longhitv

Good Morning. Ill post here in Classic too

I picked up a 1982 Raleigh before Christmas for $50, added some new NOS Suntour parts and it’s tuned, works so so and I’ve been riding a little. (I understand that this bike is base with the basic parts). I don’t think it’s worth investing much more on such a basic bike.

I’m 6’3 225lbs and looking to get back down to my 207lb weight. So a 59-61 cm frame

I don’t want to do long 100 km plus rides. I don’t want to do Vancouver to Squamish or to Whistler rides.

I’m looking mostly to just ride from Coquitlam to Langley or Pitt Meadows 20km maybe 30km return. Flat surfaces on a Sunny Saturday or Sunday morning. Have a coffee somewhere and head back done by 10am. Likely I’ll be solo, but at times a friend or two may jump in.

I don’t think I want a newer Carbon frame. Everyone in my office seems to have Treks and Giants and $900-1200 used bikes and that’s great, it’s just not me. I kind of like antiquated classic stuff. I have friends with very expensive $13k plus bikes, I don’t want to ride with them or keep up. Nor would I want a set up like that.

Looking for some advice on a new set up.

Do I get a Bianchi, an Aluminum Alan or Vitus or Orbea, or find a nice mid 90s Masi bike. I likely won’t do a lot of hills so this is flat riding to get a sweat going and lose a few pounds. (Fairly active anyways, runs, gym etc). Campagnolo gear I’m guessing will be the better choice with lightweight aluminum or Reynolds wheels. Steel or Aluminum frames?

I’m happy to splurge a little for that Celeste green Bianchi colour just so that when I’m having coffee it’s a little different than all the Carbon bikes. Wouldn’t mind some advice on Alloy versus steel, lightweight wheel choices or ideas. Or if someone has something cool for me they may want to sell.

My budget is under $1000 give or take. Which – seems like there is a lot of choice out there.

niliraga 

well this would indicate that you have landed in pretty much the exact right place. welcome, friend! buckle up because opinions will be forthcoming...

For flattish group rides of 20-40kms, that's about the perfect "sunday driver" mission. Much like how the polished vintage mercedes benz come out to tool along scenic routes on sunny weekends, $1000 could go quite far on a handbuilt steel road bike that would have been top of its game in the 70s or 80s, and for rides like the ones you describe, you could have even more fun - and not lose out from a functionality perspective - leaving it bone stock. (well, maybe except for modern tires & pads & cables, which make life noticeably safer/easier)

mstateglfr 

I would say that looking for a specific bike model or even brand will unnecessarily limit you from a bunch of potentially great options.
trek, miyata, Cannondale, univega, centurion, schwinn, etc etc etc- all have really nice options in the 15year time frame you mention.
Search for frame size first, price second, then cosmetic/mechanical condition third. This will increase bike options.

mackgoo

As a Bianchi guy I'd say go for a Bianchi. I have been itching for a 3V lately thought. Need to get one from the Vigorelli though, not Carlsbad.

bikemig 

Good advice not to focus on a specific brand but to look for a quality bike that fits you.

One thing you should care about is how big a tire the bike can fit. It doesn't sound like you're racing and there are a number of quality 32c (and wider) tires being made. So my vote would be to get what would have been called a sports touring bike back in the day as those came with long reach brakes and can generally take a 32c tire.

Here is a thread with a whole bunch of pictures:

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...g-bicycle.html

These bikes have eyelets and clearance for fenders. Given that you live in the Pacific NW, that means you can run fenders if you decide to ride on a non-sunny day. They have rain in the Pacific NW, right?

