Help! Newbie looking for bike for partner
#1
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Help! Newbie looking for bike for partner
Hi all! I'm looking for a bike which will be my partner's first road bike. She's 5'8" in height and has an inseam of 81cm (measured with riding shoes on). From what I gather a 21" or 54cm frame would be a good fit so I found a few options.
I'm leaning towards the Miyatas but the Bianchi looks nice as well. Which of these do you guys think is the best?
edit: It appears I can't post links yet so I included the search term that can be put into the Toronto Craigslist.
west-toronto-vintage-bicycle-bianchi
etobicoke-miyata-12-speed-triple
st-catharines-miyata-12-speed-road-bike
Thanks everyone!
Anthony
edit: A lugged steel frame would be ideal - a solid, smooth bike for a casual rider.
I'm leaning towards the Miyatas but the Bianchi looks nice as well. Which of these do you guys think is the best?
edit: It appears I can't post links yet so I included the search term that can be put into the Toronto Craigslist.
west-toronto-vintage-bicycle-bianchi
etobicoke-miyata-12-speed-triple
st-catharines-miyata-12-speed-road-bike
Thanks everyone!
Anthony
edit: A lugged steel frame would be ideal - a solid, smooth bike for a casual rider.
Last edited by anthonylangford; 10-06-19 at 08:36 AM.
#2
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Hi all! I'm looking for a bike which will be my partner's first road bike. She's 5'8" in height. From what I gather a 21" or 54cm frame would be a good fit so I found a few options.
I'm leaning towards the Miyatas but the Bianchi looks nice as well. Which of these do you guys think is the best?
edit: It appears I can't post links yet so I included the search term that can be put into the Toronto Craigslist.
west-toronto-vintage-bicycle-bianchi
etobicoke-miyata-12-speed-triple
st-catharines-miyata-12-speed-road-bike
Thanks everyone!
Anthony
I'm leaning towards the Miyatas but the Bianchi looks nice as well. Which of these do you guys think is the best?
edit: It appears I can't post links yet so I included the search term that can be put into the Toronto Craigslist.
west-toronto-vintage-bicycle-bianchi
etobicoke-miyata-12-speed-triple
st-catharines-miyata-12-speed-road-bike
Thanks everyone!
Anthony
This one? https://toronto.craigslist.org/tor/b...987431992.html
This Miyata? https://toronto.craigslist.org/tor/b...957385731.html
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
Last edited by Bianchigirll; 09-29-19 at 05:03 PM.
#3
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Yes! Those are the ones - thank you for posting the links for me. Looking at your name, I'm going to take a wild guess and say that you are for the Bianchi?
#4
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Interested in a Pinarello? Found this one recently and really do not need another road bike.
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#5
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You don't really say what you are looking for specifically (C&V or more modern). Good bikes pop up all the time (I just sold a Nishiki Landau Tri A for $250 on Sunday that was 21 inch. )
If you don't like what Randy has (and I've never heard of anyone complaining about what he sold them), pop on the Go train to Hamilton.
These might need some work (can't really tell from the Apollo photo)
Horrible picture but that maybe why it didn't sell. Needs new tape and has no hoods.
Apollo for $200
https://www.kijiji.ca/v-road-bike/ha...ationFlag=true
Norco Avanti $160 looks like an older bike in Ok shape
https://www.kijiji.ca/v-road-bike/ha...ationFlag=true
Fiori Roma "$249" OBO but seller started at $340 so probably been on sale for a long long time. Seller lists all it has, looks like a bit of a frankenbike but that might work in your favour. Bike described as excellent condition but actually dirty and generally worn.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...0661905208567/
If you can wait another month when snow hits prices will drop....
If you don't like what Randy has (and I've never heard of anyone complaining about what he sold them), pop on the Go train to Hamilton.
These might need some work (can't really tell from the Apollo photo)
Horrible picture but that maybe why it didn't sell. Needs new tape and has no hoods.
