What kind of old road bikes should I be looking for?

Question

I really like the thin style of the older road bikes and I've always wanted to get into a bit of a road bike build.

I want a nice frame that I can keep for awhile and slowly build.  I've seen a lot of complete japanese bikes sell for like $150-300.  So thats what I'd like to spend
If I hav my road bike size conversion correct I should be looking for something like a 52 size frame.

I have time to wait and search online classified until the right buy shows but what should I be looking for?

From what Ive googled ive been trying to stay away from the old bridgestones, giants, etc...  They were the low end bikes even when they were brand new.  A lot of people have said to try and find an old japanese frame and if im lucky I should be able to find one.  What about some of the Italian or French made bikes/frames?

bikeworks · Accepted Answer

YIPES! Stay away from older French and Italian frames- not because they are lousy frames but because they had (and have) their own threading style. French is all but obsolete.

Ultimately, I suggest that you go by the maker of the frame tubing, not the brand of the bike. You want a frame made with tubing from Reynolds, Columbus, Tange, or Ishiwata. When these materials are used you can bet that the build quality will be excellent.

? · Answer

i could give you 100 bikes to look for and in 10 years you might run across 2 of them
so it;s not really possible

very slim market usually when you also have to find something your size

bridgestones and giants are fine, too, so you have been googling something wrong

lot of french stuff is crap [most old peugeots] and or has impossible to find parts
nix on that

italian, not for $300

anyway
the question just isn;t answerable that way


wle

magzcampos_363 · Answer

your basically looking for a rust free, dent free, low wear, recently tuned up road bike

depending on the components, and the market in your area your budget is feasable

Id do more research finding out which bikes paintjob is more to your liking

MOST IMPORTANT THING IS TO ASK QUESTIONS and try before you buy

go to sheldons website and look at the japanese makes and models

hummerhead2002 · Answer

Hey Chris---try Ebay.com ( sporting goods-outdoor sports-CYCLING-vintage...). Some seller may have the old school rigs you are looking for---------

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What kind of old road bikes should I be looking for?

4 Answers