Spaghetti Legs 

It doesn’t sound like you’ll be asking too much of your bike, performance wise and for 25-40 km rides, I don’t think material will make that much difference either, provided you have the right fit. I like your idea to ride a bike different from the big brand crowd. A frame from mid 90’s on will have 130 mm rear spacing, making it easier to fit a modern 10 or 11 speed groupset on.

randyjawa 

I is not, necessarily, a great idea to go for exotic bikes that feature high end tube sets (such sets are fragile and easily dented). I have restored and ridden lots of top dogs. These days, I believe that a more entry level bicycle, with ordinary tubes and relaxed geometry proves to be a more comfortable ride. My latest build, a late sixties (I think) Torpado, soon to be offered for sale (just got too many bikes).

So, were I you, I would look for something that fits (if it does not fit, look elsewhere) and is all there (costly to find correct vintage components these days). A lower tier bike will be more available and certainly cost less. A lower tier bike is just a good to learn bicycle mechanics on as a top of the liner.

Anyway, don't turn your nose up at lower end stuff. This bike set me back less than three hundred dollars, fully street restored, total (still have to buy tires). I should add that this one sports steel wheel rims - you want alloy. The bike is now finished, road worthy and safe to ride...

Wildwood 

First, welcome to BikeForum.

Second, I ride your size frames and live in your wettish climate.

My rules for buying a bike would be
1. Must fit. Hopefully, my present and future more fit (as defined by you) sizing needs. Lose 20lbs + gain fitness and certain things will change.
2. Does the frameset meets my needs? Quick handler or slack angles for added stability? Want wide tires for comfort? Need fenders to keep it clean?
3. Does it make me smile? or Want to ride. Some people like red or chrome or saddle bags....


I think about gearing needs. Long slog Vancouver to Whistler for someone not quite in shape.
Downtube shifting or everything on the bars?

For used bikes the major consideration is the integrity of the frame, so know how to check that.
You've done the component repairs/upgrade thing.
The brand of the particular bike would not matter to me, assuming it contributes to Rule3 above.
Personally, I'm happy & satisfied on 70s,80's, 90's, 00's bikes,

For flat rides around the town sportily to lose weight, I'd pick sport geometry (not a full race geo). Room for fenders with at least 28mm tires.
Good luck.

Classtime 

Fix this one up. (I predict that 20-30k of soft
pedaling won’t satisfy you for long.)


https://vancouver.craigslist.org/van...259194220.html

longhitv

This is great guys. Please keep it coming.
Actually I was motivated today in Pitt Meadows and took off for a short ride. The bike I have really is a tough bike. Its not well sorted and as a friend says its a crappy bike with even crappier gear that is not working. I could have run faster I feel.

I want it to be tough yes. But fun too.

To understand my geometry better is is best to head a bike shop and start getting fitted.

If I keep what I have Ill have a heart attack or thighs like Arnold.

Classtime 

Skip the bike shop fitting. You'll have more fun letting us fit you😇 I'm not seriously kidding. Also, getting your current ride tuned and more fun to ride is a priceless experience. I don't think you told us what model Raleigh you're riding.

niliraga 

Classtime nailed it! yep, get this one and you'd be pretty much set for the logical step onwards from a hi-tensile steel Raleigh. we could collectively help you sort out what needs to be done - It's not top-top of the line steel, but it's italian and it's eighties-colourful and you'll be having way more fun than the deadly serious carbon and matt black army. especially if you leave those paint dings as they are. =)

edit: though at 6'3 i suspect this frame too small, unless you went with the more modern look of long seatpost & stem...

longhitv

Yes Unfortunately the frame is to small.
Im 6'3

I sold my Raleigh today.
So, my horizon is open.

squirtdad

from vancouver craigslist OP size, looks like it is ready to go...new tires, looks like new, newish brake pads. check it out and you have a ride now, while you look out for your next one (n+1)

