YogaKat

I perused the used bike section and found this one. I am 5' tall and it appears that it would fit me with the seat lowered, but I would of course test ride it first.


Opinions and thoughts on this bike please?

BlazingPedals

Obviously, it's pretty old. What size wheels? Is it a Terry? I usually figure that a bike equipped with suicide brake levers is low-end, but if it's a Terry the first owner might have specced it that way on purpose.

YogaKat

Bridgestone Sirius 300 is what it says on the frame.

I don't know the wheel size. I just took some pics while I think about it.

hig4s

if there are no letters in front of the 300 it is an 86 or older.. Models were in 100 increments with 100 being entry level and 700 being competitive race level.

GravelMN

If you're looking for something retro, it's a nice old mixte. Just swap out the brake levers for some modern Tektro's when you rewrap the handlebar to clean up the look and improve braking.

YogaKat

That's what I'm thinking. I can get it for next to nothing so it's more of a I want this vintage bike until I get my fancy one after Christmas. Thanks for the tip on the brake levers.

GravelMN

You're welcome. I just did the brake swap on a 1980s Schwinn World Sport and it really cleaned up the look of the bike. I was lucky and had a set of vintage RX 100 dual pivot brakes that also made a huge difference in braking (the Schwinn had very low end, single pivot brakes). The brakes on the bike you posted look substantially better than the stock ones I was dealing with. I can't tell from the pictures, but if those are chromed steel rather than aluminum rims, be aware that even with good brakes, they won't perform well especially when wet.

TroN0074

I like bikes from that era. the one I currently ride came with 27" wheels and I replaced them with 700c which seems to be the standard nowadays. after I bough my bike on Craigslist for next to nothing, I took it to the LBS for an inspection and I bought right there new tires+tubes, a set of bright lights (NightRider USB rechargeable) , new bar tape and a B-17 brooks saddle. I am very happy with it.

YogaKat

After some thinking on it, as long as my test ride goes well. I'm going to get it. Thanks for the input.

chasm54

Late to this party, but if it fits you and you can get it for "next to nothing" I'd say why not? It's a nice old bike in what appears to be fair condition, and it'll give you the opportunity to put some miles on a multi-geared bike while thinking about a long-term option. And personally I have always liked mixte frames, I think they're elegant.

I'd echo GravelMN's thpughts on brakes, though. If those rims are steel you need to make sure you have the approriate brake pads in there and be prepared for them to have very poor stopping power in the wet. Talk to LBS about that, as well as about replacing the levers.

TroN0074

The thing is The bike is pretty, and Bridgestone bikes have lots of fans out there. So if you buy the bike keep in mind some upgrades, maybe a new wheel set, alloy rims 700c will be good, look into new break levers and pads, I would also go with a different saddle. what is your view on reflectors? probably taking them off and invest on real lights would be an idea, Other than that the bike is great. I really love these lugged frames. I consider Bridgestone the parent brand of Rivendell and some day I will have a bike from them.

Juan Foote

I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss the "turkey wing" brake levers. Once you get comfortable with them, they are really a feature that I miss on modern bikes.
There is lots to consider with a bike that age. You will need to put some money into it just to be able to ride any significant distance. Unless it's a fit, costs really, really cheap and you happen to have some NOS pads and 27" tires around I would pass. You could buy a "cheapo" modern version of that off BD or Nashbar for what you will have in getting that one ready to ride.

YogaKat

It really caught my eye when I walked into the used bike room. It's inexpensive enough that I can take some time to customize and upgrade at my own pace. I'm looking at this as more of a hobby bike to have fun with while I work up to get a newer higher performance ride.

edit: I just realized I hit my 100th post.

qcpmsame 

I'd buy it, it looks pretty well maintained, not showing any signs of abuse and the suicide levers can be cured, easily. The C&V Forum has a group of vintage mixte frame-set folks you could lean on for anything you wanted to know about that frame. It should be a nice riding bicycle for around town and enjoyment, or even commuting use with a few additions.

Bill

JohnDThompson 

The problem with them is that they limit lever travel such that the lever can bottom out against the bar before the brakes can be fully applied. If you like being able to brake from the tops of the bar, there are lever options that allow this without the disadvantages of the "turkey wing" extensions. E.g. interrupter levers:



Or "guidonnet" levers:

Juan Foote

Properly installed they cleared in front of the handlebar. You had to use your hand from underneath for full travel, and they could pinch the crap out of you. They still worked the same if pulling from the "main" lever. I know there was some eventual safety reason they were gotten rid of, but as a kid growing up with them I got used to and liked having them there for just in case stoppage.

bmthom.gis

Get it! There isn't that much to consider. If a part wears out, there are tons of old bike parts floating around on ebay. Those turkey wing levers are blech. We call them suicide bars - I have heard of them breaking before. If getting from a shop, ask if it has been tuned up, or what work has been done to it. If they say not much has been done, take it to your local co op if you have one, and at least overhaul your bottom bracket, and most likely your hubs.
Panaracer Paselas are popular 27" tires. No need for NOS pads, as KoolStop makes awesome brake pads for pretty much every style of brake.

avidone1

I too would be hesitant to change anything that is a distinctive feature of the era. Of course, it has to work, and in the case of brakes it has to work flawlessly. But assuming the brakes work properly I think the levers are a cool look. It's really a nice looking bike, very pink

bmthom.gis

You can take those turkey wings off without replacing the lever. They just bolt on and slide between the lever and housing.

KenshiBiker

Are you sure it fits? For someone 5' tall, a mixte makes it easy to get enough standover, but based on the headtube length, my guess is that it may be a larger size (something like a 52 cm or so). This could translate to an effective top tube length that is too long for you. If it does fit, then I agree with everyone else who said to get it, fix it up and enjoy it.

YogaKat

When I go back to make my final decision I will be testing it out to make sure.

corrado33

I was going to say the same thing. The bike looks big for someone 5' tall. My friend who is 5'2" has a bike with a headtube that's probably a good inch smaller than the bike there. But who knows, bikes were built different in the 80s.

Phil_gretz

The OP is a girl and only 5' tall. The challenge with Tektro and Cane Creek levers is the large bulbous size. Unappealing aesthetically, and meant for average or larger hands.

I'd recommend something along the lines of Shimano's Exage Sport mid-1980s line of aero levers, like BL-451 or somesuch. A smaller, better feel in her hand, with quick release buttons, and a choice of white hoods, too.

Phil_gretz

+1 on the interrupter levers as well, if there is room on the handlebar. Likely a smaller width bar ~38 cm or so, and things get tight on the inside, what with the stem shifters. Another thought is the ST-A070s and swapping the freewheel to 7-speed.

Looks like the chain might be older. Worth taking a look at whether or not to replace with a modern 8-speed chain. My two centavos...

CliffordK

It looks like a nice classic.

What do the two badges below the front derailleur say? One looks like it may be chromoly which is good. Does it say "Butted"?

It looks like it is in pretty good shape. Has the shop tuned it up? Oil and grease throughout?