Can you resist a bargain?
#76
Full Member
I hit "Peak SABLE" a while back and was trying not to find any more "bargains".
So far this year:
Clean Bridgestone 450 $110
Lightly beat Fuji America $100
Another hard ridden Fuji America,
too big and came with panniers and gear. $125
Basket case Fuji Finest. A fool is separated from $150
Schwinn Voyageur 11.8
Cosmetically "restored" New tires, but mechanically basket case. $75
Small Raleigh Record Mixtie and a Super Grand Prix $52
Yet another Schwinn Voyageur 11.8
Cosmetically challenged, mechanically good with new wheelset and tires $50
.
So far this year:
Clean Bridgestone 450 $110
Lightly beat Fuji America $100
Another hard ridden Fuji America,
too big and came with panniers and gear. $125
Basket case Fuji Finest. A fool is separated from $150
Schwinn Voyageur 11.8
Cosmetically "restored" New tires, but mechanically basket case. $75
Small Raleigh Record Mixtie and a Super Grand Prix $52
Yet another Schwinn Voyageur 11.8
Cosmetically challenged, mechanically good with new wheelset and tires $50
.
#77
Me duelen las nalgas
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I try to avoid buying unnecessary stuff, but failed last year.
In summer 2020, despite the pandemic induced shortage of bike stuff, our local REI was blowing out some Shimano and SRAM stuff cheap. Nothing I really needed. Some BB-UN55 bottom brackets for less than $10 each -- I bought three in sizes my bikes could use if I decide to replace the caged bearing/cup BBs with the sealed cartridge bearing stuff. They had more but I didn't want to hog stuff I wouldn't actually use. And some HG53 9-speed chains -- I bought two for around $9 each. And one or two SRAM 8-speed chains for maybe $5 each -- I typically get KMC Z72, but the SRAM version appears very similar.
Turned out I did use the HG53 chain, on a 2014 Diamondback Podium 5 carbon frame I got from a friend and slapped together with a mish-mash of 7, 8 and 10 speed components. The nominally 9-speed chain worked fine, better than the KMC Z72 8-speed chain I started with.
Kinda wish now I'd bought up all the Shimano 9-speed chains and other stuff they had. But I got enough spare doodads to keep me busy for awhile.
And I bought some ugly but functional bar wrap cheap. It'll do to test wrap handlebars that I'm not quite settled on, before using good wrap for the keeper.
In summer 2020, despite the pandemic induced shortage of bike stuff, our local REI was blowing out some Shimano and SRAM stuff cheap. Nothing I really needed. Some BB-UN55 bottom brackets for less than $10 each -- I bought three in sizes my bikes could use if I decide to replace the caged bearing/cup BBs with the sealed cartridge bearing stuff. They had more but I didn't want to hog stuff I wouldn't actually use. And some HG53 9-speed chains -- I bought two for around $9 each. And one or two SRAM 8-speed chains for maybe $5 each -- I typically get KMC Z72, but the SRAM version appears very similar.
Turned out I did use the HG53 chain, on a 2014 Diamondback Podium 5 carbon frame I got from a friend and slapped together with a mish-mash of 7, 8 and 10 speed components. The nominally 9-speed chain worked fine, better than the KMC Z72 8-speed chain I started with.
Kinda wish now I'd bought up all the Shimano 9-speed chains and other stuff they had. But I got enough spare doodads to keep me busy for awhile.
And I bought some ugly but functional bar wrap cheap. It'll do to test wrap handlebars that I'm not quite settled on, before using good wrap for the keeper.
#78
Senior Member
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Cars
Just think about how much money you would spend on just 1 collector/sport car.
yup, rationalization...
yup, rationalization...
#79
Senior Member
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if the bargain is great, it is not resistible
by definition
wle
by definition
wle
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#82
Senior Member
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This year got a little cray-cray. There was the too-big Giant Yukon 8-speed with disc brakes for $20 + $4 for a new rear brake cable; the $40 too-big Trek 700 or 720, both of which got traded for a 1986 Cannondale ST400 for the Clunker Challenge; then in rapid succession a 1988 Centurion LeMans for $35, a 1988 Specialized Sirrus for $50, a 1989 basket-case Schwinn LeTour for $15 and a shockingly clean 1988 Panasonic DX3000 for $40, and if the seller unearths them, that comes with a second wheelset that appears to involve American Classic hubs and tubulars. It's kinda crazy when you can find a nice mid-range late 80s UJB-ish road bike for less than the cost of a pair of decent tires.
