ehu9

Hey guys, first time poster. Got my bike stolen a while back so am on the search for a new bike. I rode fixed but am now looking for a road bike so I can have more flexibility when I travel long distances. I have no clue the price ranges on these bikes so I was wondering if this LeMond Tourmalet road bike is worth the price point of 460? Bike formus won't let me post the listing url so i'll just post the description below. Also, if I do end up going over and taking a look, what I should be looking for that could be some red flags. Thanks!

Description: LeMond Tourmalet Road Bike, Reynolds 525 steel frame, Shimano Tiargra 9 speed triple drivetrain, Rolf Vector wheel set, 3ttt bars, 55cm. Was recently tuned and new handle bar tape installed. The bike is ready to ride and has no issues. I'm asking $460 cash Firm

Lemond1985

In a word, "no". The 525 frames are a step down from the 853 frames (slightly heavier, and not as stiff) so that should be $100 off right there.

When looking at it, I would make sure the wheels match, and everything is working, brakes, shifters. Check for frame dents. Bents forks. And scratches. And if the seller insists that you not ride the bike, that can be a big red flag. And make sure it fits, obviously.

For that price, I personally would be expecting an 853 frame in showroom condition, or close. With only slight wear on the wheels and components.

jlaw

Do you know what year it is? Does it have a carbon fork? (A potential plus and minus)

According to the Reynolds website Reynolds 525 is butted and has 'similar properties' to the older 531, which is good stuff.

Used Rolf Vector wheels go for $150 to $200+ on ebay - condition/remaining life is critical.

The Tiagra triple is a decent drive train but nothing special - original to bike?

$460 for that bike in my neighborhood (N.E. U.S.) would seem pricey to me.

I saw a nice LeMond with a carbon fork and 853 steel frame at my LBS for $150 - think it was a "Zurich". I don't know where the Tourmalet falls in the LeMond hierarchy.

Any other possibilities on Craigslist that you've seen?

ehu9

Hmmm. I saw this Schwinn 1972 road bike as well. Priced at 350. He says the parts are more than the bike value but I'm not sure if old bikes will last long, as I am looking for a bike that I can commute with and possibly ride long distances.

Description:

1972-73 Schwinn World Voyageur Chrome

Priced to sell at 350$. Look what they go for on Ebay.

Suntour BarCons, Brooks Saddle, Dura Ace cranks, its all there...more in parts than I am asking for the bike.


54 cm - 21'' frame.

350$ cash.



Or, would I be better off purchasing a new bike?

ehu9

Ok, thanks for the reply. I'll look for other options!

jlaw

Craigslist is one step above garage sale, so comparing prices to ebay can be a little deceiving because CL posters don't want the hassle of shipping, Paypal, etc. so CL prices are lower. There are some great deals on CL - and lots of over-priced junk with exaggerated descriptions - need to know what you are looking at.

Vintage steel bikes can be an excellent choice for many riders. If you are commuting then you'll want a rack and fenders - so you will need bolt eyelets on the fork and rear triangle. Many/most vintage steel bikes will have these. And, vintage drive trains, brakes, shifting mechanisms, wheels/wheel size, bars, saddle, bottom brackets, etc. can be updated with 'modern' components if you do a little research.

I suggest that you start a new posting in the 'Classic and Vintage' section when you find another bike you are considering. I don't know much about the Schwinn World Voyager you mention - chrome doesn't always mean quality. And, a bike from the early 70's will have a rear dropout spacing of 120mm (5 speed rear freewheel). If you can find something from the 1980's or newer that started life as at least a 6 speed rear (126mm spacing) you should be able to update to a modern 9/10/11 speed drive train (130mm rear spacing) without too much trouble - if you're not happy with the original drive train.

Also, vintage bikes with caliper brakes (most likely single pivot) and 27" wheels can usually be updated to modern 700c or 650b wheels - many more tire options and by down-sizing the rim size you can fit wider tires which many riders find desirable. Modern dual-pivot brakes will usually bolt right on with minimal hassle.

Some vintage French (Peugeot) and Italian bikes had some unusual component sizes (for example, bottom bracket and threading) which can make updating more challenging, but not impossible. U.S.(Trek, Specialized, Cannondale), Japanese (Miyata, Shogun), and British (Raleigh) used parts sizes that are easier to accommodate with modern components.

alcjphil

Adding your general location to your information would be a big help to allow various members help you with prices where you live. For example: someone from Canada quoting a price in Canadian dollars is talking about 25% less than a US person, so $400 CDN is about $300 US

dedhed

This it?
https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/b...968364841.html

Drive 90 miles and save
https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/bik...981866579.html

curbtender

Try some of the other sites, FB marketplace, letgo, nextdoor...

philbob57

If it's the Chicago Tourmalet, I think it's been on CL for ages. I don't remember when it was first listed, but I think it's been on sale continuously for over a year. I don't know if the guy has refused offers or not.

Wilfred Laurier

Everything you said was good advice, except for the comment that 525 is 'not as stiff' as 853. If the tube dimensions are the same then they will have exactly the same stiffness (even the cheapest 'gaspipe' steel has the same stiffness if the tube dimensions are the same). 853 is stronger (esp after welding) and so they can generally use thinner tube walls than a non-air-hardened tubeset like 525 but still maintain the same strength, and this will make the tubes less stiff.