which should I buy?

[slowhat]

Hi all. Noob here looking to pick up a bike to make awesome. I've narrowed out down to 2 choices. I need help deciding.
The columbia for 75:

or this western flyer for 100:

Both are pretty complete. I just want to fix one up and ride.
Help!

 

[Toeslider]

I think the Western Flyer has a better look to it, and a chain guard. I'd spend the extra $25 on it.

 

[Wildcat]

Welcome aboard! Post up an intro.

Offer $50 on each bike. You may end up with both. The WF looks like it's Ross built. However the Columbia has original paint, but no chain guard.

Good luck!

 

[slowhat]

And a classic rookie forum mistake.this is in the wrong section. Could a mod move this for me?
And thanks Toeslider! I was leaning that direction.

 

[LukeTheJoker]

I agree with Toeslider, not only what he said regarding chainguard and looks, but from the photos it looks to be in better condition, probably done less miles...

Hope you get it!

Luke.

 

[slowhat]

Thanks for all the replies guys. I'll post my results if/when I make it happen.

 

[Wildcat]

Yep, that's a Ross, and the forks look straight too. And with the child seat it probably was ridden by a female, which means it wasn't rode hard. Here's a girl's version:

viewtopic.php?f=21&t=7393

 

[Toeslider]

I also agree with others on price, you should be able to get either for less than the asking price. As a general rule, if I'm paying $100 for a classic bike, I feel it should have at least one of the following:

Truss rods
Skirt guards
Tank
Headlight
Center stand
Springer

If it has two or more of any of the above, and isn't completely trashed, $100 is usually a price you won't lose money on. One of the above and you should break even at the worst. None of the above, you should try to get it for less, unless it is a really desirable frame or make.

 

[slowhat]

On the western flyer, they're stuck at 115, but I'm not going up from 100. Originally, they only wanted to sell me the set pictured for 175. No thanks.
The columbia, they want 100, but 75 is what I got him to come down to.

 

[slowhat]

Ok, picked up the western flyer
Any ideas on the year? #looks like 6121906

 

[slowhat]

I'm having no luck finding out what the serial number means. You guys have any thoughts?

 

[dougfisk]

I'm having no luck finding out what the serial number means. You guys have any thoughts?

Serial numbers have not been decoded for most bike mfgrs for most years... It is the exception and not the rule that the serial number will ID the year...

 

[Wildcat]

I've had a few 60's Ross frames, the numbers started with an R. I think yours is a 50's model Ross made bike.

 

[slowhat]

so, i'm at work and thinking i want to buy a new springer front fork. Since i'm at work and can't measure, are bikes of this age typically 1 1/8"? would something like this work?

http://www.nirve.com/nirve-accessories.asp?id=1615

 

[fixed1313]

so, i'm at work and thinking i want to buy a new springer front fork. Since i'm at work and can't measure, are bikes of this age typically 1 1/8"? would something like this work?

http://www.nirve.com/nirve-accessories.asp?id=1615

They would typically be 1". Nice bike by the way, looks like a fun project.

 

[Rustinkerer]

Ok, picked up the western flyer
Any ideas on the year? #looks like 6121906

1961 on that one. -Adam