(06-25-2024, 10:27 AM)JeffAP Wrote: New member here, looks like a real nice site and forum
I ride on packed sand in the NJ Pine Barrens and on local streets. I'm kinda new riding the streets, but I am sick of driving and just prefer to cycle to the stores or even order stuff online 🙃
I'm currently riding a Trek DS1 (hybrid) but looking for a vintage road bike to restore, I had a Fuji many years ago.
Thanks for having me
-Jeff
Welcome to the site Jeff.
How "vintage" of a road bike are you looking for? Lugged steel frame (generally mid '90s and earlier); European/Japanese/English/American classics (early to mid '80s and before)? Touring or racing frame? Lightweight frame (butted, double butted) tubing or straight gauge tubing? It will be imoortant to know how you want to ride it, how far, road conditions, designed for cargo racks, fenders, etc.
In general if you want an "all 'rounder" usage type of bike I would try to find a nice mid level touring bike that would allow for wider tires than a standard racing frame and have a little more relaxed geometry. Bikes in that category should not run very much used (depending on condition and components fitted); probably in the $100 to $300 range for a properly functioning bike without needing new parts except maybe tires/inner tubes, bar tape, etc. Bike shops may have something kicking around just ask; but local area Craigslist is a good place for the best deals if you are patient. Often see decent rides for well under $100; and always some old lower end "boom" bikes in the $25-$75 range that although cheap still had quality built frames for what they were (Schwinn, Huffy, Peugeot, Raleigh, etc.), but definitely on the heavier side (30 to 40 lbs) due to "gas pipe" high tensile steel frames and steel components; though pretty much bombproof and not attractive to thieves. Recommend aluminium rims at least if going that route.