nipperkin

Hi all, i'm deciding between two bikes for mainly commuting and an occasional ride on a trail. A late 90s 17" Bianchi Timberwolf and a late 90s 21" GT Timberline. Both bikes are in good condition. I am somewhere around 5'11" and 6'0".

The Bianchi is for $65. I'm not sure if the frame is too small for me, but when I rode it it seemed fine (then again, I didn't ride it for a very long time). I feel that Bianchi is a more reputable brand than GT.

The GT is for $100. I haven't used it yet, but the pictures indicate that it is in good condition. I know that GT has been bought by Pacific and now sells bikes at the dept. store level.

Taking into account the price, sizing, brand, etc., what would you guys do if you were in my position? Thanks in advance for replies.

scyclops

If both bikes have the stock components, the GT is probably worth $100, the Bianchi isn't even worth $50.
That said, it seems like a 17" frame is going to be too small for you anyway if you're close to 6' tall. With a long seatpost and high rise stem/bars it might work for you, but unless it's got a disproportionately long top tube, it's going to put you in a more upright position, sort of comfort bike-ish, if you know what I mean.
I've had several old '90s GTs and really liked them, but they were 7005 AL, and I think the pre-2000 Timberlines were cromoly.
Assuming the 21" frame isn't too big, I'd go with the GT.

BTW, GT makes bikes that retail anywhere from $300 to upwards of $5000, and I haven't seen any of them in W-mart. (oh crap, I'm starting to sound like a shill for GT)

JLStout

I wouldn't buy either. Both too old and outdated, not to mention neither is probably the right size for you. Based solely on your height, you should be on an 18" or 19" frame.

scyclops

What if $100 is all OP can afford? A 15 year old GT is still way better than a new Next POS from W-mart.

NCMTBIKER

Neither shop around for something better

scyclops

If you read the thread title, there's a clue in there about where OP is in his process.
Just sayin'.