I recently discovered the alt biking scene / xbiking, and I've got the bug to build. I've done a modest amount of cycling over the past few years as a friend of mine is a hardcore road cyclist. I had a Bianchi Pista that I made single speed and was riding for fitness for a few years based on his recomendation. He recently gave me a 1999 Bianchi Veloce that I tore down and built back up. I had to learn quite a bit to accomplish that, now I'm interested in working on some more casual, ride anywhere bikes. Road cycling is nice, but it's a real commitment, I want to just hop on and go! Goal is to get something for my girlfriend and me to go riding together around some pavement, light gravel, maybe easy trails.
I hope it's okay to ask for input here. It seems to be the best move is to buy something vintagey and used and build up from there. Someone local to me has these three bikes for sale, around $150 each. Until I build up some knowledge, it's a bit difficult to navigate what is worth working on, what is good value, etc.
Looks like a GT Palomar, a Giant Nutra, and a Gary Fisher…something? I've tried to figure out what model the Gary Fisher is, but have failed. I'm 5'10" with a 32.5" inseam.
Just wanted to see if it's worth my time checking these out in person, which of them is worth a go. Thanks for the help.
by L0rdGwynIII
9 Comments
That Gary Fisher is sweet. It would make a great Monstercross build with drop bars. That’s my preference of the 3. Others also have potential but the Gary is definitely the one to get before someone else grabs it. Go now!!
Gary Fisher caught my eye but really it’s about finding one that you like and that fits. The Gary Fisher looks big!
I don’t think it’s a fancy bike, but I got a Giant Nutra for $10, and I love it. Had to throw some parts from the bin at it, but it’s a nice ride. Has room for very large tires too, I have 42s on there with room for more.
The Gary Fisher looks awesome. Often hard for me to find the bigger frames of the steel 90s mountain bikes.
https://preview.redd.it/8xx2i4e06c3f1.jpeg?width=2846&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3199dae7a6ad462d5153f039694abfcf805df745
Just built up a similar GF into the comfiest coffee cruiser I’ve ever had! Go for it – they’re awesome bikes
If one fits you well it could be worth it. But I think the price is high for what look like garage finds. Figure out what one you like, and then talk him down based on having to replace tubes/tires/tune-up. With some luck he wants them gone and you’ll have a sweet older bike!
I’m an XL guy. I’d personally jump on this bike for the right price
The Fisher might be a little big for you. The Giant should fit good. That GT will definitely be too small. Just check them out and see which one fits better. I personally like the Fisher more cuz I’m taller…
If you’re putting down a lot of pavement miles, the giant looks great! It’ll fit some 40c gravel tires id bet! You may even find you like it enough to put your bianchi’s parts onto it for the clearance. My only “road bike” is on 40c gravelking slicks.
If you’re gonna do any amount of trail riding on chunky stuff tho, I’d go for whatever mtb fits you. The Gary fisher is cool if it fits. The GT is also cool. Always wanted a triple triangle!
Depends what riding you’re gonna do. Any of those bikes is gonna be a different beast than your old road bike for sure.