this bike worth it?

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by andera
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3676423672&category=7298&sspagename=STRK%3AMEBWA%3AIT&rd=1


I'm a real n00b when it comes to bikes. I'm wondering if I could get your opinion on whether or not this bike is worth 200$ or not. Thanks.

Richard.

Sure. But it might sell for more than that.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by andera
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3676423672&category=7298&sspagename=STRK%3AMEBWA%3AIT&rd=1


I'm a real n00b when it comes to bikes. I'm wondering if I could get your opinion on whether or not this bike is worth 200$ or not. Thanks.

Richard.

Just barely. Plan to buy and ride as is. It isn't worth upgrading. If the rear triangle is not 128 or 130 already, it won't take wider hubs for 8 thru 10 speed. Non replaceable rear derailer hanger, so if the hanger gets badly bent, the frame is toast. It's got biopace chainrings which many don't like, and the 42 small ring is a negative,but could be replaced.

If you are really on a budget this might be good for commuting to work, and locking up in public place. I am not an expert on the technical parts, but the fact that bike was stored for so long and it was never upgraded I dont think its a good deal.

This was my experince in building my road bike. I purchased a steel serrota frame, and fork from a friend for $200. I then put an F1 fork on it, and a middle of the line groupo kit. It weighs about 22 lbs, has index shifting and will be great for me for a few years, all told I had spent about $1000 in the end. The frame color is Red and Yellow fade, matching red carbon fork. It looks good, and rides smooth. Consider carefully what you decide. Maybe invest in a good frame, and check out the prices on groupo kits; I believe its better money spent.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by boudreaux
Just barely. Plan to buy and ride as is. It isn't worth upgrading. If the rear triangle is not 128 or 130 already, it won't take wider hubs for 8 thru 10 speed. Non replaceable rear derailer hanger, so if the hanger gets badly bent, the frame is toast. It's got biopace chainrings which many don't like, and the 42 small ring is a negative,but could be replaced.

Yep, this is a 126 mm rear that must stay that way.
It also uses a proprietary seat post.
Could you go over to the owner's home and ride it?
I guess that there are sufficient issues to make me wonder if it is worth it.
There is a local in my area that rides this bicycle and he has regular chain rings on it. He does very well with the bicycle. I think the only thin he has changed in the time I have seen him is tires, chains, cassettes, and chain rings.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by andera
[B][url]I'm a real n00b when it comes to bikes. I'm wondering if I could get your opinion on whether or not this bike is worth 200$ or not. [/B][/QUOTE]

That auction has a long way to go, and it will probably sell for somewhat more.

Even so, while it's tempting to buy a bike for virtually nothing, consider that owning an old bike can be like owning an old car. The initial price may seem seductively cheap, but you should consider the availability/price of replacement parts as well.

You'd be better off by spending a little more and getting something more common (ease of serviceability) and more recent.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by daveornee

It also uses a proprietary seat post.

Makes me wonder if it uses the infamous proprietary Schwinn undersize quill stem?

well... this bike is just to compliment my running. i have 4 months to get back into shape before the XC season starts. This isn't going to be raced or anything, and i'm not going to be taking biking seriously. wiht that in mind, would it be worth it?

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by andera
well... this bike is just to compliment my running. i have 4 months to get back into shape before the XC season starts. This isn't going to be raced or anything, and i'm not going to be taking biking seriously. wiht that in mind, would it be worth it?

Only if it fits.

I wouldn't buy a bike on ebay, too many suckers willing to overpay for [censored]-- you can get a new low end road bike for $400 bucks new, which makes a 10 year old bike basicly worth nothing. Personally, I'd ride the Shwinn-- for 50 bucks or less. Your costs per mile will be much cheaper with a new bike, or some $20 bike you pick up at goodwill.

Don't make the ebay seller's first payment a good road bike by getting suckered into buying this [censored] bike!