I'm about to reach a crossroads, though, as the current plan is to move early next year to my late mother-in-law's lake house. I will get a new 8x12 storage building to house bikes, and there is no resistance to my bringing bikes in to the attached garage for servicing them, but that's a considerably smaller storage and work area than my current workshop. I foresee a thinning of the herd ...
I'm about to reach a crossroads, though, as the current plan is to move early next year to my late mother-in-law's lake house. I will get a new 8x12 storage building to house bikes, and there is no resistance to my bringing bikes in to the attached garage for servicing them, but that's a considerably smaller storage and work area than my current workshop. I foresee a thinning of the herd ...
#83
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I recently bought a 1995 Specialized Rockhopper that is similar to the Diamondback Ascent I already owned and don't ride much. But the Rockhopper was in pristine condition and came with a Thule 4-bike receiver hitch rack for $75.
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#84
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Join Date: Nov 2021
Location: Central Florida
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I’m just getting back into riding and I can see the temptation. After buying an ‘86 Raleigh for $100, I couldn’t resist dropping another $50 on a Gary Fisher Big Sur. Not sure if I will keep the Gary Fisher. I started doing this with guitars back in ‘05 and I’ve pretty much had around twenty of them at any given time over the last 16 years and that’s despite the fact that I can barely put three chords together. I don’t want to get that way with bikes so I pretty much plan on having a rule that starting with the Big Sur, for every one that goes in, one has to go out. I see the attraction though, if you keep your eyes peeled, someone is always selling a great bike on the cheap.
#85
Junior Member
I can't believe the sheer number of solid bikes some of you are finding at good prices. My town loves to refer to itself as a "bicycle" town, and all the magazines telling people to move here say the same, but the huge majority of used bikes available are cheap department store junk. I'm also 6' 3" so that makes finding what I'm looking for a bit more difficult as well. But I'll keep looking!
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#86
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I can't believe the sheer number of solid bikes some of you are finding at good prices. My town loves to refer to itself as a "bicycle" town, and all the magazines telling people to move here say the same, but the huge majority of used bikes available are cheap department store junk. I'm also 6' 3" so that makes finding what I'm looking for a bit more difficult as well. But I'll keep looking!
Those spewing that diatribe just want more people who can afford to move here to come and displace those who made it this way but can't afford to live here now.
You will have to broaden your horizons, likely step up a bit and out of your comfort zone. Like it or not efbay is the biggest game around. The "Are you looking for one of these, efbay + CL finds" thread here is actually better but you need help to get there from here and we will and do help but it takes diligence, patience and wrangling to make it happen.
#87
Running on plenty
No. Is there another answer you expected? I've bought a few bargains for parts, ended up with literally more than I bargained for, and just kept them. A lot get sold on to the inner circle for cheap if they're on the scout, a few get sold on to suckers people for good prices that make us both happy, a couple got sold on for much, much more than they had a right to ever be worth. Always helps to keep a good pile of spares in case you find a bargain that only needs a little attention to pass on.
#88
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I may just be a fool for quality metals shaped into bicycle frames and paint schemes and a particular brand stuck onto a visible sight. I wish I could slap myself out of it when I withdraw cash from the ATM or that one click that leads you to a message saying, "Estimated shipping date is...". I can't tell what a bargain is. But, I can tell you a new happy bicycle owner.
#90
Senior Member
I resist bargains that are completely out of my wheelhouse, even if I can tell its a good bike. I have a few friends in town I call from time to time to give them a heads up on a good deal on an old Schwinn cruiser or 3-speed or something else I have little interest in. A couple times I got a finders fee in return on some really good deals. I've also gotten better at not picking up bare frames unless its a really good one or I have parts to go on already.
#91
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I can turn down a bargain. I mostly cured myself of acquiring more bikes by
First, volunteering at a bike co-op. All the greasy-hand, wrench-turning fun without the messy garage or involving the bike-counting spouse. When people want to give me their old bikes, I redirect them to the co-op.
Second, owning (and regularly riding) one too many vintage French bikes with French sized tubing and French threads and French rear dropouts and crumbly French plastic bits and other French oddities that defy explanation.
Finally, moving twice in the course of three years, both times living in a hotel for several months. Devoid of possessions other than my clothes and two (only two!) bikes, I found the lack of stuff incredibly liberating.
Edit: Yes, I still have four bikes and a unicycle. None are vintage; I come here and go to the co-op for that fix.
First, volunteering at a bike co-op. All the greasy-hand, wrench-turning fun without the messy garage or involving the bike-counting spouse. When people want to give me their old bikes, I redirect them to the co-op.
Second, owning (and regularly riding) one too many vintage French bikes with French sized tubing and French threads and French rear dropouts and crumbly French plastic bits and other French oddities that defy explanation.
