1001stories

Hi! I'm looking into a Columbia 3 speed on CL. I'm a relatively novice cyclist and would be using this for short 1-3 mile errands around town. Thoughts?

www[dot]boston[dot]craigslist[dot]org/gbs/bid/6127077970

AlexCyclistRoch

Link doesn't work.

squirtdad

is it like this one? https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bik/6123018667.html

if so not terribly high end, heavy frame, steel rims, shimano 333 3 speed most likely

this would work for 1-3 mile commute, and not likely be a theft magnet.

steel rims mean not as good braking, especially in the rain, new pads would help.

my first multispeed bike was a columbia like this in gold....... i rode that all over my town and even a few long rides for a merit badge

noglider 

It might work well.

John E

... if you can stop it in the rain or after riding through a puddle. I hate steel rims.

cycleheimer

These bikes were not very well made. They are also heavy, and not that great to ride. You can often find Trek Multi-Track hybrids, or similar hybrids, from the 90's in that price range. They are very versatile. Might be something to consider.

Andrew R Stewart 

The common 1970s /1980s steel everything 3-spds are great for their low cost, simple maintenance, sloppy construction, very upright rider position, lack of effective braking and easily blimped rims. But they do have a certain appeal. Just like Chevy Impalas and Dodge Darts.


Active riders will soon start to think about upgrades, alloy rims and nice tires being #1, alloy bars, stems, posts, brakes are the usual next level. Then comes the harder to find 1/2" nice pedals and expensive leather seats. But one will still be left with a clunker design. Enjoy it for what it is. Andy

The Golden Boy 

I wouldn't.

And it's really expensive for what it is.

If you could get the price to about 1/5th of that, I'd consider it- but definitely not at that price.

I understand the 3 speed thing and the whole retro thing- but there's "old bikes" and "'good'" old bikes. You don't need a high end machine, you don't need a "racing" bike- but find out what makes a "good" bike. Ask questions.

If you've got a $100-ish budget- there's a whole lot of options on the Boston CL. Aluminum rims are a must. Steel rims are tough- but stopping when they're wet is problematic to dangerous.

nlerner

If you're in the Boston area, you'll find lots of Raleigh 3-speeds on CL. I'd hold out for one of those.

thumpism 

That one looks like it's sporting a Sturmey Archer three speed rear hub. I prefer those to the Shimano three speeds but both are sturdy and should outlast the rest of the bike. While a Columbia in good tune would work for your short commute I concur with the others here in recommending you hold out for a bike that is more worth the money you will spend on it. Good luck!

tbo

If you are truly interested in this bike, take a look at this ongoing thread in C&V professing love for these types of bikes.

Yes, the steel rims are a problem for braking. Yes, they are heavy. But... there can be an allure.

That bike is a bit expensive for a Columbia, which is not a sought after bike. But if it can be obtained for cheap and it is completely functional, with that sitting position and that amazing Sturmey-Archer AW internal gear hub (which can outlast cockroaches), you can have a wonderful shorter haul bike.

My wife commutes 8 miles daily on a similar bike - a Raleigh 3-speed. We did get aluminium rims.

Lascauxcaveman 

Cheap, rusty bike with rims that won't stop in the rain (unless you've got a really strong grip and don't mind spending another $25 to upgrade to modern brake pads.)

Worth half the asking price to the right person. For a first-time cycle commuter, I like the idea of picking up a modern hybrid with alloy rims and more gears, unless you really dig the funky retro look.

Also, because we're your friends here, we'll all be encouraging you to get a bike good enough that you're eventually going to want to ride more than just a few commuting miles...

John Nolan 

This looks better:
https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bik/6142995813.html

thumpism 

What he said; better bike and a much better value. We're not trying to steer you away from the Columbia, but toward a much better bike for the same money.

oddjob2

$195 for a $69 bike? Pass

ollo_ollo

You would be better served by a $50-$100 Raleigh Sports. Try to find one with the Brooks B72 leather saddle.

In the 80's, I commuted on one for about 5 years in Portland,OR. Paid $35 for my well maintained used 1 in 1980 which is maybe $110 now? Rode it for 5 years, replaced the tires once but never had a flat, and that B72 was still the most comfortable saddle I've owned. Brakes weren't that bad, but I have strong hands. Sold it for $35 when work took me to Seattle, and still regret not keeping the saddle. Don

ollo_ollo

Sorry for the zombie post, didn't notice the date.