I found this used bike for sale. I’m wondering if this would be a fun and reliable commuter bike to start with and then of course change out the parts that I feel need changing and so on… I don’t really know much about bikes yet so I don’t know whether I should buy it or not?
by zudikaszudikas
5 Comments
This looks like a fairly nice bike, although it looks like somebody has already made some modifications to it.
Nice. The drive train looks original so it will be a bit worn. Budget for a new one. Personally I would stick with 3 rings at the front and n cogs at the rear. Looks like someone took the big ring off. The rack looks great. The wheel axle cones will need inspecting and replacing. But you can go a long way on worn ones. Finding the right ones is a real pain in the asp.
If you are not acquainted with Mr Brown:
[https://www.sheldonbrown.com/](https://www.sheldonbrown.com/)
Unfortunately Mr Brown is no longer with us but his info lives on.
What I would avoid is spending up large on bling and “cool stuff”, getting a new paint job and leaving your nice bike unlocked in the rain. Ride your bike loads. Keep it in good condition and stay real.
I would buy it if it was cheap. For sure. It has a good geometry, not too compact, not too huge. For burning from A to B doing commuter type stuff it looks ace. If you were going to ride it all day long, well you might make changes… I think keeping these bikes original is worth it. Oh and the brakes… it has Canitlevers , look to mr Brown for info, if I was riding that bike I would swap to V Brake. ( keep the old brakes safe in a bag ) .
Hope this helps! : – )
With a name like that I’d ride it. Thunderbirds are go!
This is pretty much what I’m looking for to replace my own commuter. First thing Iid do is ditch the pannier and slap on a porteur, but I’d be stoked to find this in my size
It’s got my vote, check it out, have a whirl
I love weird, offbeat stuff like this. Nothing wrong with the usual GTs, Trek 700 and 800 series and litany of Specialized Stumpies and Rockhoppers we see in this sub, but I would go for it if it’s $150 or under.
But as others have said, it already looks like it’s been mostly xbiked already — there’s nothing wrong with that, but if you want a total blank slate then this wouldn’t be it.