igknighted

It's easy for most people to tell whether a modern(ish) bike is any good, but it becomes tricky with older bikes. A bike that was a cheap, entry level bike in 1985 is now just a 25 year old cheap, entry level bike. If you really want to know how good the bike is, try posting in the C&V forum, as there are people there that know old bikes better than they know their own kids.

As a quick way to tell, any bike that was any good will have mounts for down-tube shifters built right onto the frame. A slightly lower-tier bike will have down-tube shifters attached via a clamp. And a really cheap old bike will have stem shifters. These shifters are not worth the hassle. If you can't find a bike with brifters in your price range, then get a decent vintage bike with proper down-tube shifters.

sudo bike

Personally, I wouldn't worry about STI shifters too much. IMNSHO, while a little more convenient, they aren't as much more convenient as their cost, and I'm not a fan of indexed shifting in general for maintenance/adjustment reasons. You should be fine with regular ol' friction bar-ends (though indexed is cool too, if you're not a fan of friction). I have downtubes which are simple and reliable, but they are slightly more PITA than bar-ends. Bar-ends are almost just as easy, even in hills, as STI, for me. For the price range you're looking at, you'll probably be looking at older/crappier STI system (but you could luck out). I had some that came on my used Novara Randonee that were a constant pain. I finally ditched them and have been much happier. In my experience, bar ends or downtubes are more reliable with less adjustment and maintenance being needed (and easier when it is). YMMV.

Grim

Overweight low end bike that is grossly over priced.
if you have a 33 inc inseam you need a 56-58cm bike. Riding large means the bars are naturally higher and more relaxed riding position. Riding small is good if you are looking to go fast as the bars will be down keeping your shoulders down.

Personally I would look for 80's japanese bikes with 700 wheels if possible. Parts have a better interchangeability. I like bar end shifters and it is not an expensive upgrade to them.

Now this "Go look tomorrow" deal is not going to get you a bike at a good price. You need to have cash in hand and ready to roll.
The under priced bikes get picked up by flippers cleaned up and re listed for double the price.

This is a good bike for a fair price thats poorly marketed. Didnt list the model but it is midline. If the bike is in good condition. I can sell this bike all day long for $180.
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv...409304523.html
Thats about a 87-88 it should be a 4130 double butted frame Probably 27 inch wheels. that bike was probably built by Giant, maybe Panasonic. There may be a sticker on the non drive side drop out that says Giant. Araya rims, Suntour AR derailleurs.

Little digging and it looks like it is a 87 Letour. Good riding bike.
https://www.trfindley.com/flschwinn_1...0/1987_08.html
If I am right it is a Shimano light action indexed shifter bike according to the catalog.
Wave $100 in their face and see if they take it. The worst they can say is no and you pay the $130.
You can buy a kit to move the shifters to the bar ends or find a old set of Suntour friction. .

monsterpile

I have a red 1987 Le Tour and I really like it same size and everything. $130 is a reasonable price for that bike, but offer less and see what they say. Like Grim said if you want the deals you better have cash on hand and ready to go cheap it out as soon as you can. If the Le Tour is still available you will be somewht lucky.

People rip on stem shifters and while I don't like them some are actually really nice to use. Suntour powershifters stem shifters are pretty awesome. There are some others that are above average. I think this buyer should hold out for something better than a stem shifter bike, but they are far from useless.

trdsupragt

I'm hoping I can find something with 700 wheels. But I can't always have it all right? While I'm familiar with the term of 700, I don't know how to tell if they are indeed 700's though. (other than them saying they're 700 lol)

Also, per suggestions above, I think I will go the bar end shifters route once I pick up something. I tried shifting with stem shifters, and while I had no problems finding gears and such, the motion felt very unnatural, as many would have already told me. I'm sure with some practice, I'll get used to it, but it just feels weird to me.

I've contacted the seller of the Schwinn Letour in the ad posted just a few posts above, but they haven't gotten back to me yet.

The person selling the Spalding bike was also selling this one: https://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/...5/DSC01999.jpg I think it might have been a 54cm and they were selling it for $200. They've since taken down the ad, but I noticed they still have the photo in the album (they usually clear out sold items). Other than that, that's all the information I have on that particular Schwinn World.

monsterpile

The wheels on that Le Tour are likely 27 inch wheels unless some switched them out. The 700 wheels are just a little smaller thn the 27 inch wheels. There are few options for tires for the 27 inch wheel compared to 700, but I wouldn't worry about it too much based on your budget. You could always get a 700 wheelset later and some different brakes if the ones on that bike don't have enough reach. I suspect they do, but I haven't messed around with mine because I like how it rides the way it is although I just put some new tires on it.

exile

You might want to check out Keep it Rollin Vintage Cyclery. Its from this Craigslist ad: https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv...418546498.html

Another option is to visit LBS that sell used bikes or Coops.

trdsupragt

Thanks for looking it up for me. You guys are great. I'm in the process of setting up meeting times with some of these sellers as well.

