New vs Vintage
 

Hello,

I wasn't sure where to post these questions so I will start here and then maybe go to the vintage section.
I started to commute to work (20km) each way with my carbon road bike, but I wanted to get something dedicated for commuting, i.e. fender and racks. My budget is $1000 cdn. I started looking at ebay/craigslist/kijiji and came across so steel bikes.

Marinoni 54cm | de route | Ville de Montréal | Kijiji

Being close to Marinoni shop I called and they said they can repaint for $250. Can I replace the group on this bike to something more recent? Tiagra/105?

Are the upgrades with it on this frame or should I just get a new aluminum frame?

I came across this, which I love but the price $3000 is over my budget and more expensive than my carbon bike.

Sidero (13) - Frame Types - Guru Bicycles

Thanks for looking and suggestions
Nassa

Realistically, you need to decide what's important to you. Most commuters I know would find the Marinoni a fine commuter, but would limit upgrades, and wouldn't even consider the Guru for a commuter bicycle.


The Marinoni looks like a bike/price that most typical commuters would find great. Reasonable price, eyelets to mount racks and fenders, 70's steel frames usually have comfortable geometry; fine bike for a 20km ride.

You can certainly find new (as in replacement) chains, freewheels, and even chainrings; you'll need to be careful with Taigra or 105. Your link suggests the bike predates 1977, so the rear spacing will be narrower than current frames (looks like 5 speed freewheel). In theory these frames can be cold set a little bit ; to go to 9 or 10 speeds you'll definitely need to adjust the frame and probably replace some other parts (bottom bracket) to keep the chain line.

Bicycle Frame/Hub Spacing.

The Guru looks like a nice recreational bicycle with custome painting etc, but doesn't seem to be designed to mount racks, fenders, etc. I don't know your parking situation; commuters in Philadelphia wouldn't want to leave a $3,000+ bicycle unattended in a parking garage all day.


Most commuters I've met would pick the Marinoni (easy to set up for commuting/touring, decent geometry, doesn't look expensive or flashy reducing theft risk) and wouldn't even think of the Guru to commute in the city, but you know your situation (parking, preference in bicycles) better than we do. If you really want the Guru, don't start with the Marinoni

The Guru was just a wish type bike, I can bring the bike inside my office so theft is not really an issue for me, my issue is budget. I also have another thread about a used Kona, but that seems expensive.
I don't mind the upgrades if the frame is worthy of upgrades...does that make sense?