RoadWearier

This has been on here a while. Assuming it doesn't need anything what should I offer? I realize this is a department store bike but something about those are nostalgic to me. I was thinking $60 but maybe it's not even worth that. Looks like it says Murray on it but the tires wner can't say much more about it.

TugaDude

It is a Ross, albeit a lower-end one. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ross_(bicycle_company)

Some of the components look decent. Nothing special, but clean at least. Doubt the bike saw much road time.

And as always, we need to know what your desire is based on. Are you wanting a cheap rider that if it gets stolen from the bike rack isn't going to be the end of the world? Are you hoping to refurbish it and make a buck?

Values would differ possibly in either case, and then the biggest and most important question is, if you do with to ride it, would it even fit you?

RoadWearier

All good questions. I'd like a city bike I can also take on 10-20 mile rides Not looking to profit but would like to break even if I don't like it.

Insidious C. 

Paint and chrome look nice enough. I think $60 is about right if bearings feel okay and wheels spin true. Also check that the tires are good as the cost of replacing the tires approaches what you are prepared to pay for the entire bike. Good luck!

plonz 

Nostalgic bike to toodle around the neighborhood is fine at $60. Expect to enjoy anything more out of this bike and you'd be better off building your budget for something nicer.

RoadWearier

Yah I'm assuming 27 inch rims. Are tires more costly for that size?

CliffordK

That is a unique very tall bike. 62cm? Are you a little over 6 foot tall?

27" is still widely available, although the selection is a bit more limited to 700c (and various 700c derivatives). They may even sell tires at your favorite department store.

Around here I wouldn't expect a bike that was ready to ride to be less than $100.

On the flip side, I consider every bike that I get as needing a full tuneup, unless perhaps it was bought from a bike flipper that can tell you what has been done (greasing hubs, headset, bottom bracket, new cables, etc).

Chuck M 

It looks a bit tall so unless you are too it isn't worth it. But if it fits, and the the tubes and tires don't need replaced as others have mentioned, and you want it, $60 is fair enough IMHO

RoadWearier

Yeah I thought it looked tall too but I'm not the greatest judge by pics alone. I'm only 5'10 so maybe I won't bother

CliffordK

You can probably ride it. But it is a bit on the large size. Some people don't like the top tube right in their crotch, although really, one doesn't smash oneself getting on and off.

For vintage road bikes, you can roughly gauge the size by looking at the head tube length, as well as the rear seat stay design.

A bike with about that long of a head tube will be in the range of 60cm to 62cm.
A bike with the top tube and down tube more or less meeting together will be somewhere around 50cm.

You'll probably be most comfortable on a bike around 55cm to 56cm. That will be halfway between those two.

There are, of course, even taller frames. Consider double that headtube length will be about 70cm, and difficult to ride without stilts.

Vintage MTBs and cyclocross bikes will have more space around the tires, and it throws the estimates off a bit. More modern bikes have similar theoretical measurements, but will have a sloping top tube which makes them harder to evaluate.

bikemig 

That bike is too large and you can do better at $60.

RoadWearier

That's a good rule of thumb. I'll have to remember that. Thanks

TugaDude

You’d be better off looking for something closer to 56cm to 57cm probably. That one is too big IMHO.

RoadWearier

You are probably right....see my other post and tell me your thoughts...it might be too big although I look weird on a 56cm bike. I think because I have a long torso and am broad up top I look like a gorilla riding a tricycle. This other one is a 58cm

RoadWearier

Tell me if you think the other bike is too big if you don't mind. It's a 58.

RoadWearier

this is a "Schwinn 4130" no other info right now

It's a 58cm but last rider was 6ft. I feel weird Android look weird on a 56cm or medium 17.5 hybrid and prefer 20 inch hybrid. By the books the 58cm might be too big but I thought it's worth a shot? Think it's a leTour of some type?

TugaDude

It might work. Top tube length is also important. Stand over is less important than how it fits when you are actually ride. Several of mine have little to no clearance, but feel perfect when pedaling. Never once caused any issues.

58cm is possible and to me the bike is an upgrade over the Ross.

bikemig 

Hard to tell what it is, those are poor pics (I know they are not yours). You need something around a 56-57 and can likely ride a 58 as well. Also it matters whether the bike is measured center to center or center to top.

You should start a separate thread in C&V valuation saying something like WTB a bike. In that thread, tell folks how tall you are (leg inseam matters more than height but height gives you a ballpark idea) and where you live. The posters will track down bikes for you. There's nothing better than spending someone else's money, right? You can put on bikes you like as well. That way you'll have an idea of which bikes are good for you to think about buying.

RoadWearier

Sound advice. Thanks

Chuck M 

I'm thinking if you have a long torso, your legs are going to be a bit shorter. I'm also 5'-10" and this bike is a 23"/58cm. I love riding this bike and everything feels great when riding it. However there is zero standover clearance and it is probably as tall as I would want to go. Both of the bikes you are looking at appear to be in a condition you should be able to "try them on for size". What you feel like on the bike is going to be more important IMHO than what you think you look like. A bike that doesn't fit is not going to be a good purchase if you can't enjoy riding it.

Insidious C. 

I hate to say it but bike #2 is not 58cm. I would guess more like 61cm. Don't be discouraged. You will find the perfect bike soon enough.

TugaDude

Yeah, now that I look more closely it does appear to be larger than 58cm. Probably a 25" frame.

RoadWearier

Yeah I'm passing. I'm back to the Trek 7000 (FX?) Hybrid that's somewhat close to me. We couldn't get our schedules in line last weekend

Schweinhund

check the older ads on offerup, you can get a deal sometimes.
https://offerup.com/item/detail/4685...ed956a1?q=bike
Who knows if its still out there, but it's worth asking about. And if they still have it, offer half of asking.

RoadWearier

Ok cool. They sent me a phone code. Is this site legit?