What bike is this? Is it a good one?
#1
Thread Starter
It's Queen to you!
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 96
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From: Bloomington, IN
Bikes: Roadmaster
What bike is this? Is it a good one?
Found this bike fairly close to where I live, only a 30 minute drive. Is this a good deal?? I'm. To even sure what bike it is, it just looks good in the picture. I am looking for a lighter commuter bike for those of you all that haven't seen my threads.
https://indianapolis.craigslist.org/bik/4416551927.html
https://indianapolis.craigslist.org/bik/4416551927.html
Last edited by Archery_Queen; 04-11-14 at 03:04 PM.
#2
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,902
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From: 40205 'ViLLeBiLLie
Bikes: Sngl Spd's, 70's- 80's vintage, D-tube Folder
That is a nice bike. It is the start of a good commuter. Nishiki is/was a reputable company. For that price -----> 
Something new commuters need to know: when you come to a forum, it is a given people are very adamant and "in to"(?) whatever that forum is related to. Sometimes in that situation, things can become overcomplicated. Fit /frame size is the most important element to worry about, because other stuff can be changed/adjusted. I can build an absolutely bulletproof commuter for 300.00 or so dollars. 100 for the bike, 100 for flat resistant tires(a must!) and 100 for lights and a mirror. Its all good, anything works -- get the bike that speaks to you, and just do it!!!
Something new commuters need to know: when you come to a forum, it is a given people are very adamant and "in to"(?) whatever that forum is related to. Sometimes in that situation, things can become overcomplicated. Fit /frame size is the most important element to worry about, because other stuff can be changed/adjusted. I can build an absolutely bulletproof commuter for 300.00 or so dollars. 100 for the bike, 100 for flat resistant tires(a must!) and 100 for lights and a mirror. Its all good, anything works -- get the bike that speaks to you, and just do it!!!
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,472
Likes: 11
From: Near St. Louis, Missouri
Bikes: Giant Defy Advanced, Breezer Doppler Team, Schwinn Twinn Tandem, Windsor Tourist, 1954 JC Higgens
I looks to me like the rear brake is broke. Looks like it's missing a brake pad or two and that the brake cable is cut. Expect that to about double the cost right there.
#4
apocryphal sobriquet
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,083
Likes: 7
From: Star City, NE
Bikes: 2008 Surly Long Haul Trucker "The Truckerino"
If they mean 24" wheels it's probably a youth bike and would be too small for an average-sized adult. If they misprinted and meant 26" wheels then it's a pretty good deal if it's reasonably roadworthy, only needs a little tweaking, and you either know or are willing and eager to learn to wrench on it yourself.
Problem with cheap bikes is they can quickly become a money pit if you don't know what you're getting into from the get-go...
Problem with cheap bikes is they can quickly become a money pit if you don't know what you're getting into from the get-go...
#5
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: 40205 'ViLLeBiLLie
Bikes: Sngl Spd's, 70's- 80's vintage, D-tube Folder
Other posters brought up good points I missed. I have always found great deals on Craigslist for working, usable stuff, but it does take a little patience to weed through the junk. Garage sales are good too, for finding bikes that have little use that ppl just want to get out of the way.
Happy hunting!
Happy hunting!
#6
Thread Starter
It's Queen to you!
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Bloomington, IN
Bikes: Roadmaster
Other posters brought up good points I missed. I have always found great deals on Craigslist for working, usable stuff, but it does take a little patience to weed through the junk. Garage sales are good too, for finding bikes that have little use that ppl just want to get out of the way.
Happy hunting!
Happy hunting!

#7
Thread Starter
It's Queen to you!
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Bloomington, IN
Bikes: Roadmaster
AMF Scorcher Road Bike
I'm looking at this one too, I will have a little extra money this week but I need your guys help! I desperately need a new bike, mine is just too heavy to making it up hills properly. Please help!
I'm looking at this one too, I will have a little extra money this week but I need your guys help! I desperately need a new bike, mine is just too heavy to making it up hills properly. Please help!
#8
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: 40205 'ViLLeBiLLie
Bikes: Sngl Spd's, 70's- 80's vintage, D-tube Folder
A bit more pricy, but is this worth it? Womens Vintage Schwinn 10spd
That is a good price for it, if everything works, as in; only needs minor tuneup. Those old bikes are going to need a little tweaking and oiking but they are sooooo far above cheap, new stuff, there can be no comparison. That bike, with the aforementioned flat-resistant tire, lights and a mirror, would make a great, bombproof commuter. You might need a bike shop to set it up for you, but still, a great investment. I only commute on old steel. My current commuter is from 1977. A testament to the way those olde sleds were built
#9
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: 40205 'ViLLeBiLLie
Bikes: Sngl Spd's, 70's- 80's vintage, D-tube Folder
AMF Scorcher Road Bike
I'm looking at this one too, I will have a little extra money this week but I need your guys help! I desperately need a new bike, mine is just too heavy to making it up hills properly. Please help!
I'm looking at this one too, I will have a little extra money this week but I need your guys help! I desperately need a new bike, mine is just too heavy to making it up hills properly. Please help!
#10
apocryphal sobriquet
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,083
Likes: 7
From: Star City, NE
Bikes: 2008 Surly Long Haul Trucker "The Truckerino"
I don't think any of those bikes are going to be any better at hills than the pink roadmaster you posted in another thread. Do the shifters on your pink roadmaster work properly?
#11
Thread Starter
It's Queen to you!
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 96
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From: Bloomington, IN
Bikes: Roadmaster
Yes they do, I went to a community bike meet earlier this weeks and tried to pick up other students bikes, needless to say mine was 2 or 3 times heavier than everyone else's :-/
#12
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From: 40205 'ViLLeBiLLie
Bikes: Sngl Spd's, 70's- 80's vintage, D-tube Folder
Yeah, in all of my gushing over the Schwinn, I forgot they are a little weighty. But seriously, when the you accumulate some mileage, weight won't bother you.
I'm feel safe in saying a lot of people on this board have bikes that approach or surpass 40lbs
I'm feel safe in saying a lot of people on this board have bikes that approach or surpass 40lbs
#13
Thread Starter
It's Queen to you!
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 96
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From: Bloomington, IN
Bikes: Roadmaster
Mine is about 37
#14
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 197
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From: Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
Bikes: Viruela, Piccola
I'd invest the weekend in visiting those bikes in person, so you can take a close look and actually weigh them yourself.
(Personally I think the Schwinn is gooooorgeous, and it already has a rack!)
In another post you mentioned that you live in a hilly area - I live in a hilly city, and what others told me in the forum seems to be true - hills don't get easier, you just end up less tired.
(Also, lime water with sugar and a little salt is goddamn *magic*. I finding myself recovering much, much faster with it than with plain water.)
Good luck, and get the bike you like!
(Personally I think the Schwinn is gooooorgeous, and it already has a rack!)
In another post you mentioned that you live in a hilly area - I live in a hilly city, and what others told me in the forum seems to be true - hills don't get easier, you just end up less tired.
(Also, lime water with sugar and a little salt is goddamn *magic*. I finding myself recovering much, much faster with it than with plain water.)
Good luck, and get the bike you like!
#15
Prefers Cicero

Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 12,860
Likes: 146
From: Toronto
Bikes: 1984 Trek 520; 2007 Bike Friday NWT; misc others
That Schwinn has great retro chic. I love the chrome dork disk. The suicide levers on the brakes have to go, however.
I would guess the Schwinn will weigh in in the mid 20s.
Probably with that one or any of them you will spend up to $100 on repairs and upgrades but will end up with a good bike.
Hopefully the bike has a female saddle (a little wider than male).
I would guess the Schwinn will weigh in in the mid 20s.
Probably with that one or any of them you will spend up to $100 on repairs and upgrades but will end up with a good bike.
Hopefully the bike has a female saddle (a little wider than male).
Last edited by cooker; 04-11-14 at 07:28 PM.
#16
Unlisted member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,192
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From: Chicagoland
Bikes: Specialized Hardrock
That vintage Schwinn may outlive most of us, especially with a little bit of tlc. I fixed one up for my sister a few years ago that hadn't been used much, and was impressed in how solid it was. Solid as in great for durability, but not so good for going up hills.
#18
contiuniously variable

Joined: Apr 2014
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From: Southeastern Pennsylvania
Bikes: 2012 Breezer Uptown Infinity, Fuji Varsity
#19
Thread Starter
It's Queen to you!
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Bloomington, IN
Bikes: Roadmaster
Women's Bike, Like New
you sem to be very knowledgable, so I'm going to ask you and everyone else about another bike. This one listed above. Worth it? Or not?
#21
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 291
Likes: 1
From: Northwest Arkansas
Bikes: 2015 Kona Rove AL, 2016 Giant Escape 2, 1995 Giant attraction SS,
Women's Bike, Like New
you sem to be very knowledgable, so I'm going to ask you and everyone else about another bike. This one listed above. Worth it? Or not?
you sem to be very knowledgable, so I'm going to ask you and everyone else about another bike. This one listed above. Worth it? Or not?
As for the one in your original post, Nishiki is generally a good manufacture. However, 24-inch is usually a child's size. If you're kind of small, it might be pretty nice for you.
Last edited by Isaiahc72; 04-12-14 at 08:24 PM.
#22
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,902
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From: 40205 'ViLLeBiLLie
Bikes: Sngl Spd's, 70's- 80's vintage, D-tube Folder
Women's Bike, Like New
you sem to be very knowledgable, so I'm going to ask you and everyone else about another bike. This one listed above. Worth it? Or not?
you sem to be very knowledgable, so I'm going to ask you and everyone else about another bike. This one listed above. Worth it? Or not?

I agree with Isaiahc. Giant make quality stuff and that particular bike even looks like the tires don't have any wear on them.
Out of all the ones you have inquired about, I think this would be the best one for your situation, so far. Just make sure it fits

Good price!

Happy hunting!!!
When you really get into cycling as a lifestyle, this is a process that will repeat itself
#23
Prefers Cicero

Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 12,860
Likes: 146
From: Toronto
Bikes: 1984 Trek 520; 2007 Bike Friday NWT; misc others
The only concern with the last one is that it has a very upright riding position (see how much higher the handlebars are than the seat), that isn't very aerodynamic. However as quite a new bike it is a good price and it won't likely need much added expenditure.
#24
Thread Starter
It's Queen to you!
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Bloomington, IN
Bikes: Roadmaster
I also just realized its an XS frame. I'm 5'6 grrr maybe I will try it anyway??
#25
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: 40205 'ViLLeBiLLie
Bikes: Sngl Spd's, 70's- 80's vintage, D-tube Folder
All bikes have a certain amount of adjustability. With that frame size, I would check if the seat can go high enough to give you proper leg extension.
On the downstroke, your new knees should be bent just a little. A little more to it than that, but thats a good rule-of-thumb
A lot of new riders have their seats set too low, that make a big(negative) difference on up-hill sections.
On the downstroke, your new knees should be bent just a little. A little more to it than that, but thats a good rule-of-thumb
A lot of new riders have their seats set too low, that make a big(negative) difference on up-hill sections.





