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Author Topic: should i buy?  (Read 1870 times)
gus
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« on: May 11, 2010, 09:56:07 PM »

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/bik/1735965247.html
old schwinn varsity. pretty much same as bikerobike 1.0 but in seemingly better shape
i want to make a fixed/ss
did more roadies come from the rei in the shop that look good?
idk about the BB, looks pretty big like it might be for 1 piece crank
and i asked the guy about the seat post cuz it looks like its one of those small ones but he has yet to respond
heres some better pics




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JB
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« Reply #1 on: May 12, 2010, 12:10:28 AM »

Depends.

What's your budget?

I started with a $20 Schwinn frame at the BRW, and 3 months and hundreds of dollars later, I ended up with something pretty cool, but it was not the cost effective approach.

It IS a 1 piece crank, which either limits the choice of cranks you can buy, or requires you to buy a 1 piece to 3 piece adapter in addition to the new BB and crank. Also, those electro-forged frames weigh about 15lbs stripped, so it's gonna be heavy.

I would not buy it, as there are many better cheap road frames in better shape with more stuff for not that much more money, or even complete older road bikes on craigslist. (I'd probably spend another $100 or so at the outset and start with something like this - http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/bik/1728601312.html , rather than spend that $100 on necessary but unexciting parts just to get it semi-complete.)

If you want something solid and heavy, there's a Spalding MTB BRW project bike hanging from the ceiling that I'm thinking of converting to a singlespeed as it's an easy conversion thanks to the freewheel, and with some thinner tires, it'd be pretty sweet, bulletproof, and budget friendly. It's about your size, and it's all yours if you want it. Either way, feel free to come in Saturday and help me convert it, and we can get it roadworthy and saleable and send it your way or put it up for sale.

You've got TONS of options, but don't get sucked in by an initial low price. 

Or go for it, we'll help you get it sorted out.
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Steve Mattson
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« Reply #2 on: May 12, 2010, 09:23:26 AM »

NO!  Do NOT buy a heavy junk Schwinn!!!!!
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enzomatic
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« Reply #3 on: May 12, 2010, 10:51:14 AM »

The only reason to buy a varsity is if you're a sucker for heavy older american bikes. If that was the case you'd probably be more into building it up as a restoration. You can get an 80s lugged schwinn frame for pretty damn cheap and fix that up, they will have standard english bottom brackets, good drop outs, and be about 8 pounds lighter. If you really wanted a cheap fixie, fix that gitane we've been working on. Rebuild the wheel with a flip hub and strip some parts off it, you could also invest $60 and get it powder coated if you were so inclined. I'll kindly take those bar end shifters off your hands.
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Lucas
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« Reply #4 on: May 12, 2010, 11:57:20 AM »

Or go to bikesdirect.com and get a fixie, or buy an SE Draft out of one of our catalogs.

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JB
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« Reply #5 on: May 12, 2010, 04:01:26 PM »

Do not buy an SE DRAFT.
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Steve Mattson
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« Reply #6 on: May 12, 2010, 05:41:01 PM »

Note JB's key words: "3 months and hundreds of dollars later, I ended up with something pretty cool, but it was not the cost effective approach.


If you buy this, grab a shovel and start shoveling all your money in the pit this bike will be to maybe be "pretty cool."

At least get a 1980's Japanese made road frame with horizontal dropouts. 


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Lucas
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« Reply #7 on: May 12, 2010, 06:27:30 PM »

Do not buy an SE DRAFT.

I built mine on the cheap, after waiting 6 months and trolling CL, BRW and even a Swap Meet in Echo Park, and still paid 250 bucks or so.

I think, if I did it all over again, I would get something running at point of sale.
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Steve Mattson
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« Reply #8 on: May 12, 2010, 06:31:27 PM »

Swap meet this Sunday!  Might be something...
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McTait
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« Reply #9 on: May 12, 2010, 08:26:56 PM »

Never buy a frame you can't bench press.
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gus
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« Reply #10 on: May 12, 2010, 09:22:19 PM »

im pretty sure i can bench pretty much any bike frame. they dont get that heavy
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Lucas
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« Reply #11 on: May 13, 2010, 12:06:39 PM »

im pretty sure i can bench pretty much any bike frame. they dont get that heavy

I have a cast iron cruiser that says SMITE!
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kbpfister
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« Reply #12 on: May 13, 2010, 03:42:19 PM »

+1 on buy a fully functioning 10 speed bike in the 100-200 dollar range and convert it to fixed gear, then upgrade and modify parts over time, not as fun a project as buying a frame and searching for all the parts but if you truly want to save money the only way to go.

You will still spend far more than you think your going to, for instance this bike actually cost me prolly  500 bucks as you see it here:



Schwinn Super Sport-160
new wheels- 130
tires-35
crank-60
BB-20
BB Adapter-20
pedals-20
chain-6
cog & lockring-15
brake lever-20/2
Bar tape-12
saddle-40

if you found a cheap used rear fixed wheel and were able to use the existing pedals & cranks that could cut a lot of cost right there

buy the nicest frame you can afford, it sucks to invest a lot of time and money into something that sucks


« Last Edit: May 13, 2010, 03:44:12 PM by kbpfister » Logged

subforry
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« Reply #13 on: May 13, 2010, 11:49:02 PM »

if you want a cheap single speed go to the source of things cheap
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Genesis-700C-Mens-Fixed-Speed-Track-Bicycle/14089740 $150 shipped.

Or get a new Varsity
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Schwinn-700c-Varsity-Road-Bike/4698938

But seriously check out what Nashbar has.
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Steve Mattson
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« Reply #14 on: May 14, 2010, 07:20:16 AM »

I want us to encourage our members to ride bikes that can be repaired and have a future on the road.

Cole, I gotta smite you for even suggesting those two garbage bikes.  2010: Schwinn = Murry/Micargi/Motiv/Mongoose/Shogun/SE Draft/Flying Pigeon.
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