vwhammer

OK
So I have decided to pick up an old bike to build up into my commuter so I can dedicate my mountain bike-turned-commuter bike strictly to off road use.

So I started scouring the local listings and came up with a few bikes.
The main issue is that I know virtually nothing about these old bikes.

I would like a quality steel frame and will be swapping out a lot of the older stuff with some new stuff as well as some proper commuter gear.

The goal will be to build a solid commuter rig.

So, with all that said, of these 5 bikes which one would you choose.

Lets just assume that they are all in the same condition and priced close enough that it does not matter.
Lets also assume that all I really want is a quality frame.

Which should I get

1. 1980s Ross signature series
2. "vintage" (unknown year) Lotus Special?
3. "vintage" (unknown Year) Concorde (unknown model) road bike
4. 79 Schwinn Varsity
5. "vintage" (unknown year) Schwinn World Sport

I do apologize for the lack of details in my choices but these are craigslist bikes and I honestly cannot believe people expect to sell anything with some of these ads.

I am awaiting details about all these bikes but can anyone give any opinions on any of the brands or models based on what I have given you?

Thanks in advance for your input.

Bill H.

auchencrow

1980s Ross signature series

Beach Comber

What he said.

#4 Might be of interest to Schwinn collectors, but it was the end of the Varsity reign, and Schwinn basically outsourced it.
#5 Is pretty low on the Schwinn totem poll. The year makes all the difference between low end components and a low end frame, or just low end components.

wrk101

You don't understand Craigs List. The fewer the details, the better the deals. And don't pester sellers with a bunch of questions, that will just put you at the bottom of the list. While you are requesting more information, someone else will be buying the bike. Of course, if the bike is overpriced, it is not going anywhere.

Instead, go look at them cash in hand.

I MUCH prefer a sketchy ad or worse, it really cuts down the competition, and is almost always the best deal.

I would look at the Ross Signature and the Concorde. Concorde with an "e" at the end made some really, really good bikes. Concord (without the E) made bottom end bikes.

Varsity and World Sport? No thanks.

Lotus Special? I have several Lotus bikes right now, they had some great ones, but the Special was a dog. Pass.


Spend some time getting educated on what makes a good bike, and what makes a good to great deal. Then pounce when one pops up. There are scoopers just about everywhere looking for bikes, pretty much continuously. The great deals do not last.

custermustache

Ross signature.

Now go buy it and post pictures.

Grand Bois

I wouldn't even consider the Schwinns. People that don't know anything about bikes think that all Schwinns are good bikes just like people who know nothing about audio think that all Bose speakers are good.

cycleheimer

Make sure whatever you get fits properly, and is in decent condition...especially the wheels. Not a big fan of Ross bikes, but the Signature Series is a whole different animal. IMO, best choice of the lot. Doesn't hurt to keep looking. An '80s touring bike or early '90s "higher-end" hybrid is also worth considering at the right price.

Pars 

ftfy

vwhammer

K well the dude sold the Ross signature series.

So I came across another Ross but it does not say if it is a signature series.

I am going to look at it tomorrow.

Are the plain old Ross bikes any good?

auchencrow

Nope.
vwhammer - You need to get educated BEFORE you buy.

If you don't, someone will scoop every last good deal while you are on bikeforums asking for advice on whether it is a good deal.
My advice is just to hang out here and absorb as much as you can - learn about pricing in your market by monitoring CL and eBay COMPLETED listings.

THIS is another resource for learning what to look for.

mapleleafs-13 

I own the Bose Qc3 headphones, the bose MIE2I ear buds, Bose companion 5's computer speakers and they're all phenominal, well they better be for the amount of money i paid for this stuff, probably gonna pick up a home theatre system soon.

catonec 

just because something costs alot, that doesnt make it high quality, thats just what the manufacturer wants you to think.

vwhammer

Good read.
Seriously.
At first I thought the author was being a little generic but then as I read further all of the details became clear.

I then made the decision that I do not want to spend good money on a high end vintage frame that I am just going to destroy (the value of) with some of the mods I have in mind.

So I started looking for some of the mass produced "quality" frames that are out there.

I am not so concerned about components as I will be replacing most of them with some more modern parts.

I just need a decent frame to start my build from.

I will let you know what I will be using once it is in my possession.

until then....