Road bike - Kuwahara - $575

https://vancouver.craigslist.org/van...273831654.html

Large frame 60cm / 24” inch (Made in Japan)
Full All Original Components set
Shimano Exage Sport SLR
Bronze 700c Araya rims plus Brand New Michelin tires
Selle Italia saddle
Brand new pads
-Full Service

homelessjoe

What you want is a chrome moly double butted touring bike.....youre a big guy.....you need a strong and stable frame...... touring bikes have extra strong frames and strong wheels....plus they are more comfortable to ride than bikes with racing geometry......they are more stable at slower speeds.....and the gearing makes them easy to ride.........youll ride longer go farther see more stuff have more fun.........a 61cm Masi or any racing frame with a 225 lb rider will be pretty noodley and unstable....Im a big guy too............check out a Miyata 1000 or a 610............Trek 520 or a 720 if you can find one.............Specialized Expedition from the 80s...........Raleigh Portage........Fuji Grand Tour......Bianchi make a couple of touring bikes.....these are all beautiful highly desirable rides.......you might have to search a bit ..........these models are in pretty. big demand right now......

Classtime 

Regarding size: My son is 6' 2" and I was 5' 10". We have the same saddle height.

squirtdad

IMHO touring is an option, but not a requirement I am at 245 (and have been higher) and have been fine on multple race oriented frams (miyata 1400, de rosa, miyata team)

Mr. 66

A few favorite steel, rack and fender compatibles. For the non fashionable rider in your size






Damm, I have more Trek than I thought.

Spaghetti Legs 

Likewise I’m 6’2” and ride 56-57 cm frames. In your shoes, I’d try an online fit calculator until you get to the point you want to drop a lot more than 1k on a bike.

longhitv

I think there are plenty of bikes out there for $1000 or under classic or new. Last year a friend picked up a 2010 or 2011 Felt A1 aluminum race bike. He paid $500 cdn. I would have easily bought it and had left over for a second bike.

I cant spend more than that. I have other hobbies and I dont feel people need a $5000 bike unless they are actually competing.

Gary Fountain

Now the Raleigh is gone I reckon you need a celeste Bianchi with a 61cm c to c seat tube. At 6' 3" I think a bike like an aluminium ALAN, in your size, may be hard to find and I wouldn't trust the integrity of a 'screwed and glued' ALAN in that size. I must say that I have owned a smaller (59cm) ALAN for about 30 years and it's still perfectly good. I just think you are attracted to the celeste colour and you would be happy with it's appearance - which is important.

Hang out for a reasonably priced Bianchi.

squirtdad

longhitv they are out there..... these are from vancouver craigslist. not all are OP's size but some that are close may be worth looking at, but gives an idea of the market.

it also seems bikes may go fast as none of these were on the list on friday and the kuwhara i posted on friday is gone

miele $300 58cm (looks bit bigger, but hard to tell) would be worth checking out to see if i would fit https://vancouver.craigslist.org/rds...274327123.html

Serrota $900 56cm would be a heck of bike but small for OP campy 8 speed brifters https://vancouver.craigslist.org/van...274432296.html

norco $500 big. probably too big... seems overpriced as needs TLC https://vancouver.craigslist.org/van...274432296.html

Bianchi $545 not celeste big 65cm https://vancouver.craigslist.org/van...274261165.html

miyata $390 56 cm so small https://vancouver.craigslist.org/nvn...274239622.html

Nishki $320 63.5 cm I would check this one out https://vancouver.craigslist.org/nvn...274207114.html

bOsscO

Hey longhitv I'm in New Westminster and keep my eye on the local CL for various interesting bikes. I'm also 6'-3" and just over 200lbs.
I agree with Squirtdad above that Serotta looks like what you described as your desired bike. 56 maybe too small but worth going to see it and throw a leg over to check fit.
You may also want to reach out to one or more of the local cycling clubs to see if any members are considering selling bikes in your size and price range. Tri Cities is close to you; https://www.tccyclingclub.com/

longhitv

I looked at the Nikishi but it had all the same Suntour stuff I had on the Raleigh. A friend of mine told me its obvious that I want the steel tube or aluminum tube look.

And told me to look for Dura-ace groupset or Ultergra groupset. Campagnolo gear is great but may be too much.

Mr. 66

There is a bike coop in Vancouver, they may be able to help you source.