Also, here's another that I found.

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/2418718330.html

Grim

Traveler is one model below the Letour but it is still a good bike and thats still a good price.
If I'm not smoking something the bike I guessed was a Letour is the same bike in your listing as a Traveler. That or that black and yellow bar tape is darn popular in your area.

Ohh as far as tires when it needs them. Panaracer Pasela are a great tire on the cheap for 27 inch wheels

Good luck!!
.

trdsupragt

OH. You know what? I think they are indeed the same exact bike. I asked the seller for a better picture and the frame showed "Traveler" on it. LOL I've been looking at so many ads that these bikes are all starting to look the same.. And I guess it doesn't help that the seller is posting in two different counties now.

monsterpile

Yeah it looks like its a 1988 Schwinn traveler. It looks like the same frame as the Le Tour which is what I like about the Le Tour. I fixed up a friends 1989 Traveler and it seemed like a pretty nice bike. The bike ad says its ready to go and if it is thats a pretty good bike for the price. I would probably be asking $150 for it in that condition if I was selling (bikes are cheap here) and I price things pretty reasonable. I am biased because I have a similar bike, but I would check that out quickly. You wouldn't have a hard time moving it along if you found something you liked better.

https://www.trfindley.com/flschwinn_1...0/1988_13.html


https://www.trfindley.com/flschwinn_1...0/1988_16.html

trdsupragt

A few other bikes have popped up on CL..

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac...419886827.html
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv...419893278.html
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv...419890529.html
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv...419896112.html

Three of them, of course being from the same seller

monsterpile

I saw a couple of them before when I was looking, but I don't think they are that exciting for what you need I think you can do better not that they are bad bikes or bad deals. The Traveler is a better deal than all of them and not just because its cheaper. You don't want the Schwinn Caliente. Its going to be heavy and has other odd quirks.

You could check this one out and see what size it is if they still have it. Looks like a 1989. I just saw one of these on a craigslist nearer me. Kind of cool bike.

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac...416992339.html

https://www.trfindley.com/flschwinn_1...9_Ltwt_05.html

Pics of someone's bike

https://velospace.org/node/4148

trdsupragt

The ad you posted has photos that seem consistent with the one here:

https://velospace.org/node/4148

It looks like a 54cm? I'm kind of liking it

monsterpile

I should have mentioned thats probably where the pic for the ad came from. The seller likely Googled his bike and found that pic and posted it which happens more than you would think. You will need to contact he seller to get info.

trdsupragt

Yeah he just sent me actual photos. I'll have it posted here in a few minutes.

trdsupragt

It's not the best photo if I'm honest, but he claims that it's his brother's bike and he doesn't know much about bikes. But judging from the photo, I'm going to say it might even be as small as a 52cm.

trdsupragt

Yeah man. I've never received this much help in any other forum that I've been on for even different hobbies/activities. Everyone just flames you these days...But I think I'm going to like it here =D

jakevance

I honestly don't mean to be a downer or anything, but "It's my brother's bike" and "I don't know much about bikes" both scream "STOLEN" to me.

monsterpile

Yeah I would say with alot of confidence that its too small.

trdsupragt

I was a bit suspicious also. I'll tread carefully..

Another..

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/2420084408.html

monsterpile

Yep that Trek looks pretty sweet. I think 28mm tires are just fine.

trdsupragt

As long as the tires are easy to find I'm okay with it. Would I be able to replace them with 23's just by getting new tires and tubes should I ever decide to change them out? Or will the wheels themselves need to be changed out also?

Grim

Trek
I have those same tires in the same size on one of my bikes and they ride wonderful. Yes just a bit slower then a 23 but not much. Depending on the roads the 28's are goign to soften up the ride and despite a little loss in top end you may find you like them for the ride.
That bike will take 23mm no problem.
Now fair warning: that is a Crit/racing frame in aluminum and it will ride harsher then a steel frame especially if thats an Aluminum fork. Thats probably why it has 28's. A carbon fork would do wonders for the ride. I run the cheap Forte (performance bikes house brand) on one bike and really happy with the the ride for the price.

That bike may not be able to take racks and may not be be a good choice for a commuter if you need to carry a lot of gear.
Price is fair for what that is.

trdsupragt

That's good information to know. I'm not sure if I should be worried about it not being compatible with racks, as I think I may look into getting a rear rack for my car in the future.

But what do you mean about it not being a good choice if i need to carry gear?

Also, how's this one compared to the other Trek?

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/2420173814.html