molleraj

Also I made a video of the bike here:

Korina

Nice bike. My opinion, which is worth the paper it's written on, would be to go ahead and fix it up; replace all the consumables, clean and repack all the bearings, all that jazz, and ride it while you're looking for something your size. You won't get all your money back when you sell it, but you will learn so much from fixing it up, you may not mind the investment in your education. And it will actually feel pretty good to pass on a bike to someone who needs it.

Also, I'd take the wheels in to a shop to have them check for trueness; bad wheels can ruin your ride and the bike.

molleraj

Good advice, thanks. I think it will need a new front inner tube. Idk about repacking bearings, I will have to learn up about that. I do like a good investment in my education, haha. Hopefully it will be rideable for now for me and my dad (also 5'10").

top506

FWIW, this has been my daughter's bike for years. I'll post pics in the AM

Top

Korina

RJ the Bike Guy on YouTube can teach you anything you need to know.

rgvg

Something is strange about that seatpost. The head of the bolt on the ones I've seen are usually on the underside. Maybe post a picture of it so we can see better, though if you are replacing it then I guess all you would really need is one of the same diameter (which might be marked on the seatpost).

viperocco

Nice find!

ARider2

Sometimes a free bicycle can become a very expensive bicycle depending on it's needs and how much you want to improve it.

squirtdad

that has been my experience

squirtdad

I am with the replaces cables, housings, brake pads and probably chain. This can be done pretty cheaply, there are cable kits with every thing https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08F7SBJB7...xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ== and chain https://www.amazon.com/PIKAMAO-Multi...g%2C213&sr=1-5

Hubs, bottom bracket and headset really will need to be cleaned and relubed.

I would be more concerned about the frame being too small

molleraj

I think I am going to a set of inexpensive repairs, possibly bearing repacking (but probably not), and sell this bike. It's too small for me and my dad.

molleraj

Welp, it's been a few weeks, and I have now done some small but significant repairs to the bike. I further oiled the chain (20W-50 motor oil), replaced the bent 5/16"-18 seat post bolt with a new one, and replaced the 700c (in a 27" rim?!) tubes with Sunlite 27x1-1/4" tubes. Tomorrow I am going to replace the front derailleur wire and add bar tape. I took it out for a test ride and was pleasantly surprised, but I would still have to pull the seat way up to fit properly. The handlebars go maybe one additional inch up and my feet hit the front wheel when I steer. The rear derailleur needs a little more lube but shifts nicely while moving. How much do you think this will go for with all the repairs done? My guess is $150-$250. I will put it on craigslist, FB Marketplace, and eBay for $200 with offers accepted.

For that matter, if anyone is in DC and wants this bike for that price, please feel free to contact me. I should probably make a formal post in the For Sale section here once the repairs are done.

rgvg

700c tubes can be used in 27" tires. Some are sold marked both as 700c or 27" on the packaging. They're close enough in size it doesn't matter much. Besides rubber is stretchy.

molleraj

OK great! I guess one had a leak then. The front always bled flat while the bike was locked but the rear didn't. I guess I can sell the good tube with the bike as a spare.

T-Mar

Based on my current understanding of this format, the frame was manufactured in very late 1983, so it should be a 1984 model.

molleraj

OK nice, thanks! This should be helpful for my ad, haha.

So the format is S-last digit of year-month letter-serial? So 3 as in 1983 and L as in December?

molleraj

I have now finished "refurbishing" the bike. I am selling it locally in DC for $200. How do I get permission to post ads here? I couldn't in the C&V sales forum.

molleraj

Hmmm, potential buyer this morning got another bike first. In the mean time, here's the "end product" fix up video. It shifts quite nicely now, especially since I tuned up (tightened) the front derailleur stem shifter.

rgvg

I think you need to sign up for premium membership to post in the sales forum. It's only a few bucks for a 30 day trial, I think.

rustystrings61 

It’s not that much more for a year. I’ve had better luck and a better take from selling bike stuff here vs the ‘Bay, which has gotten greedy.

SurferRosa

It doesn't look like it. The way I use that word "refurbish" means, at the minimum, full overhaul. But usually also includes new consumables. At the very least, new consumables means a new chain. So, instead of "refurbish," use a word like "tuned-up" or just simply list what you did to the bike.

Your pics are fine, but photos really do sell the bike. I always try to stay away from a parking lot and avoid photographing my own shadow. Pics in the park or in front of a beautiful fence always work. Before you do so, level the bars and move the saddle up to a more normal position.

molleraj

Oh oops! Much appreciated criticism :-)

Haha, so I think of "rebuilt" as your "refurbish." I guess Big Lots refurbishing makes me think lightly tweaked and put back on the shelf lol. Definitely I will use tuned up instead and I did list exactly what I did to the bike (seatpost bolt replacement, motor oil on crank and other moving parts, new tubes, bar tape, new front derailleur cable, rear brake cable repair, chain cleaning with a brush and WD-40 followed by chain oiling with 5W-20 motor oil). I am also including spare parts (700c tube, rear brake cable and housing, derailleur cable and housing).

Agreed about the photos! OMG I should have thought of that. I should get some gorgeous pics in a grassy park. Thanks for the tip!

SurferRosa

I would leave that part out. Engine oil isn't used on a bicycle. And it really smells awful.

molleraj

OK, fair enough. I didn't mention it as I thought that was too minor. I only used a few drops on each part.

molleraj

And this sold in the past week for $150! Very happy to sell it haha. Used that money to grab a 7-speed chromoly Dahon in the same color (dark blue).