Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - 1980's Schwinn Mesa Runner, what is a reasonable price

Hello all, this bike was advertised on Detroit CL and did not sell at $40.00. It has considerable rust, and some paint scrapes.
What is a reasonable offer?
Thanks in Advance,
Uni

It has considerable rust, and some paint scrapes.
What is a reasonable offer?
Thanks in Advance,
Uni

$0. No joke. rust = bike cancer

$0. No joke. rust = bike cancer
+1 On considerable rust comment = no value.

If you happen to need the components for another build, then place a value on them, not the bike. I bought a rusty hulk of a Kona Cinder Cone last year (bike sold for about $900 new), I paid $5 for it. The frame was toast.

But I needed the wheel set, RD, cassette, and a couple of other misc. parts. I still have the stem, seat post, handlebars, FD, crankset, brakes and fork in the parts bin.

Not sure that Mesa had any desirable components. But sometimes the terminal condition bikes can make good donors, at a donor price ($5 to $10). $40 is high for a donor, unless it had some really top end components (which that Schwinn will not have).

Note, bike does not look too bad in the pic. Its just a basic, low end rigid mountain bike. You can see the various threads on better rigid mountain bikes. A better model in ready to ride, rust free condition is $75 to $100. If you are just looking for something to get you by for a brief period, make a low offer, lube it up and go. But if the rust is serious, then the frame is not long for this world.

Thanks to all for your comments.
I've decided to move on and look for a mid-late 1980's Schwinn Cimarron or High Sierra, to be used a commuter.
Does anyone have any thoughts about these bikes, or other models and brands that are similar?
Thanks Again,
Uni

If you are set on Schwinn, I had an early 90s Schwinn Criss Cross that would make a good commuter. On other brands, I have an early 90s Cannondale SM 500 that would make a good commuter as well.

Any of the decent Trek steel mountain bikes would be a good candidate, they can be found pretty cheap around here. I have a 1992 Trek 950 that cost me $75.

If you are set on Schwinn, I had an early 90s Schwinn Criss Cross that would make a good commuter. On other brands, I have an early 90s Cannondale SM 500 that would make a good commuter as well.

Any of the decent Trek steel mountain bikes would be a good candidate, they can be found pretty cheap around here. I have a 1992 Trek 950 that cost me $75.

Thanks for the information. I'm leaning toward a vintage Schwinn rigid, since I like the more upright riding position and the riser handlebars.

Thanks to all for your comments.
I've decided to move on and look for a mid-late 1980's Schwinn Cimarron or High Sierra, to be used a commuter.
Does anyone have any thoughts about these bikes, or other models and brands that are similar?
Thanks Again,
Uni

They're pretty tough bikes. Try to stay away from Suntour components if you can and get something with a cassette hub if possible.

Jim

They're pretty tough bikes. Try to stay away from Suntour components if you can and get something with a cassette hub if possible.

Jim

Hello to all. This !993 Schwinn High Plains, wth 1994 components, was at The Salvation Army for the $34.99! Thanks Jesus.

Here's the picture: