Best Bang-for-Buck in bikes/parts/accessories aka "Thrifty Cyclist 101"
10-06-21, 05:37 AM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Best Bang-for-Buck in bikes/parts/accessories aka "Thrifty Cyclist 101"
Starting this thread was inspired by stuff that's way better than you'd expect at that price point. I hope we can compile a list of tips and hints here, what to look for etc.
It's widely known that great deals can be found at yard sales, co-ops and even the the dumpster (see "Catch of the Day / saved from the dump" thread).
My idea here is to focus on bike related stuff that tends to be undervalued considering it's quality, practical functionality, durability etc.
In short, to provide a resource for those of us who don't want to shell out big bucks.
It's widely known that great deals can be found at yard sales, co-ops and even the the dumpster (see "Catch of the Day / saved from the dump" thread).
My idea here is to focus on bike related stuff that tends to be undervalued considering it's quality, practical functionality, durability etc.
In short, to provide a resource for those of us who don't want to shell out big bucks.
10-06-21, 09:50 AM
#2
Thrifty Bill
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Here in the USA, FB marketplace. Find a lesser known brand with excellent parts. Buyers tend to focus on particular brands and models. As a result, these lesser known brands can linger. Bought a Quintana Roo once that was actually a Merlin Ti frame with full Dura Ace components.
FB marketplace right now tends to be GREAT for buyers, LOUSY for sellers. Varies by location.
Some additional examples:
Bought a Recherche, overlooked as very few were made (about 200). Dave Moulton build.
Bought a Mongoose, brand name destroyed by their connection to Walmart, full Campagnolo.
Bought two chrome Katakura Silks.
Focus on components, and not brand, and you can do very well.
Another source is a well known model, but with serious damage. Bought a 1973 Paramount, frame was a lost cause. But it came with all the original Campagnolo parts. Paid $200 for it. No one wanted it.
FB marketplace is SO SCREWED UP for sellers. As a buyer, if you are looking for bikes, you will find them under:
1. Fishing Equipment
2. Hobbies
3. Miscellaneous
4. Outdoor equipment.
Stupid, really stupid.
FB marketplace right now tends to be GREAT for buyers, LOUSY for sellers. Varies by location.
Some additional examples:
Bought a Recherche, overlooked as very few were made (about 200). Dave Moulton build.
Bought a Mongoose, brand name destroyed by their connection to Walmart, full Campagnolo.
Bought two chrome Katakura Silks.
Focus on components, and not brand, and you can do very well.
Another source is a well known model, but with serious damage. Bought a 1973 Paramount, frame was a lost cause. But it came with all the original Campagnolo parts. Paid $200 for it. No one wanted it.
FB marketplace is SO SCREWED UP for sellers. As a buyer, if you are looking for bikes, you will find them under:
1. Fishing Equipment
2. Hobbies
3. Miscellaneous
4. Outdoor equipment.
Stupid, really stupid.
Last edited by wrk101; 10-06-21 at 10:02 AM.
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10-06-21, 10:29 AM
#3
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Seconding FB Marketplace and wading through lots of junk for the treasure - and be prepared to scrub away dirt and grease if you're lucky, and rust if you're not. My FB finds this year include -
1988 Centurion LeMans (Tange no.2 w/ Mangaloy forks and stays, Exage Sports components), my size, $35 - yes, mismatched replacement wheel and lots of scrapes and rust in the finish. Bigger yes to Shimano Exage Sports parts which work wonderfully and are under the radar, and oh, my YES to the ride quality. Someone forgot to tell this bike it's a low mid-range velo built to a price point, it handles beautifully.
1988 Specialized Sirrus, Biopace chainrings replaced with nice round ones, otherwise box stock - $50. The Sirrus and the Allez shared the same frameset 1987-1989, just harder paint and Shimano 600 on the Allez vs. 105 parts on the Sirrus. Good luck feeling the difference. Holy WOW, is this bike fun, as in, zippier handling and yet still comfortable, like something you would pay large $$$$ to some guy in the basement of the Vigorelli to build for you and slap your team sponsor's colors on. Both this and the Centurion surprised me beyond words. I did not expect to like them so much.
1989 Schwinn LeTour, Greenville Mississippi-built of True Temper double-butted tubing - $15. Yes, it's a basket case. Yes, I have it mothballed for the next run of the Clunker Challenge. But $15 for lugged double-butted U.S.-built goodness in my size with full SunTour accushift? All day long!
If you are patient - TANDEMS. There's a lovely Trek T200 sitting up just over the NC line for $300 - that one is on CL. On FB Marketplace I keep running up on tandems as well. If you are patient and can go do the drive to retrieve it, there are a surprising number of nice, if older, tandems popping up.
Other notes - the Ubiquitous Japanese Bikes of yore are out there and sometimes very cheap; the lugged stuff out of Taiwan by Merida and Giant, when built with good tubing, is really, really fine; Exage/RX100/RSX parts work about as well as their pricier brothers; and above all, PATIENCE. It helps to be relatively close to some major metropolitan areas, and being able to drive an hour or so to grab something doesn't hurt. It helps to just double-check frequently - my Centurion had been listed for maybe 5 minutes when I grabbed it.
Good luck!
1988 Centurion LeMans (Tange no.2 w/ Mangaloy forks and stays, Exage Sports components), my size, $35 - yes, mismatched replacement wheel and lots of scrapes and rust in the finish. Bigger yes to Shimano Exage Sports parts which work wonderfully and are under the radar, and oh, my YES to the ride quality. Someone forgot to tell this bike it's a low mid-range velo built to a price point, it handles beautifully.
