monsterpile

Its a good bike but its too small. If it wasn't it would be worth checking out.

trdsupragt

I think 54-56cm would probably be my ideal height.

Grim

Good price on a good bike but if you have a 33 inch inseam it is too small for you.


See how the rack is on the back of that bike isnt level. They probably leaned it back trying to make it work. Thats more of a race geometry and it doesn't fit Racks well because of the short chain stays (see how close the tire is to the seat post?). If you use panniers you may have a problem where your heels hit the bags as you peddle. If you dont carry much and it can be strapped to the top of the rack (jackets etc) then no big deal but if you need to carry a laptop in a pannier then it may be a real big deal. The Traveler (is a sport/ light touring geometry) has longer chain stays so less of a clearance problem so it makes more sense as a commuter.
Now long chain stays do make the bike feel less sporty but a more relaxed ride and less choppy on poor road surfaces.

Its trade offs. You looking for a full blown truck or a sports car is what you need to ask yourself.

trdsupragt

I think I'm looking for a sedan lol.

But thanks for the pointers. I very much doubt I'll be using panniers and most likely will be doing my commuting with a messenger or a backpack.

At least I now have a better idea of what I'm looking for in a bicycle.

monsterpile

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/2421171138.html

Another option

I know you were joking about he Sedan, but the White Traveler is probably pretty much just that. I am basically the same size and you and fit is VERY subjective, but its the best fitting road bike I have every ridden. The standover is 32 inches so that would leave some room for you. The nice thing about that bike is its ready to go and it leaves you some room to add bar end shifters in your $200 budget and have a very capable bike. On the other hand it just might not be the bike for you.

One other thing to consider is geometry. Some bikes have relaxed seat angles like the Traveler is 72 degrees I believe or 72.5. Many of the other bikes you have posted since like the last couple treks probably have 74 degree seat angles. You might not notice the difference or like one alot better than another. Its very subjective. I find I like the relaxed seat angles better because its more comfortable and I feel like I am faster in that position although I haven't really scientifically test it. =P Just someting to think about, but don't get overwhelmed by to much info.

If you have some hills some of these bikes may have a narrower range cassette or freewheel (gears int eh back) more towards racing and you might wish for a wider range with larger gear int eh back for hills like what would be on the Traveler or similar bike. Of course a freewheel or cassette can be changed out for not much money, but if your budget is tight its still an added expense.

You can look and research so long before its useless without trying out some bikes to see what you like. You may need to try out some bikes to see what fits etc. Maybe look for a seller with multiple bikes that you can test out a few things. This seller might be a good place to start idk.

https://keepitrollin.webs.com/bikesforsale.htm

Also keep in mind that if you buy this bike and you find out later you want something a little different you can sell what you have or make a trade. You don't have to get it perfect the first time. Its rare that people get the right bike the first time if they being regular cyclists. As you ride more often preferences change. Anyway...blagh blagh blagh hopefully all this bike babble is helpful. Have fun shopping. Your area is pretty huge so there is going to be tons of options. Thats a good thing and it can also overwhelm you. Eventually you will find something that strikes your fancy and you can post proud pics here like a proud father and we will be excited about it with you. =)

travelmama

Have you considered contacting a co-op for a used bike? I see the first bike you had in mind was in Long Beach, try calling Bikestation to see if any bikes are for sale. The guys down there are very honest and knowledgeable.

trdsupragt

Lol it is pretty overwhelming. And like you said, there's always something out there. I'm glad I didn't jump right into picking up a bike right away and that I got more information from you guys. I now have more of a cushion as to finding what's closest to what I want. The link you posted (monsterpile) is all the way in San Clemente, which is quite a ways for me.

travelmama, I'm actually located in the San Gabriel Valley, so if the LB deals are good enough, I'm willing to drive out to buy. Thanks for your suggestion though, I will keep it in mind. I don't know of many websites or shops, so it's great that there are people here that can suggest.

I do have a few fills around my campus, but they're not that bad so I'm not too concerned about that. So long as I can go up those hills, period.

I was partially serious about the sedan though lol, as that's what I drive right now as well. Pretty much an A to B car, and I guess I'd like my bike to mirror that.

There are a few LBS that some friends of mine have suggested I check out, so I think I will be doing that before actually picking up something off CL.

trdsupragt

I've found a bridgestone bike that was listed today, but I'm not sure it's worth the asking price.

