What to look for when buying vintage?
03-28-20, 11:47 AM
#26
Extraordinary Magnitude
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Hi all! New to cycling, especially vintage, and looking for guidance.
What are the most important things to look for when buying a vintage bike online?
I know to look for wear on the gears and brake pads, check for cracks or bends in the frame, and to look for brand names like Campagnolo, Shimano and SunTour to determine quality/hierarchy.
I am thinking of buying a vintage bike for short commutes to work, but I'm concerned that I'll end up sinking a ton of money into repair and replacement parts. Which parts are most costly to replace?
I found an old Bianchi Axis on eBay. I like the steel frame, and the parts look ok, but the cassette seems worn. Anything else I should look out for?
ebay.com/itm/Bianchi-Axis-Celeste-52cm-Road-bike/383468820367
Cheers!
What are the most important things to look for when buying a vintage bike online?
I know to look for wear on the gears and brake pads, check for cracks or bends in the frame, and to look for brand names like Campagnolo, Shimano and SunTour to determine quality/hierarchy.
I am thinking of buying a vintage bike for short commutes to work, but I'm concerned that I'll end up sinking a ton of money into repair and replacement parts. Which parts are most costly to replace?
I found an old Bianchi Axis on eBay. I like the steel frame, and the parts look ok, but the cassette seems worn. Anything else I should look out for?
ebay.com/itm/Bianchi-Axis-Celeste-52cm-Road-bike/383468820367
Cheers!
You got some really great suggestions here!!!
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"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
03-28-20, 01:38 PM
#27
Thrifty Bill
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Things change over time- both Shimano's and Suntour's hierarchical lines changed some.
For Suntour, Superbe (or Superbe Pro- {I'm still not entirely sure Superbe and Superbe Pro were just different names or separate lines}) was top of the line, early on- Cyclone was underneath that, later it was Sprint, later it was SL. Groups changed a LOT underneath Cyclone- with a lot of pieces on the same level.
The MTB stuff is just as kooky- The original TOTL MTB/ATB group was XC (just "XC"), beneath that was XC Sport, Later on, XC Pro became the TOTL and XC Comp was directly beneath that- but there were loads of other lines that showed up and disappeared. The old MOMBAT site had an EXCELLENT chart of the timeline and the hierarchy.
If you google "Shimano hierarchy" or "Suntour hierarchy" you'll get some nice charts and some nifty timelines.
For Suntour, Superbe (or Superbe Pro- {I'm still not entirely sure Superbe and Superbe Pro were just different names or separate lines}) was top of the line, early on- Cyclone was underneath that, later it was Sprint, later it was SL. Groups changed a LOT underneath Cyclone- with a lot of pieces on the same level.
The MTB stuff is just as kooky- The original TOTL MTB/ATB group was XC (just "XC"), beneath that was XC Sport, Later on, XC Pro became the TOTL and XC Comp was directly beneath that- but there were loads of other lines that showed up and disappeared. The old MOMBAT site had an EXCELLENT chart of the timeline and the hierarchy.
If you google "Shimano hierarchy" or "Suntour hierarchy" you'll get some nice charts and some nifty timelines.
Ten minutes on google and anyone can be an expert. Vintage Suntour Hierarchy
Vintage Shimano Hierarchy
Disraeli Gear site is a good one for rear derailleurs, but not complete.
1983 Univega Alpina Ultima by wrk101, on Flickr
Last edited by wrk101; 03-28-20 at 01:43 PM.
03-28-20, 01:47 PM
#28
Thrifty Bill
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In looking for websites that contain all the vintage knowledge you are seeking, realize all of the vintage sites were started by volunteers. They took the time to buy and collect all of the brochures, scan them in, host them, and then give them to us for free. We all owe them our gratitude for sharing!
If you see value in a web page with all the hierarchy provided, be that person to collect, scan and host.
If you see value in a web page with all the hierarchy provided, be that person to collect, scan and host.
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05-06-20, 02:55 PM
#29
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Back with an update!
Hi all,
Thanks so much for your great recommendations! I have learned a lot in the past few weeks.
I ended up choosing the Panasonic DX 3000. I added a new saddle, bar tape, cable housing, and hood covers. It's a perfect fit, smooth shifting, and dreamy to ride!
Now I am working on learning how to clean and detail the components and slowly replace parts to really get it looking sharp. I think a new seatpost may be next.
I initially purchased the blue 1978 Trek, but after a few rides, I found the 53cm frame to be too small for me. (Now I'm trying to sell it on CL). I feel a lot more comfortable on the 55/56cm frame sizes, which was a bit unexpected, but I'm glad I took the time to try out different options to find what works for me.
Thanks again!
Thanks so much for your great recommendations! I have learned a lot in the past few weeks.
I ended up choosing the Panasonic DX 3000. I added a new saddle, bar tape, cable housing, and hood covers. It's a perfect fit, smooth shifting, and dreamy to ride!
Now I am working on learning how to clean and detail the components and slowly replace parts to really get it looking sharp. I think a new seatpost may be next.
I initially purchased the blue 1978 Trek, but after a few rides, I found the 53cm frame to be too small for me. (Now I'm trying to sell it on CL). I feel a lot more comfortable on the 55/56cm frame sizes, which was a bit unexpected, but I'm glad I took the time to try out different options to find what works for me.
Thanks again!
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05-06-20, 04:50 PM
#30
Senior Member
Hi all,
Thanks so much for your great recommendations! I have learned a lot in the past few weeks.
I ended up choosing the Panasonic DX 3000. I added a new saddle, bar tape, cable housing, and hood covers. It's a perfect fit, smooth shifting, and dreamy to ride!
Now I am working on learning how to clean and detail the components and slowly replace parts to really get it looking sharp. I think a new seatpost may be next.
I initially purchased the blue 1978 Trek, but after a few rides, I found the 53cm frame to be too small for me. (Now I'm trying to sell it on CL). I feel a lot more comfortable on the 55/56cm frame sizes, which was a bit unexpected, but I'm glad I took the time to try out different options to find what works for me.
Thanks again!
Thanks so much for your great recommendations! I have learned a lot in the past few weeks.
I ended up choosing the Panasonic DX 3000. I added a new saddle, bar tape, cable housing, and hood covers. It's a perfect fit, smooth shifting, and dreamy to ride!
Now I am working on learning how to clean and detail the components and slowly replace parts to really get it looking sharp. I think a new seatpost may be next.
I initially purchased the blue 1978 Trek, but after a few rides, I found the 53cm frame to be too small for me. (Now I'm trying to sell it on CL). I feel a lot more comfortable on the 55/56cm frame sizes, which was a bit unexpected, but I'm glad I took the time to try out different options to find what works for me.
Thanks again!
