bingo26

Hi,

I'm new to the whole biking thing and am looking to make a purchase. I have been scouring craigslist. Would the below 1987 Schwinn Prelude with all original parts be a worthwhile purchase?

Thanks

https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/3680420579.html

RaleighSport

I really like those bikes, and at first the price seemed high but after browsing your CL I say go for it the price is about right for your area it would seem. The only consideration I'd look into, is do you know that it's your size?

Miyata110

I like it. Seems a little steep for WNY, but maybe not in Philly. Appears to be in great condition and I think these are pretty decent bikes. I thought they came with Columbus (Tenax?) tubing but I don't see a sticker on this one. They weren't top of the line, they weren't bottom of the line and could be a great start depending on what you plan on using it for.

I would try to talk him down a bit and of course how badly/quickly you want a bike factors into the negotiations, but if it fits this certainly wouldn't be a horrible first bike.

RaleighSport

The tubing is Tenax, or blemished SL if you prefer, and I concur I'd probably start with an offer of 200 and would be praying the seller would go for that.

bingo26

Thanks for the replies. I'm 5'8'' so I am fairly sure that a 54 should fit. Ideally, I am considering making this a fixed gear once I get a little more experience. I am fairly certain the owner would accept 200 for it.

RaleighSport

Your money your choices obviously, but! I'd keep that prelude as a real road bike, there's plenty of nice fixies on your CL for decent prices if you decide you want to go that route, you could have 2 very nice bikes and still keep the price below what most roadies pay for a single "entry level" bike.

Miyata110

+1 to thinking twice about converting this to a fixie. To each his own, it's your money, and all of that. But to make such a nice, complete, original road bike and strip it of many of the things that make it a great bike would be too bad IMHO. You can buy a brand new ready to ride fixie for $200 and allow someone who would appreciate this bike for what it is really enjoy it.

digger531

I love my Prelude, smooth and fast. Price seems reasonable, maybe a little high. Worth $200 all day

Bianchigirll 

I think it is a good buy, it looks unused. However at 5'8" I think 54 may be a bit small for you. A 56 may be better fit unless you have a short inseam.

andyfloyd

I own a 1988 Prelude and it is indeed Columbus Tenax, weighs 22.8lbs, suntour index accushift 5000 group, weinmann 700c wheelset. Its worth at least 250 if not more. I paid more for mine but mine was from a local LBS. I say 250 is fair but it never hurts to try to talk someone down....this one looks to be in VERY good shape.

Miyata110

I love talk of fit online - as if anyone has any idea what size does and does not fit someone. Even with a reference point like height, to say 54 or 56 or <pick a size> may or may not fit is completely arbitrary. I'm 5'8" and 54 is the max I can ride - I prefer smaller. None of that means anything to some random 5'8" person online though.

T-Mar

You're correct but there's method to our apparent madness. When you've hung around long enough you'll find that most buyers don't have a clue as to fit. They ask about which of two bicycles is better and one will be a 52cm while the other is a 62cm! Getting the buyer in the ballpark with regards to fit saves of lot of wasted time for both him and us. Personally, I'd suggest a 54cm as a good starting point for an average proportioned 5'8" person looking at a competition oriented position. In the end, a 52cm or 56cm might be a better fit, depending of the actual frame geometry, his proportions, riding style and personal preferences.

digger531

Should get a discount because the cranks are not parallel to the ground and the valve stems are not hidden by the fork and seat stays

FastJake

Sweet bike, good price. I would go for it. Condition looks really nice.

Make it fixed gear if you want, but keep all the original parts so you can turn it back someday and don't do anything stupid like grinding off the cable stops or RD hanger.

RaleighSport

o.O Did you just diss people trying to help the OP avoid a bad fit and then put in your 2 cents exactly like you just complained about?

Miyata110

I should have known better than to question BG. I didn't mean any disrespect, just trying to give the OP the benefit of the doubt. Much love guys, you're the ones that make this site so great - I'm just along for the ride.

bingo26

Looks like I missed the boat in this bike. Back to the Craigslist board. Thanks for all the feedback!

elboGreaze

I'm late to the party, but I would be all over that bike for $250 , as the end user. Looks to be in great condition .

Edit: sorry you lost it !!

brian3069

The white garage door counteracts those transgressions.