Finally, moving twice in the course of three years, both times living in a hotel for several months. Devoid of possessions other than my clothes and two (only two!) bikes, I found the lack of stuff incredibly liberating.
Edit: Yes, I still have four bikes and a unicycle. None are vintage; I come here and go to the co-op for that fix.
#92
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The majority of the bikes I own were purchased at market. A number on eBay. Only a handful were elsewhere. 2 directly on the Forum.
a handful on Craigslist, of those, only two I would consider deals.
When one is in the middle size range there are lots of competing buyers.
a handful on Craigslist, of those, only two I would consider deals.
When one is in the middle size range there are lots of competing buyers.
#93
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Join Date: Oct 2015
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Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
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The majority of the bikes I own were purchased at market. A number on eBay. Only a handful were elsewhere. 2 directly on the Forum.
a handful on Craigslist, of those, only two I would consider deals.
When one is in the middle size range there are lots of competing buyers.
a handful on Craigslist, of those, only two I would consider deals.
When one is in the middle size range there are lots of competing buyers.
Either way, buy, buy, buy, sort out the dead bodies later.
#94
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Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PDX
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Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
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#95
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Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PDX
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Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
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I’m just getting back into riding and I can see the temptation. After buying an ‘86 Raleigh for $100, I couldn’t resist dropping another $50 on a Gary Fisher Big Sur. Not sure if I will keep the Gary Fisher. I started doing this with guitars back in ‘05 and I’ve pretty much had around twenty of them at any given time over the last 16 years and that’s despite the fact that I can barely put three chords together. I don’t want to get that way with bikes so I pretty much plan on having a rule that starting with the Big Sur, for every one that goes in, one has to go out. I see the attraction though, if you keep your eyes peeled, someone is always selling a great bike on the cheap.
Careful with your predictions, bicycles are easier to ride than guitars are to play.
Plus we'll make sure you have so much stimuli that $50-100 will become just wiggle room.
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#96
Thrifty Bill
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Once you learn how to spot deals, finding deals is no problem. Passing on them becomes a problem, or reselling them to avoid hoarder status becomes a problem. In weaker markets, you have to either pack and ship or heavily discount the really good stuff.
In the last month, I have picked up four, sold all four and five more out of the pile, so the trend is improving! Lost my 1200 sq ft workshop to family living space. So selling and donating is job 1. Reminds me I need to take another load to the co-op.
In the last month, I have picked up four, sold all four and five more out of the pile, so the trend is improving! Lost my 1200 sq ft workshop to family living space. So selling and donating is job 1. Reminds me I need to take another load to the co-op.
#97
Junior Member
merziac Not quite PDX, but that seems to be the destiny . Oh well, might as well embrace it, because I'm not likely to change it. I'd be happy with the selection you have there though. We're flush with $200 Magnas. And yes, Evilbay might be the place to go. I keep hoping for another barn find -- the '79 Moto I got a couple years ago is what sparked me in this hobby and led me here.
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#98
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Thanks, I think my wife is worried this will be the new obsession.
#99
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PDX
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Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
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And you can tell her that it may get, keep you healthier, alive longer, better shape. Her too if she gets on board.
#100
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Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PDX
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Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
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merziac Not quite PDX, but that seems to be the destiny . Oh well, might as well embrace it, because I'm not likely to change it. I'd be happy with the selection you have there though. We're flush with $200 Magnas. And yes, Evilbay might be the place to go. I keep hoping for another barn find -- the '79 Moto I got a couple years ago is what sparked me in this hobby and led me here.
One thing I would encourage you to do is at least a thorough home fitting, especially "inseam" which is actually PBH that can be uncomfortable, a bit challenging to do correctly and get it right but is absolutely crucial to getting it right.
Here's the link to the best guide I think there is and it has a link to an older chart that applies more to C+V.
https://www.rivbike.com/pages/pubic-...asure-your-pbh
I'm only 6ft. but have a 38in. inseam so I ride a 64-66cm ideally and I quit buying 58-60-62 for the most part unless it is nice, special, great deal, rare, too hard to pass up or whatever I tell myself at the time.
I was surprised when I figured out I was riding bikes that were way too small despite my workarounds with tall seatposts and stems, brake levers high on the bars and bars rotated up to reach me.
Finally bought a 66cm Merz for cheap and once I got it set up right, it was way more comfortable on long rides, who knew?
Bought a big Paramount to confirm it and it did so here I am. I knew the ones I were riding were small but didn't realize how much it mattered since I had always done so.
Moral of story is you may be dismissing some great bikes for you and, or the rabbit hole just got a lot bigger.