Hey folks. So I've got a question (or two) about a couple of low-end options that I have for a singlespeed, and I want to see if you all have any input. This would be a singlespeed commuter that would get me to and from school and around the city. I'm not trying to get too hip with it.

The two frames (both hi-tensile) in question: mid-80's Centurion Cavaletto (made in Japan)... or a Univega Arrow Star (made in Taiwan, and I'm guessing mid-80's also). They're both in good shape, with the Univega being slightly cleaner, but just by a little.

Does it matter at this level of bike whether it was made in Japan or Taiwan? Should that be a deciding factor if they both feel fine riding... or should I just choose one out of a hat?

Thanks all!

if the size/fit is different at all, i'd go with the more comfortable one. i agree with you that their build quality is probably comparable.

i converted my old 80s Univega Arrow Speed to single speed a long time ago and this last year i rode it fixed and its been working out great... its definately a different geometry ("sport") than my other bikes, so its relgated to rain days and easy rides

Don't do either, hi-tensile steel bikes are boat anchors. Keep looking and you'll find a cro-moly version.

op wanted it to be a commuter, so weight would be an issue if he just wants a beater. but it really depends on how much you are getting these frames for.

the univega arrow star is $75, complete bike, hardly used (garage resident primarily).
the centurion cavaletto is around $60, also complete bike.
keep in mind, i'm in the bay area.

regarding a cro-moly popping up, do you think $120 for a Univega/Miyata Suprasport in the Bay Area, CA is a decent price? Complete bike, but I'm looking for something to strip down to singlespeed. It rides well, just a little beat up with some surface nicks, dings and rust in some places. I'm not sure at where the price threshold should be; at what price point I continue looking for my future cro-moly singlespeed bike/frame. Being a student I guess does that.

thanks all.

those are pretty good prices for bay area bikes

Seriously how much more do you think a hi-ten frame weighs than a straight gauge 4130? 12 pounds? 18?

so you're saying save my cash and don't let weight be a deciding factor.

the two hi-tensile's have stamped dropouts, while the pricer univega has forged. are forged dropouts better for someone who's 215 pounds?

If you can afford the nicer one, get it. Forged dropouts are stronger and nicer. Fit should be MOST important tho.

I was just saying that a hi-ten Univega is not THAT much heavier. It's not like a Schwinn Varsity or anything.

I just built this up for my buddy. It's hi-ten, stamped dropouts.

i rode the slightly more expensive univega (with forged dropouts) today and i did indeed feel more comfortable on it, fit-wise, than the hi-ten bikes. the top tube is a little longer which i like, being tall and having long arms. that's what got me thinking seriously about it, rather than saving some cash with the less $ ones. the frame is a little more banged up (no dents or bad connections, though) with scratches and some rust, but it did indeed feel more effortless riding it.

hmm, maybe that's a good sign...

Here's what I ended up getting, if anyone out there even gives a unicorn's mullet... From a gentleman in a fancy home, I bought two cro-moly Miyata-built Univegas. A nice Tange Champion double-butted "Sportour" and a slightly more dinged-up (surface nicks) "Supra Sport." Quite the step up for me from the hi-ten bikes I mentioned earlier! I'm happy. Got em together for $220, which I know is a lot in some parts of the country, but a decent deal here in the Bay Area. They both ride great and fit really comfortably, which is nice because I'm 6'6". The Supra Sport is the first singlespeed project. I might keep the Sportour as-is.

Thanks for your input.