RoadWearier

Sorry I'm too new to post pictures. I have the opportunity to buy either bike for $80. They look VERY similar. One is a dark green clean Sears Free Spirit Greenbriar in great shape (cosmetically anyway). I'm guessing 70's. Or a newish Schwinn Wayfarer. Both same style, both have a rear rack and fenders. Of course the Free Spirit is, I believe a ten speed and the Wayfarer is a 7 speed I think.

I'm going to use it for 11 mph group rides and commuting. Group rides will be on the order of 23 miles but very mellow. Yes there are hills but nothing I haven't done with a 7 speed before.
Mostly I'm weighing...old bike, has legit old cool factor plus 10 speeds BUT it is an old bike with Shimano positron derailleur I think. Prob 27 inch wheels, etc.

I realize neither is a classic worth a lot..hence $80 but which should I get?

Markeologist

I’m sorry but I do not believe any Sears Free Sprit has “cool factor” legit or otherwise. If this Sears has the stamped rear dropouts that are pressed into stays I’d pass. The Schwinn is from their plastic era, just too many plastic parts prone to breakage. I’d look for something better. Even an older Schwinn Suburban or a Varsity fit w/ flat bars will last longer AND be cooler.

3speedslow

The Sears would get my vote. It’s not one of their Austrian sourced models but it would do all that you asked of it. But then I would insist you sell it to me!

noobinsf 

If you have access to a shop that can work on vintage bikes or can do the work yourself, the Sears may end up being more rewarding, especially if it’s one of the Austrian-made ones. Great bikes, but it may not be the easiest intro to working on vintage bikes if this is your intro.

If you need basic transpo that you can ride today, but you’re interested in tinkering, maybe get both (providing it’s within your budget) and ride the Schwinn while you overhaul the Sears. Eventually, you could sell either or both.

3speedslow

The Greenbrier model was made by Murray. I would already have one if it was an Austrian sourced product. But the GB is still a cool looking bike and easy to upgrade.

I would buy the Greenbrier if I found one local.

RoadWearier

Thanks so much for the replies! Im still thinking of the newer one just because it seems like replacing parts, finding tires, alloy vs steel rims. Might be easier.

ThermionicScott 

Is this the Schwinn Wayfarer you're looking at?

I might be putting my C&V membership at risk, but I'd buy the Wayfarer over a Free Spirit any day. Aluminum rims, V-brakes, 7-speed rear add up to a much nicer experience. The parts may be cheap, but nothing on the bike would be a mystery to service.

RoadWearier

That's the one!

I agree with your arguments for the Wayfarer