Classic & Vintage - Another "Should I buy?" thread

Got a chance to pick up a Schwinn Continental on Craigslist if it's still available. It says


26" Schwinn Continental Bike. 30 years old. Not ridden in 20 years. Good Condition except needs new tires.
http://images.craigslist.org/1fb1251ga3k13m53pc8bea1fbd19f60e61b54.jpg

For only $15, I can't go wrong. However, what's the deal with the 26"? Does this Schwinn have the weirdo Schwinn tires sizes Sheldon Brown talks about (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/chicago-schwinns.html)? If so, will 27" rims work on this bike? The idea is to maybe upgrade it with parts from my wrecked '84 Nishiki. This frame looks like a tall frame, like the 25" frame on the Nishiki.

I also have a 23" Schwinn I was planning to use for this project, but if the parts will fit on this Schwinn (or if this one really is in good shape), this may be my new road bike.

26" is the frame size. Hope you're tall.

The wheels on that Continetal should be standard 27" steel.

Okay, that's kind of what I was looking for. I'm 6'-2" with a 36" inseam. Now I hope he gets back to me before someone else buys it.

Deals like this one usually don't last long enough to post a "what is it worth" query. You are really better off jumping on them, with the approach that even if it is beat, it has to be worth more than $15. Just one or two parts will garner more value than that.

Hope you get it!!

Note, even at 6-2, this is a TALL bike, probably 35 to 36 inch standover.

Well I have a 25 and it's not too bad on standover. I replied right away but figured while I was waiting I would ask about what it was. So far he hasn't gotten back to me. The weird thing is that I just noticed it about an hour or so ago, but it originally is dated about 1 pm. I swear it wasn't there when I got back from my ride at 3 pm this afternoon.

It's prolly gone, but who knows? Maybe he just went out for dinner.

I wouldn't pay a penny over $12.50:)

Well, it got away. I just got an email from the guy; it's sold. :(

there will be another one... I had that happen to me a couple of weeks ago with a little nishiki womans bike... I bet it was a mixte... it was $25.00 oh well who needs another bike anyway. Right.

Deals like this one usually don't last long enough to post a "what is it worth" query. You are really better off jumping on them, with the approach that even if it is beat, it has to be worth more than $15.

I agree. He who hesitates is lost.

I didn't hesitate; I just didn't see it right away. Shame on me.

Well, it got away. I just got an email from the guy; it's sold. :(

I wouldn't worry too much about it. There'll be more, and maybe a better size for you. A friend of mine just got a 66cm frame(about 26") and he's 6'4" (not sure inseam) and he said it's a little big. I think you kind of have to be a giant to ride something like a 26".

Something will come along :)

Would a 70s Schwinn Varsity also have 27" wheels? I might be able to get one for $25.

Would a 70s Schwinn Varsity also have 27" wheels? I might be able to get one for $25.

Yes. Go for it.

I'm in the same spot I was in yesterday: I responded as soon as I saw it (last night) but just sitting here, waiting for someone to respond. I'm guessing this one will slip out of my fingers too.

Well, that's $3.50 you saved.

Well, it got away. I just got an email from the guy; it's sold. :(

2:10 from your first post to the e-mail..... CLICK HERE (http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=7854284&postcount=9)

2:10 from your first post to the e-mail..... CLICK HERE (http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=7854284&postcount=9)

I'm not sure what you mean. I emailed the seller before starting this thread.

I'm not sure what you mean. I emailed the seller before starting this thread.

I was just messing with you and I've been in your shoes before. There have been times when I've e-mailed a seller within minutes of an ad being posted. My messages clearly state I'd pay 'asking price' and I'd get a message back hours later saying it was sold. In those instances I'd say other parties offered more than asking price and the seller went with the highest bid.