Old Road Bike Question

mikenj said:

Hi,
I was wondering if somebody can give me some guidance regarding the potential quality/brand of an old 10-speed road bike I've had for 20 years. I bought it in South America, branded by local distributor called Aurora, but a sticker at the bottom of the seat tube states "Made in Japan". It has mainly lower-end Shimano components (FE front derr, Skylark rear, Tournau brakes, plus Araya rims). The bottom bracket shows serial number 201695. It doesn't have any tubing type decals, and no other special markings of any kind.
I bought it used around 1985, and I think it was only a year or two old.
Any thoughts would be appreciated. I just rebuilt as I want to get into riding again, but am debating whether to also buy a newer, better bike, and what I may gain compared to riding this one.
I'm attaching some pics in case they help.
Thanks!

You can get alot of use out of an old biike by just cleaning it up and riding. New ones may be more satisfying. I'd say it might be worth $30 at a garage sale around here on a real good day, otherwise landfill material.

Wow I bet that [censored] weighs 32lbs.

mikenj said:

Hi,
I was wondering if somebody can give me some guidance regarding the potential quality/brand of an old 10-speed road bike I've had for 20 years. I bought it in South America, branded by local distributor called Aurora, but a sticker at the bottom of the seat tube states "Made in Japan". It has mainly lower-end Shimano components (FE front derr, Skylark rear, Tournau brakes, plus Araya rims). The bottom bracket shows serial number 201695. It doesn't have any tubing type decals, and no other special markings of any kind.
I bought it used around 1985, and I think it was only a year or two old.
Any thoughts would be appreciated. I just rebuilt as I want to get into riding again, but am debating whether to also buy a newer, better bike, and what I may gain compared to riding this one.
I'm attaching some pics in case they help.
Thanks!

If the tires on that bike are somewhat straight and the brakes work, I would ride it. Dont spend your money on a new bike now, that bike would be fine for a few months to see if you really still like cycling. Plus you would be able to really appreciate a new bike after riding that one for a few months.

IanM. said:

If the tires on that bike are somewhat straight and the brakes work, I would ride it. Dont spend your money on a new bike now, that bike would be fine for a few months to see if you really still like cycling. Plus you would be able to really appreciate a new bike after riding that one for a few months.

I agree with IanM. If and when you do get a newer better bike don't get rid of this one. Keep it as a commuter. Put a rack on the back to carry stuff and you 'll never be worried when you chain it up some where, or scratch the heck out of it