Classic & Vintage Bicycle Appraisals and Inquiries - Vintage Sears 3-Speed Cruiser Opinions

Both of these are $100. Good deal???








The first bike claims to be from the 60's but it is an hour away..
I'm going to take a look at the 2nd bike this weekend, hopefully.

Any opinions would be appreciated!

Thanks in advance for your help! :)

I have a black one exactly the same as yours. It's not nearly as nice as yours, in fact it's only in fair condition. I paid $20. Is yours worth $50? IMHO yes and then some, especially if you did not have to replace the tires. I'd estimate it to be in the $70 to $90 range. Around here, Sears 3 speeds don't bring the $$$ like a Raleigh Sport brings. But they are solid bikes with Shimano 3 speed hubs. If you flip one for $90 you got the other for $10. Not bad. IMHO, I'd keep the silver one, that is one cool looking bike.

Correct me if I am wrong,,, but I believe he means that it is $100 for EACH bike ???? If so, in my opinion, that's about TOP dollar. Of course, if you like one, it needs NOTHING in repairs, it may be worth it for you. Resell value wil NOT increase like a a Schwinn/Raleigh.

Looks like the 2nd one is chrome? Are you buying for yourself or flipping? If flipping, move on. If they're for you, get the chrome one.

There seems to be some confusion here. Sorry for being so vague.

I'm looking to buy, not flip. Both bikes are $100 each. I can't tell if the silver one is chrome or painted silver.

Size is always the first consideration. If it's you size then either bike is an ok deal. For that price they better work pretty good and have decent tires.

the second bike really looks like chrome to me. I see some surface rust on the front brake of the second bike.

IMO the black one looks like its in better shape, also it has the chainguard.

I'm about to take a look at the 2nd bike today but the guy told me on the phone it does NOT say that it was made in Austria on the badge. Is that a bad thing? Is it newer and made in Taiwan or something?

I'd rock the second one big time!
Throw on some cream tires or gum wall tires, a honey Brooks saddle with some inexpensive matching grips and a headlight and you got yourself a winner. Something about old cruisers with one piece cranks scream "fun and easy" to me.

*edit - I almost forgot. Add a big front rack on her too!

So, the silver bike is chrome but, rusty. Not sure how deep the rust goes but it's all over. Also, the rear brake doesn't work and it needs a new tire. Oh, and it was significantly harder to shift down than up? Obviously I'm new to these 3-speeds tho.

He said he'd be willing to go as low as 75 and I said I'd think about it.

Oh and the grip is the shifter, if that helps determine the year.

how's the size for you?

If the chrome plating is of decent quality you could probably restore it with chrome polish, a dremel with a buffing wheel and a bunch of time

what will need to be repaired/replaced? tires? bearings?

Eh, just a tire a break cable but I don't own a dremel and there's lots of rust. Parts of the fender are bent too. I still don't know where or when it was made. I'm seriously thinking of going on that hour plus drive..

Just found some pics of Domromer's Sears on the Classic 3 Speed Picture / Appreciation Thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=272089&highlight=speed&page=8):





He seems to like it.

ah, cool. appears to be the same model? except, with a chainguard, rack and a different seat.

I would pass on the " chrome " bike , after your description. There are better deals & better quality bikes out there.

I would pass on the " chrome " bike , after your description. There are better deals & better quality bikes out there.

After reading the correct pricing of these bikes, +1 to Esteban. A nice Raleigh will bring $100 to $150, but Sears don't bring that kind of money. If the chrome bike was pristine, maybe.
I saw a twin to the black bike struggle to get $75 here around 2 months ago. The seller will probably have to lower his expectations or find someone who doesn't check bike prices.