive components. That crank set doesn't seem to look correct, IMHO. The frame needs to be the correct size for you. That is most important if you plan on riding it. IMHO, try to pitch, in a real nice and friendly firm way, $60 to $75 cash if you want it. That's my take on it.

I like this one on your CL...
80;s TREK 420 Road Bike - $140 (Bay City)

https://saginaw.craigslist.org/bik/2934131219.html
Date: 2012-04-01, 11:25AM EDT
Reply to: q3fc6-2934131219@sale.craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]


Mid 80's Trek touring road bike. Broken spoke in the back. Dirty bar tape. CLASSY. Just a beautiful bike. But alas, too large for me, 33 inch stand over height. Come check it out.

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Unless the seller can miraculously produce all the original parts, I would not even make an offer on the Lotus. (You'd be in too deep with that just getting it close to factory spec).

The 420 is a far better deal even at the higher asking price.

That Trek is a much bigger bike than that Lotus.

Which one, if either, is the OP's correct size?

Thank you for the feedback guys, I appreciate it. I was looking at the 420 as well, I need to actually go and look at both bikes to see how they fit me though. I'm skeptical of the 420 because I'm only 5'10" but I won't really know unless I check it out.

A tiny bike that was too big for the previous owner. If you go see the bike, be careful not to step on your host.

If you're 5'10", neither bike is going to fit you. The Trek is likely too big, and the Lotus is definitely too small...

You should be looking for bikes in the 56-58 cm range, in all likelihood. Fit is very subjective, but most people would probably recommend against either of those.

Search the threads here; plenty of information about proper fit.

Good luck!

The Trek looks like a 58cm (23") frame. It may very well fit you properly, but you need to do the "stand over" test. Make sure you can lift the wheels about an inch off the ground when straddling the top bar. Make sure you feel comfortable on it. The back wheel is going to be out of alignment, due to that broken spoke. Test riding might not be that easy...have a spare 27" rear wheel handy? The 21" frame might just be too small. Worth checking out both, if you can get a chance to. Make sure the Trek is in original condition as much as possible. Plenty of info and specs on Treks here .... including copies of original sales brochures ....

https://vintage-trek.com/

The Trek seat tube decal looks older than '84/85, so he may have indicated the wrong model number. The 420 was towards the starting point of Treks line-up, although it would have been higher up in the hierarchy for other manufacturers. You might have something there. Old Treks, in nice condition, aren't too shabby a ride. Could be quite impressive, depending on condition.

Thank you for the help, folks. Much appreciated!

Any time. That's what we're here for

+1 The Lotus is in rough shape. For $50, I would pick it up, as I have a hefty stash of parts in hand. But $100? No way.

+1 The Trek is a DEAL.

$50 actually sounds like the magic number. Already having on hand the parts you need is a very big plus in this case.

I'm a Lotus fan and even I'd pass on that one. Unless it was dirt cheap.

The 2000R was even sold through Sears at a time (89-91) when we think Lotus had begun to license the Lotus name to other companies rather than design, import and distribute the bikes themselves. The 2000R and 3000R are some of the most common Lotus models you'll find for sale.