I generally respond that I need a valid check from a US bank and that it will take a while to clear my bank. If they respond after that then they probably actually want to do business.
At one point I asked the bank lady how long it takes checks to clear and she gave me a pretty clear schedule for same bank checks, local banks, in state banks, US banks, EU banks and Eastern European banks. It was interesting but I've forgotten it.
There are actualy some fairly legit buyers from Poland these days taking advantage of the week dollar.

I did a reverse phone lookup to that number and it came up as a cell phone in Beverly Hills, CA.

(xxx) xxx-xxxx
Type: Cell Phone Location: Beverly Hills, CA
Find the mobile carrier for this number

The guy sent me email this morning with his phone number. Said to text him since he is in class in West Los Angeles. He must be a young person and busy so not great at communicating.
I am about 50 miles from him so I will most likely tell him to bring the cash and meet at a shopping mall parking lot. I have sold like 6 bikes on CL and sometimes worry about letting someone in my garage.

I'd like to keep the bike but times are tough so... It rides really nice, I tell myself, just think of the dollars and set the bike free.

Bring a friend or two.

Glock or Smith and Wesson...

LOL !!!!

I get the same offers. I just reply HAHAHAHAHAHA! The scam usually either involves a bogus cashiers check (which conveniently bounces a couple of weeks later) or access to your checking account which they promptly clear out. I usually first tell them, come by with cash and we can make a deal. When they push their scam a second time, I usually give them the HAHAHAHA email.

Another posters comment: My experience with actual people who are all hot to trot (real ones local on CL) is that they never show up.

Mega dittos to that one. I get so many email offers, I give them the same answer: come by in person, see if you even want it/does it fit/whatever, and then by all means you can offer me what you think it is worth. I have yet to have one of the email offerers (is that a word?) ever show up.

I only take cash. Period. I am not a bank, I do not work for a bank. If someone wants to write a check, I suggest they go to their bank and do so, and bring cash. Unfortunately, there are too many check scams out there. Its a sign of the times I guess.

I would pick the parking lot of a Police station or fire station, with activity.

Remember cell phones and assigned numbers are available in disposable flavors.

He appears to have been a one shot wonder at the Schwinn site, three posts, all to old threads, did not start a requesting thread.

He found you via Private Messaging? What is is user id?

Yes the bike is unique enough, yet would expect one to be very particular to frame size and components as well. You have spoken with, did he ask the right questions? Tex ting leaves him in control, he will talk to you when he is ready.

I would exercise great caution, the net is covered today with scammers and thieves willing to work a victim into false trust. It is a bike, just a bike. I would like to see you have some additional information before following through on this.

I made the sale. I met the guy at the parking lot of Home Depot. He was about 17 years old and came with his father.
The kid rode the bike while I helped his Dad put the bike carrier on the car.
His Dad handed me the cash with out a word of a lower price.
The kid said, wow this is fast. He was happy. He did say that the Campy brakes didn't work as well as the Shimano brakes on his previous bike. I told him to get some new pads and then later emailed him some info on it.
Then they quickly left.
Sometimes people will surprise you. In a good way.

Glad to hear things went ok.

Did you bring any "friends"?

I am happy you reported all went well.

Glad they did surprise you in the good way.

Congratulations.