Just picked this up for the girlfriend.
 

I needs work but it was cheap and it will let her see if see really likes this whole biking thing. I am going to be doing the work myself to the bike and wanted to see what direction you guys think I should go with it. I wan to keep it no mre then $150. Thanks
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w...90606-1611.jpg

Unless you're looking for an ex-girlfriend, I'd fix those bars post haste.

i'd fix the bars as well. no use giving the illusion of comort- especially if it includes poor ergonomics.

Looks perfect as is bro!

lol.The bars are going to get fixed and re wrapped with real bar tape and I am going to be removing the lights and old school speedo

fix bars, clean bike.
get everything shifting.
ask her if she wants a kickstand
swap the saddle with something she'll like (she'll have to decide this)
get a good handlebar bag or saddlebag.

this can be done cheaply, but make sure it looks good. also, if she's going to ride at night, get a good headlight and taillight.

and I have that rack!

And for his efforts, he will soon have hers.

give her a new saddle, fix the handlebars... or get new drops altogether, and maybe new tires?
*shrugs*

Nice ****ing homeless an gle on those bars.

They're called "BUM BARS" ok sir? :D

clean, tune, re-wrap bars, and throw a new seat on. you're good to go.

if it might be a long-term thing (the bike, that is), I'd throw on some nice tires (unless the ones on there are primo... hard to tell from the pic) and maybe some fenders? looks like a nice bike!

Did some cleaning, removed the lights, and put the bars back in its place. I need to get new tires on this thing forsure. They are all cracked and dry, but did hold air and was able to give it a lil ride.
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w...90608-1738.jpg
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w...90608-1742.jpg

Cleaned up nicely. Seat post looks weird, but that's just coz I am used to riding less upright. How much did you pay for the bike if you don't mind my asking?

I don't mind at all. I paid $37. I am thinking about taking all the decals off and painting the butt ends of the tubes (I am not sure of the exact name for them) hot pink or just pink. Than I will get her pink tires and bar tape. What do you all think? Remember this is for my girlfriend.

$37, I wish I found bike deals like this. I don't go to thrift stores or garage sales enough. Of course, it's probably best I don't ... otherwise my apartment would look more like the bike garage it already is ...

I'd say change out the tires since you said they have dry rot. But beyond that probably just let her see if she is going to ride a lot. From a color perspective, I think hot pink would look garish against the maroon. But if she really gets into it, I bet you could do all sorts of neat things to that frame.

Yea I got it at a thrift store.

get some hoods.

Nice looking bike. I'm also glad to see that you legally purchased a bike for your girlfriend. Some people here just use a hacksaw to steal someone elses bike for their special lady...

The tube ends are referred to as "lugs" btw.

I found a red Centurion at a thrift store and I asked how much it was. Flat tires, dirty, loose chain. It didn't have a price tag so I asked a worker who proceeded to asking this other guy. After speaking Spanish for a second, they just made up some price. $150 for a bike with flat tires.

I'm not being an ass, but it looked like they were saving the bike for themselves.

Also, FWIW- here is a bike I built up for Mrs. HandsomeRyan-

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h1...n/IMG_0787.jpg
(saddle had very weak springs, it looks like a funny angle but it was fine when seated.)

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h1...n/IMG_0789.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h1...n/IMG_0790.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h1...n/IMG_0775.jpg

aw, you're a good boyfriend, I'm sure she'll love it. for sure let her pick the colors though.

lol.

What do you guys think about these rims?
http://www.bicyclewheelwarehouse.com...&productId=204

eh i would stay away from looseball hubs. Just get some formula or other sealed bearing hubs. The problem w/ loose ball hubs is that you will end up having to do work on them later (especially if you ride in rain). Spend an extra 20 bucks now for less headache later.

that's a good price.