Vintage 10/12 Speed Road Bike
06-14-21, 02:12 PM
#1
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Vintage 10/12 Speed Road Bike
I am looking for recommendations on a 10 or 12 speed road bike with stem-mounted shifters that would be good for commuting and causal rides and which cost around $100 (though I know YMMV with prices). I don’t really know These bikes at all, as I’ve only ever ridden a 3-speed, but I’m anxious to get started!
Last edited by poetman; 06-14-21 at 03:14 PM.
06-14-21, 02:19 PM
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Rabbit ear shifters = stem mounted shift levers?
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06-14-21, 02:37 PM
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At that price, I’d grab anything you could find in your size or invent a time machine.
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06-14-21, 03:14 PM
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06-14-21, 03:28 PM
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I am looking for recommendations on a 10 or 12 speed road bike with stem-mounted shifters that would be good for commuting and causal rides and which cost around $100 (though I know YMMV with prices). I don’t really know These bikes at all, as I’ve only ever ridden a 3-speed, but I’m anxious to get started!
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06-14-21, 03:41 PM
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Go on your local Craigslist and sort by price, lowest to highest.
There were dozens of companies in the 1970s who made bikes fitting your criteria. Looking for something specific, at your price point and experience level, is a great way to overlook possibilities and end up disappointed.
If you just want something to ride, fit (size) is far more important than manufacturer. A bike from a famous maker like Peugeot or Raleigh in the wrong size is useless to you. A bike the right size by a company you’ve never heard of would be great.
There were dozens of companies in the 1970s who made bikes fitting your criteria. Looking for something specific, at your price point and experience level, is a great way to overlook possibilities and end up disappointed.
If you just want something to ride, fit (size) is far more important than manufacturer. A bike from a famous maker like Peugeot or Raleigh in the wrong size is useless to you. A bike the right size by a company you’ve never heard of would be great.
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06-14-21, 04:29 PM
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06-14-21, 04:39 PM
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Previous post...
"Thank you all very much for your helpful replies. I am not sure what my size is. I think my Raleigh sports is a 22” or 23”. The Ironman was 22” and perfect; the Technium was 21” and fine.
I have checked out Randy’s site, but I was more interested in hearing you share makes/models that I should look out for.
While I am in a pretty premium bike city (Boston), Craigslist deals do appear for those patient English to wait.
On a side note, I am looking at a Shogun sport touring city bike but am uncertain if it would fit. The seller says it’s a
“24-1/2” Tange Champion lugged frame with
Friction shifters, 6x3 Shimano Deore”
but he says it “fits a 6’ +/- rider. I’m 5-10.5” and its ok”
"Thank you all very much for your helpful replies. I am not sure what my size is. I think my Raleigh sports is a 22” or 23”. The Ironman was 22” and perfect; the Technium was 21” and fine.
I have checked out Randy’s site, but I was more interested in hearing you share makes/models that I should look out for.
While I am in a pretty premium bike city (Boston), Craigslist deals do appear for those patient English to wait.
On a side note, I am looking at a Shogun sport touring city bike but am uncertain if it would fit. The seller says it’s a
“24-1/2” Tange Champion lugged frame with
Friction shifters, 6x3 Shimano Deore”
but he says it “fits a 6’ +/- rider. I’m 5-10.5” and its ok”
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06-14-21, 05:05 PM
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https://boston.craigslist.org/bmw/bi...329352479.html
https://boston.craigslist.org/nos/bi...335655611.html
https://boston.craigslist.org/nos/bi...329572041.html
That third one, a Shogun, is the best of the three. It’s also been listed for weeks, so the seller might be willing to take less.
https://boston.craigslist.org/nos/bi...335655611.html
https://boston.craigslist.org/nos/bi...329572041.html
That third one, a Shogun, is the best of the three. It’s also been listed for weeks, so the seller might be willing to take less.
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06-14-21, 05:15 PM
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I would recommend looking on Craigslist for a vintage road bike that you like the look of and that fits. Naming anything special is not really important since your goal is not anything special. There will, most likely, be lots to choose from if you persist and look every day. If you do see what you like/want, do not waste time. Pounce immediately or you just might miss your chance. Or, as others have suggested, if the bike has been listed for a while, negotiation just might get you a better deal.
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06-15-21, 02:36 AM
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craigslist is your friend... if you are in boston the above Shogun is the way to go -
try to find a nice cheap set of alloy wheels and it will look great
https://boston.craigslist.org/nos/bi...329572041.html
try to find a nice cheap set of alloy wheels and it will look great
https://boston.craigslist.org/nos/bi...329572041.html
Last edited by hose; 06-15-21 at 02:40 AM.
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06-15-21, 06:10 AM
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+1 on that third listing for the Shogun. Looks to be in great shape and a higher-end build than it deserves to be for $100 in Boston
I'm betting you want a 23"/58cm frame as an ideal, and not the taller 24"+ frames
I'm betting you want a 23"/58cm frame as an ideal, and not the taller 24"+ frames
https://boston.craigslist.org/bmw/bi...329352479.html
https://boston.craigslist.org/nos/bi...335655611.html
https://boston.craigslist.org/nos/bi...329572041.html
That third one, a Shogun, is the best of the three. It’s also been listed for weeks, so the seller might be willing to take less.
https://boston.craigslist.org/nos/bi...335655611.html
https://boston.craigslist.org/nos/bi...329572041.html
That third one, a Shogun, is the best of the three. It’s also been listed for weeks, so the seller might be willing to take less.