Apollo for $200
https://www.kijiji.ca/v-road-bike/ha...ationFlag=true
Norco Avanti $160 looks like an older bike in Ok shape
https://www.kijiji.ca/v-road-bike/ha...ationFlag=true
Fiori Roma "$249" OBO but seller started at $340 so probably been on sale for a long long time. Seller lists all it has, looks like a bit of a frankenbike but that might work in your favour. Bike described as excellent condition but actually dirty and generally worn.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...0661905208567/
If you can wait another month when snow hits prices will drop....
#6
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@wrk101
Just remember you have to multiply the Canadian price by .76 to get USD so a $200 Canadian bike is 152 USD. We sometimes see really nice prices but you have to get well outside of Toronto or any other major Canadian city for that to happen. I sold a Terry bike to a woman who drove down to meet me because in Toronto it was a $350 bike but I wanted $250. Since most people won't leave the city they live in and feel comfortable in they have to pay that big city premium.
Just remember you have to multiply the Canadian price by .76 to get USD so a $200 Canadian bike is 152 USD. We sometimes see really nice prices but you have to get well outside of Toronto or any other major Canadian city for that to happen. I sold a Terry bike to a woman who drove down to meet me because in Toronto it was a $350 bike but I wanted $250. Since most people won't leave the city they live in and feel comfortable in they have to pay that big city premium.
#7
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Wow, those Toronto prices are CRAZY!
Bianchi has sucky Suntour indexed shifting, which is undesirable and obsolete.
Miyata has friction Shimano 105, so no index shifting.
Miyata ad is extremely old, so I guess pricing is high for even Toronto. Maybe seller is motivated??
This one looks like a better deal, nothing special, but indexed Shimano shifting, and a lower price for Toronto.....
Bianchi has sucky Suntour indexed shifting, which is undesirable and obsolete.
Miyata has friction Shimano 105, so no index shifting.
Miyata ad is extremely old, so I guess pricing is high for even Toronto. Maybe seller is motivated??
This one looks like a better deal, nothing special, but indexed Shimano shifting, and a lower price for Toronto.....
Last edited by anthonylangford; 10-01-19 at 10:45 AM.
#8
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Thread Starter
You don't really say what you are looking for specifically (C&V or more modern). Good bikes pop up all the time (I just sold a Nishiki Landau Tri A for $250 on Sunday that was 21 inch. )
If you don't like what Randy has (and I've never heard of anyone complaining about what he sold them), pop on the Go train to Hamilton.
These might need some work (can't really tell from the Apollo photo)
Horrible picture but that maybe why it didn't sell. Needs new tape and has no hoods.
Apollo for $200
Norco Avanti $160 looks like an older bike in Ok shape
Fiori Roma "$249" OBO but seller started at $340 so probably been on sale for a long long time. Seller lists all it has, looks like a bit of a frankenbike but that might work in your favour. Bike described as excellent condition but actually dirty and generally worn.
If you can wait another month when snow hits prices will drop....
If you don't like what Randy has (and I've never heard of anyone complaining about what he sold them), pop on the Go train to Hamilton.
These might need some work (can't really tell from the Apollo photo)
Horrible picture but that maybe why it didn't sell. Needs new tape and has no hoods.
Apollo for $200
Norco Avanti $160 looks like an older bike in Ok shape
Fiori Roma "$249" OBO but seller started at $340 so probably been on sale for a long long time. Seller lists all it has, looks like a bit of a frankenbike but that might work in your favour. Bike described as excellent condition but actually dirty and generally worn.
If you can wait another month when snow hits prices will drop....
#9
Member
Thread Starter
You don't really say what you are looking for specifically (C&V or more modern). Good bikes pop up all the time (I just sold a Nishiki Landau Tri A for $250 on Sunday that was 21 inch. )
If you don't like what Randy has (and I've never heard of anyone complaining about what he sold them), pop on the Go train to Hamilton.
