vintage nishiki mixte century
 

I used to have a beach cruiser so I don't know too much about road bikes. I am an average biker, looking for a fast bike to ride around campus. Does this seem like a good buy?

http://santabarbara.craigslist.org/bik/3273716257.html

Great components? No, they are low end. But a mixte in a relatively hot market, it should sell pretty quick.

Fast? No, this is not a fast bike, its a recreational bike. It has stem shifters, upright bars, claw RD hanger, low end, plus the cables look old (hard to tell for sure from the pictures).

Mixtes sell for a premium, typically about 25% to 33% more than an equivalently equipped racing bike.

If you want something "fast", up the budget some, and look for a racing bike. A nice racing bike will weigh 5 to 8 pounds less than this mixte (thats a lot!), have 700c wheels, better components, etc., and might run $300.

Note, a fast rider on a slow bike, can still be pretty fast. And a slow rider like me, on a fast bike, is still pretty slow... But I would be even slower, on a heavy, entry level, recreational bike.

what are your thoughts on this corsa bike? http://santabarbara.craigslist.org/bik/3278885923.html

Looks cheapo. Pass.

http://santabarbara.craigslist.org/bik/3281605498.html

Would suggest considering a minor investing into a digital camera first -- look at Walgreens in the $30 range. The investment will aid your search for assistance in the forums...