TheGreythreat

Lately I've been looking into purchasing a road bike in order to ride it during college and to go really fast for fun. I found this bike on Craigslist that seems like a good deal but I'm not too sure. I'm not even really sure it's what the add says it is because It's painted a different color than the actual 1987. I'm wondering if there's anyone who can tell from the pictures whether or not it's actually the 1987 Schwinn Tempo and also whether or not it would be a good purchase. Here's the link ---> 1987 Schwinn Tempo road bicycle

Also, I'm not sure if this is the correct section, because after I posted it I noticed the Classic and Vintage Appraisal and Inquiries section... Sorry if this is in the incorrect spot.

Fahrenheit531 

Might be a Tempo, might not. I'm skeptical. Whether it is or not, it's a seemingly random mishmash collection of parts and ugly paint. You can do better for $225.
Note that if you're tall enough to fit that bike you've got the advantage in terms of negotiation when you find one. The market for bikes in that size is relatively small.

TheGreythreat

Thanks for the info. I do have another question though, this time about what you said. How does my height give me an advantage in terms of negotiation? Also, I've heard that the 1987 Schwinn Tempo was a pretty good bike, but from what you said, it appears I heard incorrectly?

carbomb

It could very well be a Tempo (I'm on the hopeful side). The white seat tube, with the Schwinn logo in that color and the Columbus Tenax sticker at the bottom are all look/color correct for that model in that year. All the parts on it look more or less correct to the year, if not specific model. 105, Suntour Sprint with Accushift it seems... it may be a bit of a Frankenbike, but they're all good components. I'd see if you can talk him down significantly, provided it fits, that's the most important thing. Like J.Oxley said, the market for bikes this size is a lot smaller which is probably why it's been up for sale for the last 22 days.

As for it not being a Tempo I look at it this way... why on earth would someone go out of their way to fake a Tempo??

oddjob2

+ 1 concerning the first paragraph. I'd keep looking, rough shape.

- 1 concerning the height advantage. People in the midwest must be taller and that is only a 24" frame. No advantage.

Kdogbikes

That paint job could work into your favor.....offer way less than asking price.

88prelude

^^^ About to say all of this. Looks like a Tempo to me - the Columbus sticker is still on the unpainted seat tube. The fork is a replacement so check for DT and TT damage. If there is none, and it fits, talk the seller way down and buy it for all the reasons mentioned above. It seems like you want a bike to ride, not necessarily to collect.

TheGreythreat

Okay, thanks everyone for the information.

TheGreythreat

Yeah, I'm just looking for a bike to ride. I just happen to like the looks of the older bikes more. Plus, I heard that carbon frames can crack fairly easily, and I'm pretty accident prone.. Not to mention the higher price point of those.

Fahrenheit531 

Batting .500 anyway.

Clang

Does it say "Thermonuclear Protection" on the down tube? It's an oddball for sure.

If I were your size I'd consider these too:

[h=2]1980's Trek 400 Series Road Bike w/Shimano components - $175 (Dassel, MN)[/h]1980's Trek 400 Series Road Bike w/Shimano components


[h=2]Trek 400 - $195 (St. Paul, MN)[/h]Trek 400


[h=2]Panasonic DX-400 Road Bike - $295 (Blaine)[/h]Panasonic DX-400 Road Bike


[h=2]56cm schwinn premis - $175 (ne minneapolis)[/h]56cm schwinn premis

Bikedued

If it was an 87 Tempo, then he lost the head badge. In the late eighties the Tempo name would usually be on the bottom of the head badge.,,,,BD

TheGreythreat

Oh, thats weird... Didn't notice that it said that earlier. Interesting. Thanks for the other bikes to look at.

daf1009

All in...this seems to be a good one to pass...

PaintItCeleste

I picked up a cannondale with this exact same decal some years back. What is that? Was it like putting an "Oakley" sticker on your stuff or something??



But yes, I also agree with the idea of throwing out a lower number given the condition if you are looking for a deal on a solid ride but aren't worried about putting some work into it. If you'd rather get something to ride right off and don't have the experience, tools, or desire to work on a project, definitely better things out there to be had for that money!

88prelude

That's the correct head-badge on the bike (Paula B?s 1987 Schwinn Tempo | Old Ten Speed Gallery). Some early/mid 80s bikes had the name on the headbadge, but usually the higher end of the spectrum such as Paramount. The denoting of the models for late 80s Schwinns were the decals on the top tube.

TheGreythreat

I like the look of this one but its a little higher priced than I'm looking for. Then again, it does come with some nice extras like a bike computer.

Bikedued

My 85 Super Sport has the name on it, as well as my 87 High Sierra, an 87 Tempo I owned previously, and an 88 Circuit. Those must be flukes though?,,,,BD

TheGreythreat

Do you have any suggestions for how to negotiate? I don't have any experience with that sort of thing..

RoadGuy

Fit is everything. If the bike doesn't fit, a bargain price doesn't mean anything.

I'd suggest that you visit any bike that you are interested in before you start grinding the Seller on price. As a Seller, I try to price my items fairly, and if the first thing out of a Prospective Buyer mouth is a complaint about the price, before it;s determined that he/she can even use the thing, it's hangup time.

So, look at the photos in the CL ads to determine whether the bike may fit before contacting the Seller or scratching off a bike, based on the ad title oe description. Sellers often get the details wrong in the ads. If an ad sounds interesting but there's no photos, I try contacting the Seller to ask for photos before I take the time and expense of driving over to look. If you are interested in a bike, but the price is way out of line, it's okay to try contacting the Seller and ask if his/her price is firm. No use is going to see a bike if the price is out of line for the market, and the Seller is firm on a ridiculous price. The Seller may change his tune after 2-4 weeks or months advertised for sale without any Takers. You can always wait when the price is too high and try the Seller back to check on the price in a month. Sellers sometimes do not have an honest idea of the market value of an item, and mentioning that you're interested, and you want to see how firm the price is, will sometimes get the Seller to thinking about being flexible on price, which is good for you when you drop in to inspect the item.

88prelude

Might depend on the factory in which they were made/assembled - Japan, Taiwan, Mississippi, Nashville etc.

Thumpic

Pass....everything is wrong and the ad/seller is misleading or misinformed.

TheGreythreat

Yeah, I've decided that as well.

Thumpic

Pass....everything is wrong and the ad/seller is misleading or misinformed.

That Panasonic looks great! That's right at full value, but a hell of a bike. I think it'll gain value too...