First vintage road bike - So many options!
06-11-18, 03:19 PM
#1
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First vintage road bike - So many options!
Hello
I'm looking to get my first vintage road bike! Currently I have a Fuji Feather, but I want something ALOT cooler.
To make it short: Ive found 6 bikes: 1 Koga Miyata, 1 Miyata 750ST (hard to find stuff about it), 1 Bianchi, 1 Nishiki Olympic Royal, 1 Serotta and last but not least, a Battaglin.
Their price range from 235 to 500 bucks, where the Bianchi is the most expensive, the Koga Miyata the cheapest, but owner says everything works except flat tires. The other bikes are also in working condition, except the Battaglin which has a broken rear rim.
Now... I struggle to pick one of them... What you guys think?
Any brand I should favour? Is a very nice conditioned Bianchi Rekord worth 500 bucks?
The other bikes are between 300-440, except the cheapest Koga Miyata.
Unfortunaly, I cant post pictures yet duo me being a new member
Thank You!
I'm looking to get my first vintage road bike! Currently I have a Fuji Feather, but I want something ALOT cooler.
To make it short: Ive found 6 bikes: 1 Koga Miyata, 1 Miyata 750ST (hard to find stuff about it), 1 Bianchi, 1 Nishiki Olympic Royal, 1 Serotta and last but not least, a Battaglin.
Their price range from 235 to 500 bucks, where the Bianchi is the most expensive, the Koga Miyata the cheapest, but owner says everything works except flat tires. The other bikes are also in working condition, except the Battaglin which has a broken rear rim.
Now... I struggle to pick one of them... What you guys think?
Any brand I should favour? Is a very nice conditioned Bianchi Rekord worth 500 bucks?
The other bikes are between 300-440, except the cheapest Koga Miyata.
Unfortunaly, I cant post pictures yet duo me being a new member
Thank You!
Last edited by Freddyonabike; 06-11-18 at 03:22 PM.
06-11-18, 03:27 PM
#3
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If they all fit I'd pick the Serotta.
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06-11-18, 03:29 PM
#4
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Serotta has Campagnolo, mavic. The bike is mostly red with yellow, from the 90s. It says «Colorado concept tubing» on it
06-11-18, 03:34 PM
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The Serotta will be the most unique, being the smallest builder of the bunch. You're guaranteed a nice frame because Serottas were all high-end production. I'd go with that if it fits.
06-11-18, 03:45 PM
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Are you able to inspect them, or are you buying from eBay, or some other place that necessitates shipping? I've bought sight unseen and regretted it because I didn't know what to look for. I'm more confident now because I have more experience, but I still prefer looking first.
06-11-18, 03:54 PM
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You'll find that this is the wrong group to ask which one vintage bike you should get. They're all potentially interesting. The choice depends on what you're looking for.
Do you actually want just one vintage bike or is this potentially the start of a collection? Do you want it as a historic piece of interest or as a daily rider? What kind of riding do you like?
The nice thing about vintage bikes is that as long as you don't seriously overpay you can buy a bike, ride it for a while, see if you like it, and if not sell it and get another one without losing too much of your initial investment. Your choices all sound pretty reasonable. I say buy whichever one appeals to you most. I'd be tempted to get the Koga Miyata just based on the price, but that's assuming that they're all in roughly similar condition.
Is the Bianchi Celeste?
Do you actually want just one vintage bike or is this potentially the start of a collection? Do you want it as a historic piece of interest or as a daily rider? What kind of riding do you like?
The nice thing about vintage bikes is that as long as you don't seriously overpay you can buy a bike, ride it for a while, see if you like it, and if not sell it and get another one without losing too much of your initial investment. Your choices all sound pretty reasonable. I say buy whichever one appeals to you most. I'd be tempted to get the Koga Miyata just based on the price, but that's assuming that they're all in roughly similar condition.
Is the Bianchi Celeste?
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06-11-18, 04:07 PM
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Serotta Colorado under $500? No Brainer. Run, don't walk.
You should also probably buy the Battaglin. If I recall the Bianchi ReKord isn't particularly special.
You should also probably buy the Battaglin. If I recall the Bianchi ReKord isn't particularly special.
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06-11-18, 04:13 PM
#10
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koga miyata are very nice- id take it over anything but the serotta on your list- and if its the cheapest then it is a full contender. i have not seen a koga miyata under 500-
06-11-18, 04:25 PM
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^ This
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06-11-18, 04:27 PM
#12
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If you go to the norwegian used marketplace called «Finn.no», you can search for the bikes. I cant provide URL yet.
The koga is blue with goldish koga miyata decals.
I can inspect all the bikes exept the koga miyata, which I also will need to get shipped. Only 60 bucks or so tho.
And to answer Andy_k, It will be my only vintage bike. Not going to collect. Going to be used for short commutes and to get me into the hobby, but no, I wont collect. I do appriciate quality and history tho
The koga is blue with goldish koga miyata decals.
I can inspect all the bikes exept the koga miyata, which I also will need to get shipped. Only 60 bucks or so tho.
And to answer Andy_k, It will be my only vintage bike. Not going to collect. Going to be used for short commutes and to get me into the hobby, but no, I wont collect. I do appriciate quality and history tho
06-11-18, 04:44 PM
#13
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https://www.finn.no/bap/forsale/search.html?search_type=SEARCH_ID_BAP_ALL&q=koga%20miyata
looks like it needs some love but its the real deal- there are basically no better bicycles out there. looks like a ding in the top tube through- which might account for the price.
looks like it needs some love but its the real deal- there are basically no better bicycles out there. looks like a ding in the top tube through- which might account for the price.
Last edited by jetboy; 06-11-18 at 04:48 PM.
06-11-18, 05:52 PM
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That Koga Miyata is very nice as it seems to be essentially a Team or Pro Miyata. Owners of those rave about how good they are. Clearly, you’ll need to replace the brake hoods, bar tape and possibly tires. Hopefully the tires are NOT tubular/sew-up if it’s to be your daily rider.
The Serotta, as others have said, is also going to be a very nice bike, assuming decent condition. They are somewhat rare and sought after here in the US. In Norway, it would probably be even more so.
The Serotta, as others have said, is also going to be a very nice bike, assuming decent condition. They are somewhat rare and sought after here in the US. In Norway, it would probably be even more so.
06-11-18, 08:55 PM
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If I was only going to have one bike to accompany the Feather, I wouldn't want it to have a dinged top tube unless I got it really cheap. The Bianchi is a 105 bike. The Serotta is classy but the Battaglin is very very pretty an I think I would choose it.
06-11-18, 11:36 PM
#16
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The yellow Battaglin is 56cm, so too small for me.
Yes I see the Koga is dinged now...
The Serotta looks to be in good condition. However, the owner hasent really had classes on how to take good photos!
Here you can see it:
finn.no/bap/forsale/ad.html?finnkode=104025939
Yes I see the Koga is dinged now...
The Serotta looks to be in good condition. However, the owner hasent really had classes on how to take good photos!
Here you can see it:
finn.no/bap/forsale/ad.html?finnkode=104025939
06-12-18, 05:43 AM
#17
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First, be sure to include top tube length into your sizing considerations.
Cool in general = Italian. Value for the money = Japanese. Italian with Japanese drive train = a lot less cool. Vintage 105 nothing special (works fine).
Serotta for under $500? No brainer. A seller with a lousy ad? Perfect, that reduces the competition. I love buying from lazy sellers.
Cool in general = Italian. Value for the money = Japanese. Italian with Japanese drive train = a lot less cool. Vintage 105 nothing special (works fine).
Serotta for under $500? No brainer. A seller with a lousy ad? Perfect, that reduces the competition. I love buying from lazy sellers.
Last edited by wrk101; 06-12-18 at 05:50 AM.
06-12-18, 08:14 AM
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Hello @Freddyonabike -
No recommendations on the bike, but I hope you will stay with us after 10 posts - then we can harass you for pics from Norway.
Been to Bergen and mostly remember the beautiful young women, but I was a much younger man.
Nice selection of bikes to choose from, so guessing you are in Oslo.
No recommendations on the bike, but I hope you will stay with us after 10 posts - then we can harass you for pics from Norway.
Been to Bergen and mostly remember the beautiful young women, but I was a much younger man.
Nice selection of bikes to choose from, so guessing you are in Oslo.
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06-12-18, 02:00 PM
#19
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I have seen a lot worse pics than those, and I have definitely seen worse bikes! Great deal and it looks to be in excellent condition.
06-12-18, 03:39 PM
#20
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First, be sure to include top tube length into your sizing considerations.
Cool in general = Italian. Value for the money = Japanese. Italian with Japanese drive train = a lot less cool. Vintage 105 nothing special (works fine).
Serotta for under $500? No brainer. A seller with a lousy ad? Perfect, that reduces the competition. I love buying from lazy sellers.
Cool in general = Italian. Value for the money = Japanese. Italian with Japanese drive train = a lot less cool. Vintage 105 nothing special (works fine).
Serotta for under $500? No brainer. A seller with a lousy ad? Perfect, that reduces the competition. I love buying from lazy sellers.
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Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
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06-12-18, 11:29 PM
#21
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I will be checking out the Serotta this weekend!
Thanks a ton for help guys, really appreciate it.
@Wildwood: I do indeed live in Oslo, so there is not much to take pictures of, except young woman
But I believe that is illegal 
Atleast without permission
Thanks a ton for help guys, really appreciate it.
@Wildwood: I do indeed live in Oslo, so there is not much to take pictures of, except young woman
But I believe that is illegal Atleast without permission
06-13-18, 12:49 PM
#22
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I definitely live in the wrong country. I never had so many options for my first bike...
06-13-18, 02:37 PM
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Pic assist on the Serotta, you're right not one full drive side profile shot.. I want to sell my bike but not bad enough to take the 30 extra seconds to take dang thing off the ceiling hook
06-13-18, 02:58 PM
#24
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Yup. Judging by the other stuff the owner sells, he is most likely rather old. Retired? Very likly.
One of the pics is also totally out of focus
By the way, is DBS something people on here is familiar with? Its a norwegian bike brand.
They had bikes with italian frame, Daccordi. DBS Daccordi LaMigliore.
DuraAce, Campagnolo & Cinelli on it.
Link: finn.no/bap/forsale/ad.html?finnkode=120722490
One of the pics is also totally out of focus
By the way, is DBS something people on here is familiar with? Its a norwegian bike brand.
They had bikes with italian frame, Daccordi. DBS Daccordi LaMigliore.
DuraAce, Campagnolo & Cinelli on it.
Link: finn.no/bap/forsale/ad.html?finnkode=120722490
06-13-18, 10:11 PM
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Campy brakes look like the later style monoplanars, maybe Mirage. To me the chunky, early type appeal more, function is the same though. Don
