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- CommentAuthorMancha150
- CommentTimeOct 28th 2010 edited
Hey guys. I know I have a tendency to create threads like this, but hopefully I can get some advice from those of you who are extremely thrifty with used bikes and bike parts (im talking to you eaglerock, suicide_doors, wes, to name a few). My dad does not know much about bikes, but loves riding and despite the fact that he does not commute on bike (probably because of his bad back and foot), he loves cycling and exercising on bikes, and rides about 20-30 miles a day, 3 or 4 times a week on Chicago's suburban bike trails (the green bay road trail of course!).
Anyway, he wants to get a new bike (road), and has come to me for advice (or more realistically, he has asked me to find it for him). His "budget" is perhaps a joke (250 dollars is all I am willing to spend) for someone who is this serious about riding, but then again he has been riding a giant hybrid/comfort bike (runs in the family you see) for these rides. So I figured I would maybe just get a bike for him for christmas, and increase that budget to something more reasonable. So I have been maneuvering around chicago's craigslist postings and have come up with a few examples
http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/bik/2029901313.html
but I also want to still consider the possibility that something could pop up before I can afford to get him a present for something like 300-350 or less that is worth having for someone like him.
Are there any specific models or general makes that I should be looking out for? I think ideally, this would be a traditional steel or aluminum (no compact frames) road bike from the 90s (only built of bikes, no frames). What companies (like cannondale i suppose) made good quality bikes in the 90s? I think he would be better off with a threadless stem/fork combination, if that makes a difference.
Anyway, this isnt me asking for you guys to tell me where or to necessarily post examples, but since I have never bought a completely built up road bike before, I wanted some tips. Any advice would help!
By the way, it would be a 58cm (or a little larger) and no hybrids. I think anything higher than 12 speed (im ignorant about this sorry). I convinced him after two years that he will enjoy the exercise much more if he were on a road bike (or touring!). Se los agradezco un chingo! -
- CommentAuthorMancha150
- CommentTimeOct 28th 2010
Oh an please dont suggest a single speed or fixed bike. I left my bike with my dad the first semester I was in Mexico and he almost killed himself riding it. He also complained that hills were harder, which is reason enough to not consider it. -
- CommentAuthorMichael Perz
- CommentTimeOct 28th 2010 edited
The first suggestion that came to my mind is late-nineties Univega. There were two or three models (Modo Volare, Modo Vivere and ???) released around then that were built with Columbus Thron (I think) and equipped with either Campy Veloce or Mirage. They also came with a carbon fork. I posted one just recently to the Craigslist thread that the seller was asking a pretty low price for, like $250 or something. I think a lot of people don't give these much thought these days because the decals kinda made them look like something you'd get at a department store, but they are very nice bikes.
Edit:
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- CommentAuthorMancha150
- CommentTimeOct 28th 2010
I remember you posting that. I went to bikepedia because I have seen them every once in a while in DC, and I guess I put it aside because the MSRP was pretty low (but then again, so is my dads budget). I assume that posting was removed already (I tried the first one I saw you posted), but thanks for bringing it up. And man, if I could find him one with fenders he would be in heaven. thanks michael -
- CommentAuthorsuicide_doors
- CommentTimeOct 29th 2010
Posted By: Mancha150I convinced him after two years that he will enjoy the exercise much more if he were on a road bike (or touring!).
I know what you're thinking, but this isn't necessarily going to be true for your dad, especially if he has back problems. Has he ridden a road bike for any significant period of time -- think 45m to 1h -- recently? If not, he probably should before you go and buy him a bike which he won't be able to test ride. -
- CommentAuthorMancha150
- CommentTimeOct 29th 2010
How recently I am not sure, but he claims he wants and would be comfortable with a road bike. I dont think it would be that much different on his back if he keeps the stem upright. I was thinking more along the lines of a road bike weighing a good deal less than his current bike. But you make a really good point. My dad is stubborn as hell though, so who knows if he would let anyone know if something he tried out didnt work because of his health.
