so i’ve been scrolling FB marketplace looking for a commuter to replace a bike from walmart that i’ve been using for the past year, as it’s basically on its last leg and needs tuning e v e r y t i m e i ride it.
would the limited accessibility of vintage bike parts be a thing of concern? or should i just save up a little more for a better bike?
the bike looks to be a schwinn world sport from 1980’-90’s and it looks like it’s in pretty good condition and from the description is priced at $50 dollars( seller posted multiple bikes)
by memester_1234
7 Comments
Parts for an ’80s world sport will not be hard to find. Ten speeds were extremely standardized by this time!
I’d commute on it.
I’ve been commuting on ’80s ten speeds for years.
There definitely isn’t anything wrong with using one for commuting. My advice would be to look at all the available pictures for anything missing or possibly needs a better look at . I would also say don’t be afraid to ask questions about the bike that the description didn’t mention and you can also ask for pictures and if they seem like they are avoiding questions or refusing to take or give you more pictures then maybe it’s best to move on . Lastly if you do meet up to see the bike ,ask them if it’s okay to check the bike over and again , if they refuse or seem shifty , it’s probably best you don’t buy the bike .
Yes and no
Check for cheap paint over rust spots
If those are chromed steel rims with centre-pull brakes, braking will be terrible in the rain. The “safety” brake lever extensions limit brake lever travel, so they’re not a good thing. It looks like a low end ten speed ca 1980 or earlier.
A rigid mountain bike in good shape is better for city riding.
I’d be concerned about the brakes, but I’m commuting in heavy urban traffic. If you can keep distance from cars it shouldn’t be an issue.
yeah those 70s/80s steel frame 10 speed type bikes are pretty easy to keep going. plus they’re not that expensive nor a big theft target.
my college bike was an old sturmy archer equipped 3 speed. thing was bomb proof and i never worried about leaving it in a rack.