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Is this a good deal on a used bike?
AtomBomb
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
Viscount road bike for $250 on craigslist. I know you can judge 100% from pictures, but does this seem to be a good deal?
I know how to ride a bike, but I don't know much about value or brands or whatnot.
I know how to ride a bike, but I don't know much about value or brands or whatnot.
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I thought the handlebars looked odd. I'll probably replace them with the more traditional, umm... the ones that look like horns, but I'd give what it has a try first.
EDIT- I really liked this one, too, but I don't want to spend $450. I'm actually hoping to get something for under $200.
1988 Bianchi Campione D'Italia
I'd say go with it and - obviously - replace the fork with something nice, make sure it's all in working order, and you'll be going a lot faster then a mountain biker.
The ones on that bike look like, I dunno, motorcycle drag bars or something.
What do they mean by that? Is it something wrong with the frame or headset installation that breaks forks? I'm kind of suspicious of that, and worried about safety. Maybe it's just the included fork, in which case you would want to replace it.
Handlebars should be the first thing you replace, because those look like the most uncomfortable bars ever.
Also, it looks like it only has a big ring, which might be hard depending on your fitness.
And the lack of the front brake is troubling. You should pretty much be using the front brake 95% of the time.
So yeah, I would say that it's not worth it for the price. You can find an original road bike for around that price if you look hard enough, and you wont have to make many changes.
Edit: Should have bulleted these. You'll have to find an older fork, as no, they aren't universal fits.
I think I'll wait a few days and see if this stays up. Maybe I can get a deal on it. I'm sure I'll come back to this thread with other bikes that I know nothing about soon
Schwinn Exit Fixed Gear Road Bike
Looks pretty slick, and it's new. Or should I hold out for a "nicer" old bike? Kind of a new Honda or old Porsche dillema.
http://www.konaworld.com/
edit: nevermind, I guess it can be converted to both.
but they're listening to every word I say
but they're listening to every word I say
This is a great suggestion. Also be aware that anything NEW in this $300 price range is going to have cheap parts that will likely break down within in a few months (usually the headset, hubs, crankset, pedals and even wheels).
That being said, Schwinn is generally a good brand, even when it comes to the cheaper models. It might be a good starter bike, and if everything else on the bike breaks down the frame will probably be relatively solid and salvageable.
Lastly, there's nothing wrong with fixed, and you can always flip the rear wheel around and have it run freewheel (meaning you can coast).
Go to a local bike shop (NOT target or wal-mart, they primarily sell low-grade garbage bikes that are built to break), ask to take a few of the nicer bikes for a ride, compare and contrast and figure out what you like. Ask lots of questions; if it's a good bike shop they'll be more than happy to answer anything and everything. Once you figure out what you want and have a bit more knowledge on some of the more important components, try out craigslist again if you haven't found anything in a shop.