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac...422472852.html

Also, another spalding:
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac...421686621.html

trdsupragt

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac...422787384.html

depending on what brand the frame is, would this be worth restoring? I'm trying to find out from the seller what brand it is right now.

-edit-

It's a free spirit (meh?)

monsterpile

Meh is right that Free Spirit is a Sears bike. Keep looking. The Bridgestone is promising.

trdsupragt

I found another that might also be worth taking a look at:

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb...422816436.html

I just need to get better photos and possibly a model. But I suppose the year might be helpful.

I'll probably try to meet up with the Bridgestone seller and the yellow schwinn seller tomorrow

Torvidicus

if you could talk him down something like https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb...419273920.html would be good

Grim

Crap electrofordge Scwhinn with steel wheels and rocking the world at 40lb's WAY over priced for its condition.
GO GET the Traveler. great vintage bike at the right price.

monsterpile

I wouldn't waste my time on the Schwinn. It looks like a varsity or something like that and I doubt its in great condition anyway based on the rear tire falling off the rim.

Sadly the ship has sailed on the Traveler. I took my Le Tour out yesterday and was enjoying a great ride till my tire was going flat and I had to turn around and go home. Something else will pop up eventually. Hopefully he can get to it before someone else does.

trdsupragt

Yeah I was sent larger photos.. it looks like a POS. And there's too much to replace especially with his asking price.

I think I may get the traveler if it's not too tall when I meet up with the seller.

Are there any other opinions on the bridgestone? Seems like it might be a bit much though,

youngandcurious

I commuted six months recently on a Schwinn Traveler I got for about $100 and it was fine for my use, six miles each way. I was using my road bike, a nice Centurion Comp TA, and found the Schwinn to be better for the commute because it had bigger tires. As they say, air is your friend if you ride rough roads. I found a Centurion Pro Tour that is now my commuter and am very happy. The Schwinn worked though, and will be my go to bike if I have to park in public.

monsterpile

Killer deal check it ASAP if you can. The fenders and rack are almost worth the price of the bike. for about $100 you could convert it to dropbars with bar end shifters and have a sweet touring bike.

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/2423343736.html

Another great deal just over your budget, but you get brifters. Jump on these deals tonight if they aren't too far away.

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/2423322952.html

trdsupragt

Wow I'm liking that trek. If he still has it tomorrow, I'm going for it!

trdsupragt

Definitely going to drop the bars. He still has it. If there are no issues with it, I'm willing to drive out there to get it.

It's an 18spd 58cm. Yay?

trdsupragt

Lol I'll explain once I get this sorted out.

I've been told that all that needs to be replaced is the inner tube. Which should still be no problem right? It seems I'm now at a bidding war with 4 others.

monsterpile

I am really hoping you can pick up that Trek. My guess is that its in good shape with the add ons that are on it. If the shifters don't work it doesn't matter anyway because you are dropping them. =)

Not surprised you are in a bidding war for the bike. An innertube is $10 max. You might be able to patch the tube for like $2 or nothing if you already have patches laying around. Whats the price up to now?

trdsupragt

I don't know what it's up to now, to be honest. The seller won't be available till 630pm tomorrow evening, which is pretty late in the day. But if I can get it for $40, it'll be worth it.

I don't want to ask what the price is at now, in case the seller might be dishonest and try to get more than the asking price just to get a little more money (while at the moment wouldn't make much difference since we're starting at $40). But in the event that there is a bidding war, what should the cutoff be as to how much I should offer for it?

monsterpile

How far (miles) and time is it to drive out there?

trdsupragt

It's about a 30 mile drive from home, and maybe half that from school (i'd be going from school if they still have the bike at 6:30pm)

Time would be 40 mins and 20 mins respectively

monsterpile

Ok then driving there isn't too far if you come back empty handed.

Personally I might go up to $100 because I have a friend that might like this bike as a budget option for his next commuter. I might go higher if I got better pictures or could see it in person. For you IDK hw high I would go. There is a chance it won't fit and you have a tight budget. $75 seems like a good number to go up to for you. I won't be surprised if someone is wiling to pay $100 or more for it and at that point I think you would be best off to keep looking. Thats my 2 cents.