Pull the trigger or no?
- Thread starter Idle159
- Start date
Think I will go and get it tomorrow morning. Seems like a good deal, but not what we truly want. I know the China stuff is throwaway, but where I am not much else to be had. Unless I want a true basket case broken frame rusted to the core oldie. It would be for my son anyway. He currently has a db30r 212 predator that he absolutely loves. It tops out at 54mph and none of the other kids bikes or carts can keep up with him. But, he is almost 13 and just about 6' tall and he is a little too big for it and with the small tires, it makes the sprocket about 2" from the ground and he likes going "off" road with it. Like I said, we have been watching the larger frame bt200x and just waiting for the sale and will be putting a mild 301 on it or a 212r tillotson. Believe me, I would love to grab up an old Montgomery ward or Sears mini that I had over 35 years ago for myself. Just none around by me and I am not looking to drive hundreds of miles for one.
I disagree from a practical stand-point... The vintage stuff is overpriced if all you want is a mini bike to bop around on (plus you can't just grab it at the store). If you want to pay more for the sake of investment (better keep it as nice as you found it), or to explore your nostalgia, that's different, but that money won't equate with function. Additionally, I'd say the Chinese minis are every bit as long lasting with proper care, and the Honda GX clone engine found in that Coleman will be beyond reliable. Calling it throwaway is just silly. Not bashing vintage here, or those who own them (I own some myself), but no need to have a closed mind about it.
That said, those Coleman bikes are priced at least $250 less than you'd typically find them for. I think the BT version is cooler looking, and looks to have a more upright seating position, but if you wanted, you could likely sell the CT later for near your purchase price if kept in nice shape.
That said, those Coleman bikes are priced at least $250 less than you'd typically find them for. I think the BT version is cooler looking, and looks to have a more upright seating position, but if you wanted, you could likely sell the CT later for near your purchase price if kept in nice shape.
Overpriced? I dont mind paying more for better stuff and certainly the old stuff is better than new. I probably wont be around 40 years from now to know but I'm guessing the current stuff from china will all be in the scrap yard by then. I see bicycles in the trash every week in the spring/summer. JUNK. This web site is about minis that have been around 40-60 years,not bad. I know lots of them use the china engines and understand why,they're cheap and easy to get. Good flatheads not so easy these days,thats why some of us hold onto a bunch of them. I've seen 3 china bikes last less than a week without something going sour,doesnt fill me with confidence,not to mention, they're all pretty ugly. I also see lots of them for sale with less than a couple years use and they always have something wrong with them. I remember a local hardware store closing its doors and selling their last 3 Manco Streakers @ a decent discount,I didnt like the style @ the time but now wish I have bought all of them. Theyre beautiful little American Made minis as compared to the goofy stuff @ wally world or tractor supply. I just thought I'd give a new guy to the hobby some good advise about OLD MINIBIKES...My 2 cents
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I have both American made and Chinese made frames, and motors. Love them both. I run the hell out of those Harbor Freight Predator motors and they are well worth the money. I have the Lifan motors on a few Honda CT70's also great motors. I always tell people just get a minibike and have some fun. Who cares what brand it is. Does that child with a smile on their face riding in the back field really care if it's American or Chinese?