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06-15-21, 06:26 AM
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The OP is looking for a rideable $100 bike in Boston.
In the DC market, I've scanned briefly at the $100 price point. I'm seeing a mid 70s Schwinn LeTour that meets his criteria at $80. And a pretty nice Bridgestone Altair at $99 - this probably would be more bike than he needs.
So, there may be something to be found for him.
In the DC market, I've scanned briefly at the $100 price point. I'm seeing a mid 70s Schwinn LeTour that meets his criteria at $80. And a pretty nice Bridgestone Altair at $99 - this probably would be more bike than he needs.
So, there may be something to be found for him.
06-15-21, 07:53 AM
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FWIW. I've been having better luck with FB Marketplace than with Craigslist of late. Even then, it's a matter of luck and/or being willing to do my own repairs and overhaul.
06-15-21, 10:10 AM
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Even in Southern California , $100 will buy an entry level vintage ten speed. You may have to put tires and cables on it , but that can be negotiated at time of sale. Craigslist has been very productive but now there are other sites that are pretty good as well.
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06-15-21, 12:47 PM
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Heck -- $20 got me this, at a yard sale, but that was ca. 2000 pricing. 
It originally had an ugly dull red paint job, no fancy white head tube, no downtube decals, but it was in working order, with the OEM Weinmann brakes and a nice Nervar Star Crankset, which I put back on after the Campag. cracked. Front Campag. Gran Sport pushrod derailleur was worn out, but my newer replacement was another cheap yard sale find. Be flexible and keep looking. Happy hunting! The thrill of the chase is half the fun.
1973 Brooks Pro on the 1959 Capo. Still serviceable, plan to put on a different bike. Campag. crankset shown
It originally had an ugly dull red paint job, no fancy white head tube, no downtube decals, but it was in working order, with the OEM Weinmann brakes and a nice Nervar Star Crankset, which I put back on after the Campag. cracked. Front Campag. Gran Sport pushrod derailleur was worn out, but my newer replacement was another cheap yard sale find. Be flexible and keep looking. Happy hunting! The thrill of the chase is half the fun.1973 Brooks Pro on the 1959 Capo. Still serviceable, plan to put on a different bike. Campag. crankset shown
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Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
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"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
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Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
06-15-21, 02:45 PM
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Thanks, everyone for these helpful replies! My biggest problem is that I am finding a number of bikes in my budget but have no idea which brand/model is better. Also, am I correct that size is determined by measuring the venter of the peda sprocket to the top tube? Thank you!Motobecane Super Mirage
schwin Caliente
Aerowind
Puch Parhfinder, Cavette
Fuji Sport, Gran Tour
Miyata
Soma Generation
Univega
schwin Caliente
Aerowind
Puch Parhfinder, Cavette
Fuji Sport, Gran Tour
Miyata
Soma Generation
Univega
06-15-21, 08:26 PM
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Make sure your budget includes repairs. Most budget bikes need tires/tubes. What Suoer Mirage are you looking at?
06-15-21, 08:41 PM
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Thanks, everyone for these helpful replies! My biggest problem is that I am finding a number of bikes in my budget but have no idea which brand/model is better. Also, am I correct that size is determined by measuring the venter of the peda sprocket to the top tube? Thank you!Motobecane Super Mirage
schwin Caliente
Aerowind
Puch Parhfinder, Cavette
Fuji Sport, Gran Tour
Miyata
Soma Generation
Univega
schwin Caliente
Aerowind
Puch Parhfinder, Cavette
Fuji Sport, Gran Tour
Miyata
Soma Generation
Univega
. The suggested bikes above are good deals which are rideable for 30+ mile journeys. There's a whole lot of **** on Craigslist and the above posts picked some good ones. Size is irrelevant unless ur 5 foot 4 or you have no idea what you're doing and buy too small of a bike. U should Be able to spot a bike that is too large immediately. I'm done
06-15-21, 08:45 PM
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Thanks, everyone for these helpful replies! My biggest problem is that I am finding a number of bikes in my budget but have no idea which brand/model is better. Also, am I correct that size is determined by measuring the venter of the peda sprocket to the top tube? Thank you!Motobecane Super Mirage
schwin Caliente
Aerowind
Puch Parhfinder, Cavette
Fuji Sport, Gran Tour
Miyata
Soma Generation
Univega
schwin Caliente
Aerowind
Puch Parhfinder, Cavette
Fuji Sport, Gran Tour
Miyata
Soma Generation
Univega
Yes, frame size is measured from the center of the bottom bracket (i.e. where the crank arm revolves around its attachment to the frame) along the seat tube to the top of the top tube.
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06-16-21, 12:26 AM
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$66.95 CND on Kijiji just three or four days ago (had to drive a hundred miles to get it, though)...
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06-16-21, 09:33 AM
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Looks like someone is retiring their commuter. Good candidate for your purpose.