He has told me that the only thing he cannot do comfortably on a bike is use clipless pedals because his foot is screwed up (nerve damage). Man I am making him sound like he is 85. He really is in amazing shape for his age though. Anyway, he does these 2 hour rides and really goes at it (I have gone with him before and he does not mess around). So I dont think a transition in bike styles will be as problematic as his back condition would make him think. I mean the guy still beats me in HORSE... -
- CommentAuthorMancha150
- CommentTimeOct 29th 2010
I think this is the model he rides now (but older of course): http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/cypress.dx/7354/44064/
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- CommentAuthorncecchi
- CommentTimeOct 29th 2010
$250 is so low. I started with a $100 bike, and have continuously upgraded the components to the tune of several hundred dollars (more like a grand) but i've made sure everything can be transferred to a new frame...
Anyways I would go with an older steel road frame that he can update. I am actually not terribly opposed to DT shifters, so something from that era would probably be within your budget and a good ride for your pops.
Check out the Schwinn in my bikes to see what I ride as my road frame, and it is just as good if not better than the stuff the rich doctors and dentists ride on my weekly group ride. -
- CommentAuthorheadydude
- CommentTimeOct 29th 2010
90's Treks and Cannondales are solid and can easily be found on most Craigslists for under 300. Steel lugged goodness. -
- CommentAuthorRuffinit
- CommentTimeOct 29th 2010
There are so many of the late 80s to 90s models to choose from. We just got a complete Fuji del Rey in at the bike library for instance. Wonderful bike. Stick with the name brands and with the mid to higher level models of any from Panasonic, Schwinn, Cannondale, Fuji, Univega, Centurion, Specialized. These should all have indexed shifting (mostly DT shifters) and good brakes with mostly (if not all) aluminum alloy components. 27 inch wheels were still being used to some extent, and you can pick up tires for them without much effort, but if you have the choice, go with 700s. Look for the "sport touring" or touring type frames for more comfort (they go just as fast depending on the engine).
I would also suggest that you keep your eyes out for garage or wall art. That's the bikes that have been hanging around virtually unused for years vs buying one that needs a lot of updates. You'll find the right one if you're patient. First step though is figuring out his inseam or bike sizing. Equating a hybrid sizing to a road bike is difficult if you aren't the person riding it. Bikes similar to my Schwinn Traveler is what you are most likely looking for. It was garage art that became a TRI bike for a few seasons before I acquired it and is now my stationary trainer bike. -
- CommentAuthorveggie
- CommentTimeOct 29th 2010
It just so happens i might be selling my trek soon. I say might because depending on when/what my girlfriend tells me what her dads inseam is, it will be going to him. I believe that bike is about a 58, but I've never truly measured it. -
- CommentAuthorRuffinit
- CommentTimeOct 29th 2010
I too am selling my Traveler as I'm picking up a set of rollers for training instead of having this bike bolted to a mag trainer. (within your budget) -
- CommentAuthorveggie
- CommentTimeOct 29th 2010
Posted By: RuffinitI too am selling my Traveler as I'm picking up a set of rollers for training instead of having this bike bolted to a mag trainer. (within your budget)
It looks like ours have about the same component group on them. -
- CommentAuthorMancha150
- CommentTimeOct 30th 2010
Thanks guys...I like both bikes but I am not sure how we will like downtube shifters...he once had an old road bike that he was really into (that must have had DT shifters), but I dont know how he would feel about that now. And veggie, you have all the components for that bike for a geared set up?
I am gonna keep my eyes open to a lot of these options popping up on craigslist. That Klein I mentioned went dont to 450, so I told my dad to make the seller an offer because I feel like it would be a great bike (alumnium, and it looks to be in great shape). -
- CommentAuthorveggie
- CommentTimeOct 30th 2010 edited
Posted By: Mancha150And veggie, you have all the components for that bike for a geared set up?
Yes sir, but if you want something newer that has Sti shifters/is aluminum, you probably won't want this. I wish I could share the pair of sti shifters I have, but they are going on another bike that I'm gonna sell.
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