Poor college student here looking to save money on gas getting to campus and groceries and whatnot.
It's a 1970s Schwinn Suburban 5 speed with the old friction shift from what I can tell. Just wondering if there are any serious things I need to look out for. Seller told me it still rides fine.
Local bike shop told me to look for vintage bikes after I told them I don't have $200 for a used bike because "if they lasted 50 years, do you really think you are gonna be the one to kill it?" Don't know how true that is though. I don't know anyone else that bikes around here but I've been radicalized by Not Just Bikes on YouTube and want to give it a try.
I don't have a bike right now, and the bike market up here is dominated by multiple hundred dollar mountain bikes, not many commuters (not a super bike friendly place) so options are kind of limited.
This one is $40
Thanks guys
by Cardssss
4 Comments
How far is the commute?
These old rides can be very reliable, but it would be important to check a few things before fully committing to this specific bike. I imagine it would benefit a lil tuneup depending on how long it has been stored/unused etc.
I always recommend people learn a few basic mechanical skills when getting started. Repairs can be relatively cheap when you know how to do it yourself.
A YouTube video on how to check basic bike mechanics before going to buy it may help you avoid something that requires hours of maintenance.
The ABCs:
– Air in the tires?
– Brakes work well?
– Chain and gears (is it rusted? Does it shift properly?)
But welcome to the bike community 🫡
The obvious things are brakes, tires and shifting. If the tires look good, the brakes work, and the chain doesn’t threaten to fall off when you shift, that’s a usable bike. The fact that this one comes with fenders already is also a big plus.
Also, you should check whether it fits you.
It’ll be heavy, but they’re bombproof bikes. In addition to the drivetrain and shifter, check all the moving parts: wheel hubs, headset, bottom bracket for grinding. The bearings in these parts are easy and cheap to service yourself, but the bike might not run super until they’re clean.
I just “upgraded” my commuter to an old Schwinn 10 speed. I can’t say I miss the other 17 speeds on my old bike.
Send it.