how much would you offer?
#1
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Central District, Seattle, WA
Bikes: 1979 Schwinn Spitfire 5
how much would you offer?
I plan on looking at this bike on sunday, guy is asking $400 OBO... how much would you pay for it?
I've had a hard time finding smaller frames [I'm 5'5" with a 30" inseam]
so I'm pretty excited about the prospect of one that's already been converted.
this will be my first ss/fixed so I don't need anything amazing, just something I can play with.
I will be riding it on an almost daily basis though so I don't want total crap.
seems like a good start but I'd like some second opinions.
thanks for any help guys.


This is a 50 cm schwinn road bike, converted to a single speed. it has wienmann rims brand new tires. one schwalbe blizzard(front,Blue) and one vittoria zaffiro(rear). Kalin seatpost, Schwinn saddle, Riser bars, oury grips, one front brake, sakae crankset, new chain, and a reload top tube protector. i just trued both wheels and installed the front brake, and chain.
I've had a hard time finding smaller frames [I'm 5'5" with a 30" inseam]
so I'm pretty excited about the prospect of one that's already been converted.
this will be my first ss/fixed so I don't need anything amazing, just something I can play with.
I will be riding it on an almost daily basis though so I don't want total crap.
seems like a good start but I'd like some second opinions.
thanks for any help guys.


This is a 50 cm schwinn road bike, converted to a single speed. it has wienmann rims brand new tires. one schwalbe blizzard(front,Blue) and one vittoria zaffiro(rear). Kalin seatpost, Schwinn saddle, Riser bars, oury grips, one front brake, sakae crankset, new chain, and a reload top tube protector. i just trued both wheels and installed the front brake, and chain.
#2
F'ing A
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
From: SJ
Bikes: 08 tommaso augusta, 88 specialized sirrus, random cruisers and stuff
I would offer him $200 then haggle from there. People put way to much of a value on conversion bikes. You could buy a brand new kilo tt for less and it will have track ends and unused componetry. The bike looks nice but when all is said and done its a used schwinn conversion.
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 999
Likes: 1
From: the land of ice and snow
Hmm. $400 isn't ridiculous, but it seems high considering the oversupply of used conversions now.
If it were me, I'd try to get him down to $300. Actually, this mostly depends on what the frame is like up close, its quality and condition.
If it were me, I'd try to get him down to $300. Actually, this mostly depends on what the frame is like up close, its quality and condition.
Last edited by bexley; 03-20-08 at 01:01 PM.
#4
Why not just get the Motobecane Messenger from BD for 350 shipped? It comes in 49cm with two brakes, 16t freewheel and cog, making it a good starter bike.
I don't think I'd pay more than $150 for that conversion
I don't think I'd pay more than $150 for that conversion
Last edited by kringle; 03-20-08 at 01:20 PM.
#10
No Talent Assclown


Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,319
Likes: 28
From: Southern US :(
Bikes: 1984 Ciocc Designer '84, Custom Columbus EL Keith Anderson -- Ultegra/DA 10sp mix, 2019 Trek Checkpoint AL All-arounder
Wow, I can take a low end bike and throw cheap parts on it and sell for $400? I need to get in on this.
__________________
Fällt der Pfarrer in den Mist, lacht der Bauer bis er pisst.
Fällt der Pfarrer in den Mist, lacht der Bauer bis er pisst.
#11
raodmaster shaman
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,431
Likes: 0
From: G-ville
a lot of it depends on the quality of the frame.
If its good (at least cromoly tubes, lugged, forged drops), and all the bearings run smooth. up toward $250 isn't unreasonable if you like the style.
lower quality frame, rust, and/or roughish bearings wouldn't warrant more than $150.
give the bike a look and throw an offer $50 less than your ceiling. good luck.
If its good (at least cromoly tubes, lugged, forged drops), and all the bearings run smooth. up toward $250 isn't unreasonable if you like the style.
lower quality frame, rust, and/or roughish bearings wouldn't warrant more than $150.
give the bike a look and throw an offer $50 less than your ceiling. good luck.
#12
a lot of it depends on the quality of the frame.
If its good (at least cromoly tubes, lugged, forged drops), and all the bearings run smooth. up toward $250 isn't unreasonable if you like the style.
lower quality frame, rust, and/or roughish bearings wouldn't warrant more than $150.
give the bike a look and throw an offer $50 less than your ceiling. good luck.
If its good (at least cromoly tubes, lugged, forged drops), and all the bearings run smooth. up toward $250 isn't unreasonable if you like the style.
lower quality frame, rust, and/or roughish bearings wouldn't warrant more than $150.
give the bike a look and throw an offer $50 less than your ceiling. good luck.
Find them on myspace, seduce them and give them what they want. Then have them give the bike to you. This may create some drama, but in the long run you're relatively a third party and should be able to guiltlessly take your new item and enjoy it for free until you come across something else you want more.
#14
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,990
Likes: 36
From: Williston, VT
Bikes: Bridgestone RB-T, Soma Rush, Razesa Racer, ⅔ of a 1983 Holdsworth Professional, Nishiki Riviera Winter Bike
I'd give $100 for the wheels, twenty bucks for the "new tires", and $50 max for the whole rest of the bike. Yes I could easily build it for $170, so why would I want to pay much more than $200 for the complete bike?
#15
The art of seduction is an important social tool, and once realized can be used for many things outside of simply getting yourself some action.
Free pie, coffee, beer and dinners are all perfect examples. Waitresses/bartenders are especially susceptible.
#17
I know this has been said about a dozen times now, but don't offer any more than $150, and even that's pushing it.
It's not that hard to find frame that fit, if you know where to look. 48-51cm frames typically go for less on eBay than a comparable frame of a larger size, because there's just a smaller pool of potential buyers, so you can start by looking there. Or, as others have suggested, just buy a 49 from Bikes Direct and be done with it.
It's not that hard to find frame that fit, if you know where to look. 48-51cm frames typically go for less on eBay than a comparable frame of a larger size, because there's just a smaller pool of potential buyers, so you can start by looking there. Or, as others have suggested, just buy a 49 from Bikes Direct and be done with it.
#20
$100 for the wheels, $25 for the rest. I would want to more about what that Schwinn frame is exactly.
Edit: Never mind. I think the wheels might just be old road wheels that have been re-dished and a singe speed cog threaded on. Note he doesn't say fixed gear.
Edit: Never mind. I think the wheels might just be old road wheels that have been re-dished and a singe speed cog threaded on. Note he doesn't say fixed gear.
#22
cab horn

Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 28,353
Likes: 30
From: Toronto
Bikes: 1987 Bianchi Campione
Someone has been reading too much of "The Game"
#23
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
From: Everett, WA




