drewnolan82

I've about searched high and low for a decent vintage-esque steel framed bike...

Goodwill, antique stores, thrift stores...even a rescue mission!

the only decent bike I've found is a schwinn varsity that weighs about 70 lbs, and isn't the right size at all...and it's rusting REALLY bad.

I think central illinois must be a really bad area to find cool used bikes...I'm goin up to wisconsin this weekend(lake geneva area), maybe they'll have some classier stuff.

spider-man

Estate auctions

drewnolan82

cool bikes...not so cool prices...

I'll check out some estate sales.

bent-not-broken

Persistance at garage sales and thrifts will eventually pay off. In central WI, I have picked up a Fuji 12 speed on the way to the trash at a thrift, a 12 speed Nishiki tange 2 frame for $10 at the same thrift, a Centurion LeMans 12 speed tange 2 frame for $20 and a Raleigh olympian technium 14 speed (aluminum) for $20. The last 2 were at garage sales. All we ready to ride, low mile bikes. This is 3 years of looking so be patient.

bent

Grand Bois

I haven't had any dealings with Karim Cycles and I never will based on what I've read about them here. Do a search if you're interested.

Scooper

eBay has worked well for me.

roughrider504

Check the trash [seriously] and keep trying the thrift stores.

drewnolan82

I called karim bicycles, and it seemed like they could care less about customer service.

cyclotoine

Patience and time. Stick with it. Get something average in the mean time like an old Nishiki/fuji/Norco/Kuwahara/Schwinn etc.. and keep an eye out. Watch your craigslist check out poorly described ads. Like "Race Bike $25". As much as I hate them you never know. I once went to look at a Motobecane for $80 and although it was nice it was too small an I came back with a full chromo, full 600 Norco Victory in my size for the same price.. it wasn't listed but he sold it to me anyway. And if you really really want a bike then scour ebay. Eventually you will get one at a decent price but be prepared to pay for it what it is worth. I know a guy who found a fully suntour cyclone equiped tange 900 frame at Value Village for 12 bucks and all I ever see there are department store MTBs for $30. Go figure.

ken cummings

If you are going to Wisconsin try the Harvard, WI area. There must be good shops around if Lon Haldeman lives there. He liked Columbus tubing the last time we met so he may have some old bikes you would like.

If you get over the hang-up on thrift stores try www.bgcycles.com and order aa lugged steel frame built to order.

drewnolan82

thanks for all the info. I'll see where harvard is in relation to where I'll be. I need to make a stop up in wonder lake, IL as well...

I basically just want a nice steel frame bike to keep my bianchi mondiale company...I need a junker as well, for those bad weather excursions.

ken...WOW...those are some amazing frames.

ken cummings

And did you see the carbon fiber fenders? About $300. I live an easy ride from his shop.

crazyb

Picked up a Motobecane out of the local shopper yesterday in near perfect condition for $35.00. Got a Letour at a yard sale last week for 20. Picked up a Bianchi Brava a couple of monthes ago for 45.00. This is all from rural southeast Iowa, so I'm sure central Il. (Peoria?) should turn up some good finds. As a matter of fact, I picked up a nice Raleigh Record out of a Peoria Goodwill last winter.

markwebb

eBay eBay eBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBayeBay eBay.........................eBay !!!

smellygary

You're in a bad way if you're looking at Varsitys!

Try shops in Minn, Minn.

jordanb

If you're looking for good old bikes, especially Schwinns, come up to Chicago. There are always tons for sale on craigslist. Working Bikes is great, and even many bike shops deal in them.

schwinnderella

Lots of towns have an older retired guy who fixes and sells bikes.They often have a lot of stuff at reasonable prices.

frameteam2003

And wouldn't you know it---I'm lookin for a varsity and can't find one! Needs to be a L/W schwinn 27" and cheep/no shipping for this project!Did find a Sears 27"---Made in Italy!! cost me $7 sold the brake set for $10 and got a Regina chain and freehweel free.---sam

roccobike

I've had great success this year, much better than last year, at finding road bikes at yard sales. I've purchased seven this year. But, there are some rules for success at yard sales. 1) the early buyer gets the bike. If you like sleeping on Saturday morning, plan on coming home empty handed. I'm returning home (8:30 AM) when many are just starting out. 2) read the newspaper ads for yard sales, if they advertise a bike, don't wait for Saturday, cheat, go on Thursday or Friday. It helps if you have some sob story about how poor you are and badly need a bike. Maybe they'll let you see it early. 3) Read craigslist for yard sales, then see rules 1 & 2.
I've been going to yard sales for over a year. I visit at least 10 per week. I've purchased about 30 bikes of all types in that time. Obviously, I bomb out a heck of a lot more than score. I've found kids bikes for freinds, some hybrids, a handful of nice mountain bikes (rigid fork only) and some road bikes this year. I've also learned the hard way, stay away from Magnas, Murrays, and other department store bikes. Actually Drewnolan82, you're lucky, nice road bikes are available. I spent six months looking for a quality brand mountain bike with a suspension fork. I now realize, that's almost impossible to find at a yard sale.

roccobike

One other thought. When searching on ebay, use the 'Distance Nearest First' option. Then contact the seller via the question option and ask if you can use local pick-up to get the bike. I found a Trek MTB that way and saved the cost of shipping. But I've used that option to buy many parts. I hope this is some help to you, if I've mentioned items you're aware of, just dismiss my comment as someone trying to help.

drewnolan82

I was so desperate that I went to a rescue mission dressed all ratty today, and asked if they had any bikes available. It's actually quite fun to pretend your a bum...it probably all went out the door though when I drove off in my nice honda

Noam Zane

If you're at a yard/garage sale and do not see any bikes for sale, ask loudly if they have any old bikes in a shed or basement that they would like to be rid of. Sometimes they do and they are often nice. The reason for the loud voice is that other customers will often approach you to offer the bikes they have gathering dust. Weed out the duds by asking about brand, where they bought it, stem shifters and suicide brake levers.

drewnolan82

great idea!

in fact, I'm just gonna start yelling out my car window "do you guys have any old bikes you want to get rid of?!?!?!" I'll be the town bicycle freak!

silversmith

Keep looking. I'm in Clinton Iowa and find something of interest every couple weeks.

Little Darwin

+1 This is how I got my Centurion Ironman Master for $115 or so...

Also, if you want new steel, there are plenty pf places to find nice steel. One is someone local to me and I have seen his work. Sweet looking rides:

https://bicycleframes.com/

Rich is also co-owner of my LBS, and installed a fork and headset on my Giant yesterday... Maybe some day I will be able to afford one of his frames. He is affordable for a custom builder, but he is a custom builder, and has to make a living.