How much would a bike like this cost and where could I get one?

Question

http://bp0.blogger.com/_qjpwnPW4c1o/RjdRUrmxu8I/AAAAAAAABGk/g4EbEEJL1eE/s1600-h/PinkBike.jpg

Basically a classic, semi-vintage style bike. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

These types of bikes are increasing in popularity.

look at this one:

http://www.breezerbikes.com/bike_details...

These bikes are available on the used market, but as stated earlier, the repair costs will kill you unless you are already real good at this thing.  And the bike repair shops are SWAMPED right now.

Print the picture and take it to a bike shop, they have things that might fill the bill.  (go during the off hours, remember they are swamped)

Answer 2

Hybrids looks s**t though. I love flying past Lycra clad wannabes with my steel Raleigh racer with downtube shifters.

Have a look on eBay Margot, just search for "Steel frame ladies / womens" and have your pick.

Could probably pick one up for about £40 ($80)

Answer 3

I bought one similar to this for $10 at a sale.  I called it my toodle bike because I just felt like toodling along when I rode it.

No, it does not have the latest and greatest technology.  So what?  If you like it, and it fits the way you want to ride, then it's a good bike.

No, you won't break more spokes on high flange or 27" wheels.  And 27" tires and tubes are still very common even though you won't necessarily find them on newer bicycles.  Both my local bike shop and the big box stores carry them.  There is nothing on that bike that isn't currently available.  In fact, I've seen a good number of them being freshened for use in the shop.

Go find one.  Whatever you pay for it, if you love it, it's worth the money.  And it's one more bicycle that did not end up in the trash because it wasn't "modern" enough.

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Edit:  Thank you to Silverbullet for the recognition.  He's right about falling for the look.  It still has to ride well for you.  My girlfriend liked the fat tire cruisers originally.  Then I got her a Terry, a nice light women's specific road bike.  Later I picked up a late 50s Schwinn Corvette that I put back into rideable shape.  She enjoyed riding it a bit on the flats, but the first "hill" took the romance right out of it.  She's back to loving her 21-pound Terry.

Answer 4

$200 online is where you can find it or bike shop

Answer 5

Silverbullet is correct on all counts.  However, there is a lot of appeal to classic, vintage bikes.  

If you get one of these bikes and it is in good shape, it'll take very little to keep it on the road.  

However...  While parts for these bikes are cheap, labor is expensive.  Thus, unless you want to learn how to work on your own bike, you really want to be careful about what you buy.  Unless someone has taken stellar care of the bike, you should expect to do the following:

- replace all cable housings

- replace all cables

- brake pads are nearly certain to be hard as rocks and will need to be replaced

- all bearings will need to be greased

- the chain will need to cleaned and lubed

- the cassette and chainrings will need to be cleaned

With luck, all this should cost around $100.00.

You'll spend more if you have to have any of the following:

- new drivetrain components: chain, cassette, chainrings

- wheels trued

- rusted stuff (handlebars, saddle, shifters, etc.) replaced

If you really want one, you shouldn't have to hunt too hard.  There were jillions of these bikes sold once upon a time!  Also, at least in our area, there are shops (and cooperatives) that fix and sell old bikes to college students.  They have piles of old bikes they strip to build up into functional transportation.  The finished results range from complete beaters that can be left anywhere with no fear of being stolen, to really beautiful, classic machines.

Anyhow, here is where I'd look:

1. Local bike store, used bike store, or used bike cooperative.  Our local shops and cooperative have dozens of these types of bikes and they are really cheap. (You can buy several for parts!)

2. Police and town sales of abandoned and recovered bikes.

3. Craigslist.

4. Your neighbor's garage - post some "bike wanted" signs and you may be innundated with offers.

5. eBay - just keep in mind these bikes may be real heaps.  Also, shipping a bike is real expensive; you are likely to spend more on shipping than you actually paid for it.

Keep in mind, these old bikes are made of steel and rust is the enemy of steel.  Before buying a bike - unless it is for parts, carefully inspect for rust.  Anything rusted may be weakened to the point of being unsafe.  

Hope this helps.

Answer 6

E-bay, garage sailing.....

Why would you want to?  

1.   Down tube shifters?  I was always afraid of missing and putting my fingers in the spokes.   Today's indexed shifters are so much better.

2.  27" wheels?  Finding replacement tubes and tires would be a PITA.  

3.  Can't see the rear cluster, but its almost certainly only 5 or 6 cogs, while today's cassettes give you a much better range with 8,9, or 10.  

4.  You'll constantly be replacing spokes thanks to the old high-flange hubs.

Any modern hybrid bike would be far superior to that "classic".

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Edit: Zinn is correct, I was just pointing out that you may be in love with the "look", while the function might not live up to expectations.    I still have a similarly equipped Nishiki touring bike that I bought out of college.  Its been retired to the trainer as it really isn't roadworthy any more.

Edit 2:  Maybe it was just MY hubs......  I used to buy spokes by the dozen.   Only bike I've ever had that problem with.