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What bike is this? Is it a good one?

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What bike is this? Is it a good one?

Old 04-11-14, 02:52 PM
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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

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Old 04-11-14, 03:45 PM
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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!!!
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Old 04-11-14, 04:01 PM
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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.
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Old 04-11-14, 04:03 PM
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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...
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Old 04-11-14, 04:16 PM
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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!
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Old 04-11-14, 04:49 PM
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Originally Posted by -=(8)=-
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!
A bit more pricy, but is this worth it? Womens Vintage Schwinn 10spd
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Old 04-11-14, 05:06 PM
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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!
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Old 04-11-14, 05:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Archery_Queen
A bit more pricy, but is this worth it? Womens Vintage Schwinn 10spd
Those Schwinns are great bikes!!! A fabulous platform for a commuter! If the shifters work, you cant really go wrong.
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
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Old 04-11-14, 05:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Archery_Queen
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 have a brand new old-stock womens AMF in my basement. To say it is heavy is a generous understatement. That one, at 100.00 is waaaaaay overpriced. You can get much more bike elsewhere.
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Old 04-11-14, 05:17 PM
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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?
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Old 04-11-14, 05:23 PM
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Originally Posted by J.C. Koto
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?
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 :-/
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Old 04-11-14, 05:57 PM
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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
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Old 04-11-14, 06:27 PM
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Originally Posted by -=(8)=-
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
Mine is about 37
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Old 04-11-14, 06:32 PM
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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!
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Old 04-11-14, 07:04 PM
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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).

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Old 04-11-14, 08:26 PM
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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.
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Old 04-12-14, 09:05 AM
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Needs A Little TLC is a bit of an understatement. the wheels are likely what the 24 inch describes ..
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Old 04-12-14, 06:48 PM
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Originally Posted by -=(8)=-
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
Yea, that's what i try to tell people, your muscles will get used to it, try not to be intimidated, get a feel for it.
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Old 04-12-14, 07:20 PM
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Originally Posted by -=(8)=-
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

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?
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Old 04-12-14, 07:48 PM
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Lemon

Both of them.
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Old 04-12-14, 08:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Archery_Queen
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?
That one is good. Giant is one of the biggest names in bicycle manufacturing. I'd say it's definitely worth it.

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.

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Old 04-12-14, 08:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Archery_Queen
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?
Ha ha . . . The first time Ive ever been accused of that!
Originally Posted by Isaiahc72
That one is good. Giant is one of the biggest names in bicycle manufacturing. I'd say it's definitely worth it.
+1
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!!!
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Old 04-12-14, 08:40 PM
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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.
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Old 04-12-14, 09:08 PM
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Originally Posted by cooker
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.

I also just realized its an XS frame. I'm 5'6 grrr maybe I will try it anyway??
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Old 04-12-14, 09:24 PM
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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.
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