NoobToob

Hello Everyone, I got into biking within the last couple years biking in Davis CA for school but now having moved back home I missed biking and have started getting back into it. I am still very much new and learning about everything there is to know about road bikes. components, and quality/value of each. I am looking for a project bike which I can upgrade (modernize) components as needed/desired. I found a Cannondale sr700 frame with only bars and forks for $200. There's two Black Lightnings each for $150. being that I look to upgrade a lot of parts I would rather not pay too much in the beginning so, im looking to spend around ~$150 max. I have seen a few Schwinn Super Sports but from what I've read they're rather heavy. I understand that Aluminum frames have mixed opinions for stiffness and durability. Anyways any tips, advice would be greatly appreciated. If there's other bikes I should also look into id appreciate that too. Thanks!

zukahn1 

Based on your budget and expectations look for a whole bike in working condition . Nicer mid level mid level frame up builds like the 700 are the least cost effective way to get a bike expect to sink $300++ in the whole and only get a bike you could buy for $200-300 whole in riding shape.

CliffordK

@NoobToob's Gallery/Album:

https://www.bikeforums.net/g/user/496787
https://www.bikeforums.net/g/album/13322464

rccardr 

CliffordK

One other note.

You have picked out 3 bikes that are all very different in size.

The white one is probably around a 62cm frame.
The black hanging bike is closer to maybe 52cm to 54cm frame.
And the black bike with the Moustache bars is somewhere in the middle... 56cm or so?

So, your first choice is to find a bike that fits.

Get the white one if you're > 6' tall.
The Moustache bike if you're somewhere around 5'8 to 5'10.
And the hanging bike if you're around 5'6.

More or less. Try standing over them and see how they feel.

You don't want to dump a lot of time and money into building up a bike that doesn't fit.

As far as materials, in vintage bikes, a good high quality steel (Reynolds 531, Columbus SL, Vitus, etc...) won't be that different from the Aluminum frame. The choice of one over the other would be a personal choice.

Both are a big step above the straight tube "High Carbon" steel frames.

It looks like the white bike above needs a fair amount of work. The other two could be made to ride fairly cheaply.

As mentioned, you will Hemorrhage money if you choose to do massive upgrades (groupset, etc), but it is also a reasonably way to start to find a solid used bike, and use it as a frame to build from.

A $150 frame isn't bad.

xiaoman1 

OP,
If the BL's are good fit and mostly original (seats aren't), suntour sprint or superbe, I personally would buy the BL.
If frame only, still BL.
Good Luck, Ben

NoobToob

Thank you so much everybody for the Information I really appreciate it!! I did notice the White bike is much taller than both BLs so Im not sure how it would fit me but I figured I would go check it out after having looked at one or both BLs if those weren't my size. The one that is hanging was the best picture of the whole frame and I could not gauge the height in that position (though the owner said it was a "57 or something") i'll have to double check that since I am around 5'9''/5'10''. I'll take one at a time to see how they fit in person with the info that you all have given me and decide from there (: and ill let y'all know which one I end up with.

I'll also look into the (Reynolds, Columbus, and the Vitus) to see what's available. Safe Riding everybody.

CliffordK

If you get the white bike, you may have to practice your Peg Mounting.

https://cycling-lessons.wonderhowto....icycle-173132/

oddjob2

The taller of the two BL's would fit best. Check all welds to make sure frame has no integrity issues.