These might need some work (can't really tell from the Apollo photo)
Horrible picture but that maybe why it didn't sell. Needs new tape and has no hoods.
Apollo for $200
Norco Avanti $160 looks like an older bike in Ok shape
Fiori Roma "$249" OBO but seller started at $340 so probably been on sale for a long long time. Seller lists all it has, looks like a bit of a frankenbike but that might work in your favour. Bike described as excellent condition but actually dirty and generally worn.
If you can wait another month when snow hits prices will drop....
If you don't like what Randy has (and I've never heard of anyone complaining about what he sold them), pop on the Go train to Hamilton.
These might need some work (can't really tell from the Apollo photo)
Horrible picture but that maybe why it didn't sell. Needs new tape and has no hoods.
Apollo for $200
Norco Avanti $160 looks like an older bike in Ok shape
Fiori Roma "$249" OBO but seller started at $340 so probably been on sale for a long long time. Seller lists all it has, looks like a bit of a frankenbike but that might work in your favour. Bike described as excellent condition but actually dirty and generally worn.
If you can wait another month when snow hits prices will drop....
#11
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Anthony
I just sent you a PM but guess you can't read them until you have the 10 posts. I suggested that Randy's bike might be sweet. If that doesn't work my email is 1962wgb@gmail.com as might be able to point you in the right area.
Wesley
I just sent you a PM but guess you can't read them until you have the 10 posts. I suggested that Randy's bike might be sweet. If that doesn't work my email is 1962wgb@gmail.com as might be able to point you in the right area.
Wesley
Likes For WGB:
#13
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This is a beautiful bike! I tried sending you a message but private messaging is restricted for newbies like myself with less than 10 posts. What size is the frame and how much are you asking for?
I hope this is a help and when you do contact me through my website, I will get back to you as quickly as I can.
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"98% of the bikes I buy are projects".
"98% of the bikes I buy are projects".
#14
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Yes, Canadian discount is real. But on those bike, I could multiply by 0.50 and they would still be high. Now I recognize Toronto is one of the highest priced markets out there. There is a Firenze listed for $180 right now, which is the definition of pure crap.
To the OP, in a hot market like yours, a realistically (to me) priced bike is not going to last long. Heck, someone may well buy it and resell it for double the price. +10 FB marketplace here still has some DEALS.
The other thing to look for is to pay attention to the components. Most buyers just focus on brands they have heard of. Meanwhile, private label brands, or obscure bike shop brands, can make the best deals out there. The private label stuff in the 1970s tended to be junk, but by the 1980s, many were pretty good.
To the OP, in a hot market like yours, a realistically (to me) priced bike is not going to last long. Heck, someone may well buy it and resell it for double the price. +10 FB marketplace here still has some DEALS.
The other thing to look for is to pay attention to the components. Most buyers just focus on brands they have heard of. Meanwhile, private label brands, or obscure bike shop brands, can make the best deals out there. The private label stuff in the 1970s tended to be junk, but by the 1980s, many were pretty good.
To your point about niche components, as one of those folks who doesn't know enough to be able to discern a quality component with just my own eyes yet, I tend to gravitate towards components that I know have been vetted by the community. That being said, I'm going to look into it. Thanks for the information!
Regards,
Anthony
Last edited by anthonylangford; 10-06-19 at 08:15 AM.
#15
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Does anyone have any information on Suteki bikes? There is on Facebook marketplace for $250. The link below can be copied onto the original facebook URL to see it.
/marketplace/item/1721123084687710
/marketplace/item/1721123084687710
Last edited by anthonylangford; 10-04-19 at 05:23 PM.
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I think you are at nine posts. One more and you can check your emails (and you can email others on here). Once you've hit the magic ten you can also post exactly what you want and someone here might have that bike. I am not soliciting a sale as I don't have any small racers for sale right now.
