tullio@TheRamp.net wrote:
>
> You should see what Bicycle Classics SELLS NR derailleurs for! Like
> someone mentioned previously, it is much cheaper to buy a complete 70s era
> bike and strip the components off if vintage Campy stuff is what you are
> looking for.
Todd is as usual spot on here. I've done this several times, and while
buying used bikes on RBT is always somewhat of a guessing game, I've
NEVER been dispappointed with the components. Usually the frame needs a
respray and the whole thing an overhaul, but this is definitely the way
to go; I got an SR group + top 1985 frame for $500, 8sp C-Record with
original Ergo levers + again exc. 753 frame for $650.
A word to the wise: have the seller take the bicycle over to a bike shop
of YOUR choice, preferably. Then have them look it over (they may charge
$25-$50) and tell you 1) if it is what it says it is and 2) what needs
doing to it/what's wrong with it; have them check alignment.
Then have the shop box and ship; you pay them by credit card, and send
the shop a cheque which the shop hands over to the customer. Sometimes
shops will let you pay for the whole bike on a credit card and reimburse
the seller (usually if he brings it to his LBS): this is the BEST way,
since if charged on a credit card you have full redress if it is not
what it purportsed to be, was not in condition specified, etc.
Another tip: people who are just selling bikes, rather rhan 'extras
included: two sets extra wheels, ten tubular tyres, etc' tend more to be
those who have used the bike little. Someone who's selling off their
whole kit probably put in a lot of mile son the bike, maybe racing, ...
just caveat emptor.
PS -- bear in mind with price that:
If you are thinking of restoring the bike, you will need:
1. Probably a respray + decals
2. New brake shoes
3. New shift/brake cables and housing
4. New pulleys on rear derailleur
5. New chain
6. New handlebar tape
7. Perhaps a new stem and handlebars if you want it to fit, though you
might be lucky
8. Probably new rear cassette/freewheel
9. Perhaps new chainrings
10. Perhaps new headset and bottom bracket
11. Tires/tubes or sew-ups
This is just to indicate the scale of what you might be getting yourself
into. Therefore, having the bike check that BB, headset, chainwheels,
freewheel, etc are all fine could save you a pile -- plus meauring the
bars and stem/other dimensions to make sure the bike really fits. At
worst, you'll be out $50 but will have saved ten times that.
Later, my friends, and yes, the mailing list has been quiet -- anything
wrong? 'Influenza epidemic hits Bobs'?
