OK cough it up! How do you find your scores??

[stezell]

It also depends on your location, because I'm in a dry area when it comes to old bikes. Unless you consider JC Penney, Walmart, Kmart, etc., old or antique bicycles and a lot of people that post them for sale think so. I know I'm not alone when I say this, but I get the majority of my bikes and parts from fellow cabers on here.

Sean

 

[bricycle]

The best way to come across something unique is to spend a ton of $$$ on something else first. Always works!

 

[piercer_99]

Good question, @partsguy, in that I'm still figuring out what kind of rider I am. [OP - sorry for the hijack, but I hope some of this will prove relevant.] Right now my "long distance" bike is my only lightweight, a Schwinn Speedster, 3 speed. As I venture off the MUP more frequently (and go farther distances), I feel I'd benefit from a more efficient bike. The last road bike I had was a 1987 Trek 560 pro-series with 105 (not mine pictured, but identical) which I purchased used from a bike shop in the '90s for $200. I also loaned it to a guy who was deported, and never knew what became of it. I didn't appreciate the bike when I had it (cause it was "obsolete"), but it really did everything I needed. 12 gears, lugged frame, cool paint job, pre-Taiwan, working brakes, light enough that I could car top it. So while I love older bikes, something from that era would probably hit all the marks, and be price friendly as well.

View attachment 1018313

I see you are in Connecticut. I had a project in Southeast Connecticut just over 4 years ago. There were bikes to be found all over there, and in Rhode Island. I had a lot of luck on Craigslist, the local newspapers and just keeping my eyes open while driving around. A lot of bikes are for sale, that the people have no intention of selling, if you ask.

I scored a truck load of bikes in Nebraska and Iowa knocking on doors, looking in local papers and the old craigslist. That and I ask people, plumbers, electricians, the folks who work in other peoples houses and see what they have there.

 

[Allrounderco]

...That and I ask people, plumbers, electricians, the folks who work in other peoples houses and see what they have there.

Really good idea! I went to look at a Vespa VNB a couple of years ago, and the seller mentioned he's a town building inspector, and regularly finds this stuff and offers on it. My realtor knows I'm into bikes, I should probably have her keep on the lookout.

 

[Mr. Monkeyarms]

Always looking. Always and everywhere. Bought bikes that weren't even for sale....

 

[Hammerhead]

Craigslist,knocking on doors,here on the Cabe,yard sales always ask even if I don’t see any, Estate sales.Just keep looking and you will find what you are looking for. Or it will find you.
Hammerhead

 

[highship]

By "score" do you mean a good deal on a bike or do you mean a nice bike regardless of cost? I ask because I have found nice bikes at good prices which is what I consider a score. I'm not sure I would consider a nice bike at a high price a score... my point is, the big spenders always find "scores". If money is not a consideration watch here and eBay, you'll see "scores" all day. If by score you mean a good deal on a good bike CL and tags sales are probably your best bet.

 

[Brutuskend]

Mostly I"m hoping to find pre war stuff. Seems to be rare around these parts.

 

[piercer_99]

Mostly I"m hoping to find pre war stuff. Seems to be rare around these parts.

this is a fellow caber, in Connecticut, over in the Waterford / Niantic area.

there are a couple of pre war in this lot.

https://newlondon.craigslist.org/bik/d/waterford-thinning-vintage-bicycle/6895986283.html


rarely have they come to me, typically, the best ones I have had to drive for, or have shipped to me.

 

[Krakatoa]

There aren't really many bikes left in New England they're all rusty lumps by now. I think they're all in Texas & Oklahoma.