Is this a good deal, what do I need to look for and what questions should I ask? This is my first time buying an older bike, just curious as to what you guys think.....

https://tucson.craigslist.org/bik/309121188.html

And is this any of you selling this?

I would buy it

It looks like it was a three speed and is now missing the shifter, cable, brakes and maybe even the three speed wheel. If you don't mind it not being complete/original, it would probably be worth it IF everything else is in working order. I think it might be just a tad steep, I would definitely try and get him to come down a bit.

IMHO that's too much money for that bike. I would offer $20 and be willing to go to $25. I've bought nicer ones for $5, but I suppose they aren't getting any easier to find.

I concur with Sierra and Kemmer, the price is way too high considering its condition. Be patient, and a nicer, less expensive one, will come your way.

Looks like it was originally a 3 speed with that cable guide wheel on the back of the top tube. Was it converted to coaster brake?

No, I'd pass. I think you need more than 1 speed, especially on so heavy a bike as the Schwinn. It's not only the total weight that makes pedaling it a bear, it's the flywheel effect of the steel rims.

I have a 3-speed Speedster, the equivalent model of the '70's, almost the same. Mine has the brakes, the 3-speed hub, and the 3-speed cable. Turns out it's well-worn (bought it sight unseen, efay), and I put a lot of work into reconditioning it. I've been riding it for half a year plus (but it's not my only bike). The gear range isn't low enough and my knees are hurting now (I'm not as young as I used to be). The chain broke the other day while I was accelerating across a busy street. Ordered a new chain and a 22 tooth sprocket instead of the 18 that's standard. I can't imagine how my knees would feel if it was a single speed coaster brake as yours appears to be now (even though yours appears to have started life as a 3-speed). I paid $50 plus $50 more for shipping. I later saw a nicer one for sale locally for the same $50 or less. So I'd say for that one, $25 tops if you really liked it and if it fit your purpose.

For $80 for my only bike, I'd look for a drop-bar steel road bike from the '70's or '80's (given the conditions here.. i.e. lots of flattish roads) (or if you luck out something better). They are heavy by today's standards, but many (except the electro-forged Schwinns) are light by comparison to that Schwinn Racer but still rugged good quality. And it will have multi-speed gears. (Fixed gear is the rage but I don't see it. At my age & with my knees it just won't work anyway.) Make sure it's comfortable, not too short or tall, too far or too close. 'Racer' or road bike, for bikes that old you probably best should put some work into them (i.e. clean and re-grease the bottom bracket, hubs, headset, cables, true the wheels, new tires) and that means special tools (or visit your local bike co-op or something...) and special knowledge (Web or library so you don't need to spend so much), so be prepared for that.

Good luck!

-Rich

Where did you order the 22t cog from? I'm over in Madison and tried to order some a couple years ago(paid up front), but after waiting for months for them the shop finally admitted that they couldn't get them. I recently bought some on ebay, but they are thinner than the real McCoys, like for 3/32" chain. Probably a Chinese copy. I get to Milwaukee from time to time. I will order some there if you are successful in getting them. Thanks!

I got a mint tempo for $2 I can find letours , word sports , travelers, ect for $1 or less(but not everyday). You cant go by us. That heavy 3 speed converted to 1 dosent look like it would be an enjoyable ride.

Probably moot by now, but the 1968 Racer did come as a SS coaster, so the pictured bike could be original and complete. I would pay $20 tops unless it was mint condition or something ... hmm, maybe even if it was in mint condition. But I have a 64 thee speed racer that I think I got for ten-ish.

https://www.geocities.com/sldbconsume.../68ccpg13b.jpg

I would make a lower offer or wait for something better.

I thought the same thing until someone earlier pointed out the pulley for the 3 speed cable.

Yep, cheap copy I guess. The 22t cog is thinner & looks like it would fit a 3/32" chain. The 'dished out' area in the center is smaller diameter that on the orig. 18t, & it doesn't lie exactly flat as installed, but it's on there tight & seems to be good enough. I rode it about 20 miles, and it works ok. Low gear is really low now , high gear isn't faster than a speeding train anymore . I think my knees will be happier.