so here is my first stab
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| ad here. looks like my urusla! |
when in doubt a raleigh 3-speed is a great bike for the most part. there always tons of raleigh's on craigslist some good, bad & then ugly. this little cutie is a winner! black, a very practical color and a classic, easy-to-use 3 speed shifting: perfect for light hill riding and going around town or commuting, fenders, and a worn in brooks saddle that could probably be brought back to life with a little leather oil! for $150 this little gem is a really great deal!
now when it comes to shopping on craigslist pictures are really important. these aren't the greatest and don't show a lot of detail which is crucial if there is rust. don't ever feel embarrassed to email the owner and ask for close up pictures or ask about rust.
next, notice where the bike is located. sonoma is about an hour away from us so is it worth a tank of gas for me to drive all the way up there and have the bike be a bust?..maybe, maybe not. you have to make that decision if the bike is worth it and having an owner that is a great communicator is important. if they could care less about the sale then why should you waste your time and money.
from what i gather the bike is in rideable condition, if you are worried about it after your purchase take it to your local bike shop and have them give the bike a tune up (which probably would be a good idea anyways). brake or shift cables might be old and could use replacing so anything to help your new bike run at 100% is good. usually a tune up will run you around $60-$100 depending on what the bike needs.
all in all this bike is a good find, great price, and super cute. we often head north to visit family so if we were headed up north and i was in need of a bike, i would be sure check this one out!
xo,
cb
Thanks for the tips! I've been thinking about getting a bike, and I'm pretty clueless...I think I'll check out Craigslist for one!
ReplyDeleteThat's a pretty cool bicycle. I love vintage bikes but haven't had much luck with them. I lent my cruiser to a friend and she killed it. I have a used Surly road bike now which I quite like. Happy Wednesday!
ReplyDeleteNice!!:) I already bought a bike for 20 euros at the flea market and I'm stalked about it!:D I repaired it for 50 euros, so totally it costs 70! BUT the new ones here cost at least 150, so I think that it's ok! :)!:)
ReplyDelete@monique: surly's are really awesome bikes! if i could afford one i would get one...great quality and great looking too! perfect for touring and everyday riding!
ReplyDeleteSo, um, I know you JUST updated and all, But I'm going to need you to update again. I'm bored and Clem and I are sick, and I want to read about pretty things. Okay? Okay. Do it.
ReplyDeletethis is a cute bike but I have had the worst luck with Craigs list, not to mention I am always afraid if I go and look at an item someone posted, that person may be a psycho and try to kill me and cut me up into pieces and put me in his walls......that was morbid
ReplyDeleteoh and I am gonna see what I can do about sizing down my button, I know this is ruining your day
ReplyDelete@kelly: oh no you and clem are sick...booo! sorry my love but i won't update until tonight :( mamas gotta a 9-5 :( booooooooo!
ReplyDelete@amber- yes i am very upset about your button, i need to show you off so everyone can see how cute you are!!!
cool post; we don't have craigslist, but do have freecycle - somewhere for people to give away things they no longer want, sometimes including bikes - I'll have to look harder now you've inspired me.
ReplyDeleteHope you get your rides this weekend (get well soon to the mister) xox
the options available at the online shops are generally believed to be more than that in a shop where you need to visit physically. The biggest advantage probably is that you can visit any number of online stores in a matter of an hour while it would not be an easy task to visit multiple shops that are located in different areas physically.
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