1988 Specialized Sirrus, Biopace chainrings replaced with nice round ones, otherwise box stock - $50. The Sirrus and the Allez shared the same frameset 1987-1989, just harder paint and Shimano 600 on the Allez vs. 105 parts on the Sirrus. Good luck feeling the difference. Holy WOW, is this bike fun, as in, zippier handling and yet still comfortable, like something you would pay large $$$$ to some guy in the basement of the Vigorelli to build for you and slap your team sponsor's colors on. Both this and the Centurion surprised me beyond words. I did not expect to like them so much.
1989 Schwinn LeTour, Greenville Mississippi-built of True Temper double-butted tubing - $15. Yes, it's a basket case. Yes, I have it mothballed for the next run of the Clunker Challenge. But $15 for lugged double-butted U.S.-built goodness in my size with full SunTour accushift? All day long!
If you are patient - TANDEMS. There's a lovely Trek T200 sitting up just over the NC line for $300 - that one is on CL. On FB Marketplace I keep running up on tandems as well. If you are patient and can go do the drive to retrieve it, there are a surprising number of nice, if older, tandems popping up.
Other notes - the Ubiquitous Japanese Bikes of yore are out there and sometimes very cheap; the lugged stuff out of Taiwan by Merida and Giant, when built with good tubing, is really, really fine; Exage/RX100/RSX parts work about as well as their pricier brothers; and above all, PATIENCE. It helps to be relatively close to some major metropolitan areas, and being able to drive an hour or so to grab something doesn't hurt. It helps to just double-check frequently - my Centurion had been listed for maybe 5 minutes when I grabbed it.
Good luck!
10-06-21, 11:01 AM
#5
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Bike Ribbon bar tape from Pink Jersey is pretty nice and since Fizik no longer makes a thin tape with tapered edges BR Pro is my go to tape and only 19 bucks free shipping.
Local REI Coop for shimano SS cables at 3 bucks each.
Use and RE-USE kerosene for cleaner/degreaser.
Local REI Coop for shimano SS cables at 3 bucks each.
Use and RE-USE kerosene for cleaner/degreaser.
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I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs.
I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs.
10-06-21, 02:07 PM
#7
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N-Gear Jump Stop, a great device for those of us who love our triple cranks. What made them particularly endearing when first introduced was that you got one for free from the inventor, Nick, and paid him ($10, as I recall) after you were satisfied!
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10-06-21, 02:41 PM
#8
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I assume you mean specific items to look for that are undervalued.
Donor bikes with Shimano 105 wheels and components. Usually fly under the radar a bit and the 105 hubs are usually smooth as silk.
All of the bikes that feature SunTour stuff from the late 70s to mid 80s. You can often find bikes with Cyclone items...
Trek Fast Tracks. Shimano RSX equipped but hard to find.
Donor bikes with Shimano 105 wheels and components. Usually fly under the radar a bit and the 105 hubs are usually smooth as silk.
All of the bikes that feature SunTour stuff from the late 70s to mid 80s. You can often find bikes with Cyclone items...
Trek Fast Tracks. Shimano RSX equipped but hard to find.
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1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super
10-06-21, 02:56 PM
#9
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MKS pedals. They’re not cheap but the quality for the price is amazing. Rebuildable!!
Ball bearings off eBay. You can find high quality for very reasonable prices.
Ball bearings off eBay. You can find high quality for very reasonable prices.
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10-06-21, 02:59 PM
#10
Member
Here in the USA, FB marketplace. Find a lesser known brand with excellent parts. Buyers tend to focus on particular brands and models. As a result, these lesser known brands can linger. Bought a Quintana Roo once that was actually a Merlin Ti frame with full Dura Ace components.
FB marketplace right now tends to be GREAT for buyers, LOUSY for sellers. Varies by location.
Some additional examples:
Bought a Recherche, overlooked as very few were made (about 200). Dave Moulton build.
Bought a Mongoose, brand name destroyed by their connection to Walmart, full Campagnolo.
Bought two chrome Katakura Silks.
Focus on components, and not brand, and you can do very well.
Another source is a well known model, but with serious damage. Bought a 1973 Paramount, frame was a lost cause. But it came with all the original Campagnolo parts. Paid $200 for it. No one wanted it.
FB marketplace is SO SCREWED UP for sellers. As a buyer, if you are looking for bikes, you will find them under:
1. Fishing Equipment
2. Hobbies
3. Miscellaneous
4. Outdoor equipment.
Stupid, really stupid.
FB marketplace right now tends to be GREAT for buyers, LOUSY for sellers. Varies by location.
Some additional examples:
Bought a Recherche, overlooked as very few were made (about 200). Dave Moulton build.
Bought a Mongoose, brand name destroyed by their connection to Walmart, full Campagnolo.
Bought two chrome Katakura Silks.
Focus on components, and not brand, and you can do very well.
Another source is a well known model, but with serious damage. Bought a 1973 Paramount, frame was a lost cause. But it came with all the original Campagnolo parts. Paid $200 for it. No one wanted it.
FB marketplace is SO SCREWED UP for sellers. As a buyer, if you are looking for bikes, you will find them under:
1. Fishing Equipment
2. Hobbies
3. Miscellaneous
4. Outdoor equipment.
Stupid, really stupid.
. The one good thing is it at least has an idea of what you might be looking for, so sometimes you might see something useful in a category you might not usually check on craigslist or something.
10-08-21, 12:33 PM
#14
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On the MKS and IMO the regular versions of Sylvan, touring, stream, track etc. are a fantastic value at $30-$40 with shipping just on efbay.Bullet proof, literally last forever regardless of your maintenance program, easily one of the best values in all of cycling.
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10-08-21, 12:35 PM
#15
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cheap (free) motel style shower caps, instead of cycling specific helmet covers
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