Pnwpineapple

Hi friends, please follow the link below to give me your input on the bike I'm checking out tomorrow. I am new to the bike world and I am looking for a daily commuter (5 miles). I am hoping to build an interest in longer distance hauls, too. Is this a good deal?

(Since this is my first post, I'm not allowed to post the link, so I broke it up below)

eugene. craigslist. org /bik/d/eugene-adult-xsmall-dream-vintage/ 7150769212. html

katsup

Link Help
https://eugene.craigslist.org/bik/d/...150769212.html
$335

Expensive for my market pre bike boom. Eugene is different, plus all bets are off in the current market.

Someone more familiar with that bike model may assist.

Wildwood 

'84 Centurion ProTour 15 came with triple and LePree and the Suntour Symmetric shifters. Worked well in tough Santa Cruz Mts.

Sorry, no Nishiki input. But make sure the size fits!

cudak888 

Appears well kept. Someone threw on new gumwalls too for the sale.

Ditto on katsup's points about price. The top-of-the-downtube mounted shifters may be a pain in the butt on a frame of this size, given the proximity to the top tube - keep that in mind. Also, if you have any hesitations about sticking with downtube shifters for the long haul, keep in mind that the Symmetric pod has to be hacked up to install cable stops (or you could install a cable stop clamp adapter over the tube).

On the note of frame sizes, finding something in a small size like this doesn't usually come easily. If it fits and there are no other equal contenders, I'd definitely put it in the "serious consideration" pile.

-Kurt

RiddleOfSteel

Some drivetrain bits could use a wipe down with a rag, but otherwise that is a very nice, very-seldom-seen Nishiki touring bike. Tange Champion 2 tubing with seat stay cap chrome. Mid-fork low-rider mounts, triple bottle cage boss pairs, and canti brakes. All in really great shape. $335 is a good/great/solid price for this '83/'84 bike. If you fit well on it, go for it. Prices for vintage stuff have gone up, but this is not one that has met that fate. Quality bike still in really nice condition. Approved!

Pnwpineapple

Wow, you are all awesome! Thanks for the quick and detailed responses. I think if it's the right size, it's a go!

Andy_K 

Yeah, it’s an unusual derailleur. I like, obviously.

This bike appears to be in very good condition. I don’t think it’s a great bargain, but the price isn’t entirely out of line for this bike. The Cresta has a good reputation as a touring bike.

The critical thing is whether or not it fits. If you need a bike this size, it will be hard to find one better than this. I’d guess it would fit someone around 5’1”.

merziac

No real expert here and I regularly pay too much for my bikes because I don't like to screw around if I find something I like that fits.

That being said I also feel price is up there BUT if ROS says this is a deal, it is period, he knows his stuff.

So if you really need this size, I would make it so.

CliffordK

It is a decent enough of a bike. A little dirty around the rear derailleur. So, while it appears to have new tires, it is impossible to know if it has 30 year old grease throughout.

If it was me, I'd look for signs of new grease in the bearings and ask the seller. And, if it wasn't clear, then do a full lube job which is a little labor intensive, but can help keep your bike running smoothly for a long time.

cb400bill

Thread moved from C&V to C&V Appraisals.

Trevtassie

Last time I saw a frame that small was my racing frame when I was 10 years old...

madpogue 

Toe strike much?

CliffordK

I don't think you mentioned your height. We expect your are fairly short based on the bike chosen.

One of the more unique bicycles in Eugene is the Bike Friday.
https://www.bikefriday.com/folding-bikes/

Their factory is out West 11th near Senica (Fred Meyers/Home Depot/Lowes).

They take up a little less space than other bikes, and can be packed for travel.

While they make them in all sizes, they are popular with shorter stature riders.

And, pop up on Craigslist regularly locally.

This one has a little unique styling, but might not be a bad deal.
https://eugene.craigslist.org/bik/d/...135709105.html

For "Road" bikes, the next size down has 650c wheels (common with TT bikes, but also kid's bikes and small adult bikes).

Something like this would be good for someone, maybe around 4'8" to 5' or so.
https://bend.craigslist.org/bik/d/be...145018739.html

Another style of "vintage" small adult bikes were made by Terry (and copied by other brands). Dual wheel sizes. Someone above mentioned toe overlap. These have several advantages for downsizing a bike. But, unfortunately haven't retained popularity.

https://corvallis.craigslist.org/bik...157791346.html

https://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/...145290040.html

Pnwpineapple

I ended up buying it as it was the perfect size for me. It's the best ride I've ever had, I'm gonna love it!

T-Mar

Nice 1985 model.

Swampthing 

I’m short too.
so is my daughter.
when you can find a comfortable bike, grab it.
I had an 80’s Miyata, back in the 80s, and I rode that thing everyday for years.
school, commuting, and even some camping tours.
enjoy!

2old

AIR, Nishiki was manufacturing excellent steel-frame bikes in Japan during those years so should last a long time. Fair price during this "co" era, and if you spent a few extra bucks, who cares?

Kekec1965

Great bike and glad you went for it. Few dollars up or down, who cares if it fits, skip couple of coffee days and you are quids in About comments on rear gears - I have cleaned far worse and one thing I always hope for is to find plenty of dirty grease on them, far easier to clean than to replace rusted parts. Grease is protection, rust is damage.

On subject of small bikes, just returned from bike shopping trip to Italy, the amount of bikes I have seen in similar small sizes!! Some real gems, like early Alan, Wilier, Bianchi etc etc. on sale for a song....should have started import/export business. But that is much easier for us in UK, well at least until end of this year

I realized I digressed a bit, so to end - thumbs up for a bike find, ride and enjoy it.

mech986 

Congrats on your purchase! Hope it serves you well. If you have any questions about what condition it was in, take it to a reputable bike shop familiar with vintage bikes for a review and maybe an overhaul of the bearings and adjustment of the derailleurs and brakes. You also could learn to do your own bike maintenance and learn a lot about bicycling in the meantime. Post over to Classic and Vintage for tips and recommendations.