Check Buffalo CL
A lot of people here would call this a very nice riding bike but doesn't have clipless (easy and cheap add) or index shifters (not quite so easy or cheap to add)
https://buffalo.craigslist.org/bik/d...967252594.html
Check Buffalo CL
A lot of people here would call this a very nice riding bike but doesn't have clipless (easy and cheap add) or index shifters (not quite so easy or cheap to add)
https://buffalo.craigslist.org/bik/d...967252594.html
Last edited by WGB; 10-03-19 at 01:41 PM.
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I checked the co-op in Buffalo and there was the Bridgestone RB-1 ($400usd) which is more with exchange and duty than you budgeted though of course a seriously good bike and a Terry (didn't get model) for $200usd. Neither had the pedals you want but a very cheap upgrade. Even if you assume 50% more with exchange and duty the Terry might be a good choice at approximately $300 Canadian.
If you know anyone in Hamilton they could check New Hope bike co-op and there might be deals there as it has a good reputation.
Alternatively as I have said before winter is coming and winter does bring deals on C&V.
If you know anyone in Hamilton they could check New Hope bike co-op and there might be deals there as it has a good reputation.
Alternatively as I have said before winter is coming and winter does bring deals on C&V.
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@randyjawa This is a beautiful bike! I tried sending you a message but private messaging is restricted for newbies like myself with less than 10 posts. What size is the frame and how much are you asking for?
If your partner is 5'8, she can probably ride it, but it is slightly on the tall side.
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Apollo for $200
https://www.kijiji.ca/v-road-bike/ha...ationFlag=true
https://www.kijiji.ca/v-road-bike/ha...ationFlag=true
The Apollo is a good size. maybe slightly small, but very close.
It has cantis which indicates it is probably the touring model. Probably slightly heavier than the road model, but with wider gearing stock, and allowing a greater variety of tire sizes. '
Anyway, it certainly is worth considering, and still leaves some money in the budget for some upgrades.
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I kind of like this LeCroco.
https://toronto.craigslist.org/tor/b...977197049.html
The seller isn't listing a fixed price, but the bike apparently isn't selling quickly either. Unfortunately the seller seems to have a price in mind, but doesn't want to share it.
I'm thinking that "Hilarious" would be my offer.
https://toronto.craigslist.org/tor/b...977197049.html
The seller isn't listing a fixed price, but the bike apparently isn't selling quickly either. Unfortunately the seller seems to have a price in mind, but doesn't want to share it.
I'm thinking that "Hilarious" would be my offer.
#23
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#24
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I checked the co-op in Buffalo and there was the Bridgestone RB-1 ($400usd) which is more with exchange and duty than you budgeted though of course a seriously good bike and a Terry (didn't get model) for $200usd. Neither had the pedals you want but a very cheap upgrade. Even if you assume 50% more with exchange and duty the Terry might be a good choice at approximately $300 Canadian.
If you know anyone in Hamilton they could check New Hope bike co-op and there might be deals there as it has a good reputation.
Alternatively as I have said before winter is coming and winter does bring deals on C&V.
If you know anyone in Hamilton they could check New Hope bike co-op and there might be deals there as it has a good reputation.
Alternatively as I have said before winter is coming and winter does bring deals on C&V.
Thanks!
#25
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Thread Starter
I kind of like this LeCroco.
https://toronto.craigslist.org/tor/b...977197049.html
The seller isn't listing a fixed price, but the bike apparently isn't selling quickly either. Unfortunately the seller seems to have a price in mind, but doesn't want to share it.
I'm thinking that "Hilarious" would be my offer.
https://toronto.craigslist.org/tor/b...977197049.html
The seller isn't listing a fixed price, but the bike apparently isn't selling quickly either. Unfortunately the seller seems to have a price in mind, but doesn't want to share it.
I'm thinking that "Hilarious" would be my offer.
Last edited by anthonylangford; 10-06-19 at 10:22 AM.