While facilitating a purchase for a fellow forumite, I found an early 90's Marin Pine Mountain MTB (USA made!). It has indexed Deore XT or DX (I forget) shifting (needs a rear shifter). It is neon blue w/ neon yellow and is in decent shape, probably needs cables etc but that's not a big deal. He also has a decent looking Schwinn High Sierra (Taiwan) that I mentioned before that I'm also digging. He's asking $100 for the Marin and $65 for the Schwinn (friction thumbies). I'm not sure which one I should pursue (or whether I really NEED either one!). I have a modern MTB (disc 9spd front susp etc) but the OG MTBs are starting to grow on me and I think it'd be nice for winter or foul weather use.

Suggestions or just walk away?

* He also has a Schwinn Sports Tourer (56 or 54 I think) hanging in the rafters of the back barn that is in need of LOVE (no wheels and decals are whooped) that he is asking $175 for.... I tried buying it just for the cranks but he "knows" it's somewhat special and I just played dumb (makes him feel important)

Are both bikes the same size? If not, pick the one that fits you best, and if the other is a bit smaller (I seem to recall you ride a taller road bike than I do), talk me into taking it so you can offer him $150 for both. ;-)

I think they are both the same size. I'll see what he'll do price wise but I think if a piece of coal was put somewhere on him, a diamond would come out

I'd only do it if it gets you closer to getting that sports tourer for a reasonable price. Otherwise you've got better things to play with