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Looking to purchase new bike-HELP! plz

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Old 12-04-17, 06:07 PM
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Looking to purchase new bike-HELP! plz

So, I'm in the market for a new bike.
Would like something mostly for commuting, but would like the option of touring. What do you think of this 1988 Bridgestone T700- decent bike?


//portland.craigslist.org/mlt/bik/d/commuter-classic-tour-1988/6374705849.html
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Old 12-04-17, 06:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Teebekillinem
So, I'm in the market for a new bike.
Would like something mostly for commuting, but would like the option of touring. What do you think of this 1988 Bridgestone T700- decent bike?


//portland.craigslist.org/mlt/bik/d/commuter-classic-tour-1988/6374705849.html

if you are willing to spend that much on a 30yr old used bike id say save a lil more and buy a new one...
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Old 12-04-17, 07:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Juggy_Gales
if you are willing to spend that much on a 30yr old used bike id say save a lil more and buy a new one...
I say the same thing. That bike looks like a very very awkward setup. It probably isn't a good fit for the current owner
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Old 12-04-17, 07:43 PM
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Good vintage rides can be great deals. But that one does seem a bit overpriced even for a hot market. And it is an odd set up.
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Old 12-04-17, 08:02 PM
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Offer $150 and see if seller bites. Max $200.
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Old 12-04-17, 08:19 PM
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Originally Posted by mcours2006
Offer $150 and see if seller bites. Max $200.
I agree.
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Old 12-04-17, 09:47 PM
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At that price, i would expect it to have a full overhaul with a bearing points greased, quality tires, wheels true, and properly adjusted shifting and brakes.

This is Portland- where older bikes typically sell for mich higher than elsewhere.

Just info to consider.
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Old 12-05-17, 07:34 AM
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It's not a bad bike, for about half the money.
Garden-variety Bridgestones tend to be a little low-tech, and slightly over-built, but they are durable, and hold up well. They're also not common, and so they don't have the 'collector' value of other brands.

Also, it's a 53cm frame, and the funky stem, and saddle pushed way back, look like the owner was trying to make it fit someone two big for the frame.

Last edited by Ironfish653; 12-05-17 at 07:41 AM.
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Old 12-05-17, 07:55 AM
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Originally Posted by Teebekillinem
So, I'm in the market for a new bike.
Would like something mostly for commuting, but would like the option of touring.
https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/...409654112.html

Also on the Portland CL: This Jamis Coda
It's a flat-bar, but it's already got racks and fenders, and it's half the asking price.
XL frame, tho. It would help to know what size bike you ride, and what your budget is.


Heck, the Nashbar Flat Bar Road Bike is on sale for $250 right now, and it's brand new.
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Old 12-05-17, 08:32 AM
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It's an '87, not an '88, originally had downtube shifters. It has a triple butted frame with is nicer than most steel bikes today. It's actually a very desirable bike in the vintage world. In that condition it probably is worth $300, the triple setup is a major plus. The average person uneducated in vintage steel bikes doesn't really know how sweet it is, they just see an old bike. I would put it back to the original configuration, myself.

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Old 12-05-17, 08:59 AM
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According to the ad, it has a racy geometry. Racy geometry isn't generally regarded as the most desireable geometry for commuting and touring.
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Old 12-05-17, 09:45 AM
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@Lazyass nice find on the ad. Petersen era bike, then?

Much more impressive on the spec sheet than it appears in person.

That stem they put on it though; I'd have to ask for $50 off, just for that.
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Old 12-05-17, 10:06 AM
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Originally Posted by Ironfish653
https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/...409654112.html

Also on the Portland CL: This Jamis Coda
It's a flat-bar, but it's already got racks and fenders, and it's half the asking price.
XL frame, tho. It would help to know what size bike you ride, and what your budget is.


Heck, the Nashbar Flat Bar Road Bike is on sale for $250 right now, and it's brand new.
I would do the Coda (personally) just to avoid having to spend another $50-100 on a rear rack and fenders (or more if you need your LBS guy to install them).

Last edited by Roadwanderer; 12-05-17 at 10:19 AM.
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Old 12-05-17, 10:20 AM
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Originally Posted by Roadwanderer
I would do the Coda (personally) just to avoid having to spend another 50-100 on a rear rack and fenders (or more if you need your LBS guy to install them).
Yeah, but the Coda's a 23" frame. That's a BIG bike. Don't know how tall the OP is, but I'm 5'-10" and that's too big for me.
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Old 12-05-17, 10:23 AM
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Originally Posted by Ironfish653
Yeah, but the Coda's a 23" frame. That's a BIG bike. Don't know how tall the OP is, but I'm 5'-10" and that's too big for me.
Fair point. I didn't check that. I'm also 5'10"

I'm on a 22" that is the top limit of my range. A 23" would be painful if I jumped off the wrong way.
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Old 12-05-17, 10:52 AM
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Thank you!! A lot of great info to consider. Think I'm going to pass on this bike, but was curious since it's different than the bulk of bikes I've been running across.
Any tips for someone with less extensive knowledge of what to be keeping an eye out for in terms of hardware?


5' 7"
Budget $400
As I said I'm looking mostly for commuting around Portland but would love to get into touring.
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Old 12-05-17, 01:09 PM
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Originally Posted by Lazyass
It's an '87, not an '88, originally had downtube shifters. It has a triple butted frame with is nicer than most steel bikes today. It's actually a very desirable bike in the vintage world. In that condition it probably is worth $300, the triple setup is a major plus. The average person uneducated in vintage steel bikes doesn't really know how sweet it is, they just see an old bike. I would put it back to the original configuration, myself.


You are correct.. I just felt near $400 was a lot for the bike.. But certainly was uneducated to what I was looking at

I like the gearing on the crankset though..
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Old 12-09-17, 04:15 PM
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Originally Posted by Juggy_Gales
You are correct.. I just felt near $400 was a lot for the bike.. But certainly was uneducated to what I was looking at

I like the gearing on the crankset though..
If you can talk them down to 300 I'd take it if it fits. I like old steel bikes though, and don't mind a little work to make it what I want. You'll probably want a shorter stem as well as your rack and fenders.
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Old 12-09-17, 05:37 PM
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PDX has a price bubble on used bikes, of course. (like housing costs more there than out here)

try the community cycling shop yet for fully refurbished used bikes?







...

Last edited by fietsbob; 12-09-17 at 05:40 PM.
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