50s (?) Murray Monterey

GoldenMotor.com
maurtis

maurtis

New Member
Dec 14, 2011
707
0
0
Kyle, TX
On CL there is a guy selling a Murray Monterey that he says is from the 50s. It is the standard cantilever frame, just like the Cranny I have in the garage. He says it has surface rust only...

It seems that most of those were actually from the 80's and 90's, I would be curious to see if it really was that old.

Nonetheless, are those decent frames for dropping a 66cc HT in? From searching the forums, I see that Venice is not a fan of them, lol. I have yet to see an older Schwinn cantilever frame locally that does not go for a ton, so wondering if this Murray frame would be a decent substitute?

He is asking $75, but since it is completely covered with rust, I was going to see if he would take $40. Even then, is that too much? I am assuming I will only be keeping the frame...



 
bairdco

bairdco

a guy who makes cool bikes
Aug 18, 2009
6,537
264
63
living the dream in southern california
it's too much. i see those in CA craigslists for the same price, in perfect shape. and i still wouldn't buy one.

those were made in the 70's and 80's, mostly. they were US made, but were pretty much low-end department store bikes. they rank right up there with older huffy's. just because they're older and US made, doesn't make them good bikes.

this is from wikipedia:

..."Most Murray bicycles were for the youth market, often featuring one-piece steel Ashtabula cranksets and electrically-welded frames using inexpensive seamed or straight-gauge steel tubing. These low-cost parts and materials undercut the prices of Murray's competition, selling millions of bicycles (often with retailer names) to department stores..."

also a 50's and before "murray" would've been badged as a "Mercury." and those were awesome bikes.

edit: same price: http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/bik/2858839795.html
 
Last edited:
maurtis

maurtis

New Member
Dec 14, 2011
707
0
0
Kyle, TX
Awesome, thanks for the heads-up. I figured that if I was going to go through the trouble of restoring an old frame, might as well do it on one worthwhile.

Thanks again Bairdco!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom