idratherbebiking_2

Hi, I'm new here. Been browsing a lot, but this would be my first post. I figured I'd ask you experienced folks because I feel I paid a little too much for my last purchase.

I'm looking for my first solid touring bike. My plans are to bike across the state of North Carolina.

Appears to be an 23" eighties green Schwinn Voyageur on Craigslist. Columbus steel, triple crank, Shimano Deore components, seller says it has 700c wheels now. From what I can tell, it appears to be in decent shape cosmetically and mechanically. It's a bit far away from me, so I'm looking to get some feedback before I make the long drive.

Priced at $280. Thinking about offering him/her $250. Opinions?

idratherbebiking_2

sorry, I realized I posted this in the wrong section, I will try to move it.

sykerocker 

If it's in really nice condition and fits you, the price seems to be a bit high but not outrageous. Go down to about $200, try to negotiate to $250 or preferably a bit less. The Voyageur's are really good bikes (I put thousands of miles on a first generation World Voyageur back in the day) although they're not exactly rare. They are well appreciated, though.

Beach Comber

No 80s Voyageurs had 700 wheels. All were 27". If he swapped out the wheels, then make real sure the wheels are good quality, spoked appropriately, and he also did the necessary adjustments to the brakes.

tugrul

There is one for sale on this forum for $250 + shipping.

If I had one and decided to sell it, I don't think I'd take less than $250.

wrk101

Its a deal at $280, assuming it is in ready to ride condition.

rekmeyata

I agree, if it fits and in good condition then $280 is a good deal. Those Voyageur's were one of the best touring bikes EVER made! Even by todays standards! They were very robust and held up to heavy loads touring demanded.

There's no need to swap out the wheels for 700c. There are plenty of tires available in that size and a few for touring duty, and those rims should be 40 spoke rims, their extremely tough.

I have a 85 Schwinn LeTour Luxe I kept stock. The only "odd" thing I did was to convert the 27" rims from schrader to presta valves by using a grommet made for that purpose. I felt I could find tubes easier and better quality on the road if I needed to with a presta set up.

you

I bought one for $240 in the highly inflated SF Bay Area market and feel very good about it (mine came with the original 27" wheels, though I plan to swap them for a more modern 700c wheelset when they die). From the looks of it, the one in your area is from the year before mine (chrome chainstay, deore components). If it it fits take it for $250 or maybe even at full price. If it's ready to ride, $280 is cheaper than any new touring bike you may find.

realestvin7

It's a good deal. If you don't get it, someone else will. I would if I was there. Lol.

idratherbebiking_2

Wow, I did not expect such a wealth of responses. I haven't actually seen the bike yet so I cannot give an opinion on the 700c wheels. I can't tell whether I'm excited or disappointed that it has 700c rather than the 27 inchers. I've heard of the tremendous quality of the Voyageur (the reason I am looking for one), so it makes sense that the price is in this range.

I think I'll give a call today.

PS. I was actually hesitant to show a picture or tell where it was in case someone were to buy it out from under me!

wrk101

Smart, very smart. Even if someone on this list does not scoop you, realize that this list is open to the public, and plenty of people troll the list, looking for deals. And as far as scooping you, you never know. Someone that does not move fast on a good bike can often miss out, so if someone here beats you to it, you really don't know if it would have lasted anyway.

Aquakitty

Not really, anyone who is really looking for bikes to flip and what not would have Craig's List and whatever other online local classifieds there might be on a feed. Though I agree giving out the ad in a big town/city is not the best idea.

Mr IGH

If you're planning on riding it, IMHO, it's a good price. On ebay, sellers are convinced that the canti-braked Voyageurs are worth at least that much. If the bike is in very good condition and the right size, I'd go for it. I paid $230 for a chrome 81 last year.