Hello, I would like to buy a commuting bike but I feel stuck making a decision. I have read to much- and there are too many differing opinions. Someone want to take a crack at this? I was thinking of a Schwinn 90's world sport double butted chromoly SS Shimano derailer, Sugino MP 110 crank for $175 pic attached.

I have literally read where one person thought that a Schwinn ws was an overweight beginner bike not worth $50 and another said that it was a great ride worth closer to $200.

I understand tastes and markets differ but where is the middle ground? I have read somewhere that this bike comes in at about 24lbs standard, though I might be mistaken.

These are the things that are important to me:
durability (city riding / bad roads)
weight
cost
style (the look of the vintage ten speeds are terrific)

Any help or advice would be appreciated.

Thank you,
Eric

Why do you care what other people think? You are the one that will be riding it... not them. If it's worth $200 to you, buy it. It's my understanding that you want buy this bike to ride... not to resale it and try to make a profit. It's an older, used bike - you shouldn't expect it to be perfect. As long as the frame is not damaged, you don't see rust, then it should be a rideable and reliable bike for several more years to come.

There isn't a lot of "middle ground" between $175 and $200. If it's still in rideable condition, it's easily worth more than $50.

(a) I don't think $175 is out of line for that bike, rather it seems a bit of a deal to me, and (b) if you buy it and don't like it, I think you could sell it on for $175 again, aka free trial!

Sharp lookin bike.

Test ride it.

Take it home if it talks to you.

I'd gladly pay $175 for that bike. I looked for one like that on our local craigslist, but most seemed to be priced around $300 (the bay area craigslist is extra greedy).

I think that is a good price. I am not sure what the context was, but the person who thought the WS was an overweight beginner bike may have been referring to the older WS. Those were high-ten steel and much heavier. In any case, as the others said, you can always sell it later. I think you should get it. It looks to be very clean/ in good condition.

Personally not a fan of stem shifters, but if you like the look and feel of the bike it's a reasonable price.

Anything $200 or less for a bike ready to ride away is not a bad price if the bike fits you and you're buying it as a rider.

That is a good bike to commute with and what you want to do is make it your own by changing or adjusting whatever you feel is neccessary. It's really a matter of personal choice and you can commute on just about anything. It looks like a good deal too and if you can do your own repairs just go over it and get it all ready for your maiden voyage.

per the catalog it's a 1989 - published weight was 27lbs - So it's "sturdy" alright.

https://bikecatalogs.org/SCHWINN/1989...rld_Sport.html

Hard to tell much about the mechanical condition from the pictures. Most importantly you have to test ride it and like the way it works and fits. But IMHO that bike in VG condition $200 is too high, Stem shifters and the brake extenders means that was a more comfort oriented and just above entry level models, world, sprint and caliente.

I think it's a $100 bike, But that's me looking at it through my Minneapolis Craigllist filter. YMMV of course.

+1...I agree w/ modernjess regarding the price. This is certainly a rideable bicycle and it appears to be in pretty decent shape (although several problems can be hidden). Just make sure that everything works, that the frame is free of dents and major rust and that it fits you properly. The one other thing that I also recommend that you check is that the wheels are straight and true. Offer $100. The worst that can happen is that the seller says no. Bikes like that come along with some frequency. I once purchased a similar quality mountain bike for $60. All I had to do was put air in the tires and adjust the saddle up. If you're will to be patient, the bargains do show up.

+1

Don't fixate on this particular bike, if you're in a city of any size, CL should have at least 20 similar bargains at any given time. Just reach into CL, grab a bike (give it a test ride) and buy it! If it doesn't suit, send it back into the "Craigslist Cloud Storage".

What is your local CL? BF people love to look at CL ad, I'm sure a few people will take a peek and give you a handful of suggestions in the less-than-200 price range.

The most important thing is whether the bike fits you. If you don't know what size the bike you are looking at is, or what size you reqire - you should determine this before buying any bike. An inexpensive bike that fits will serve you better than an expensive bike that doesn't.

If it fits, is in good shape , and you like it - buy it and get biking. I don't reallly know the market for used bikes but heck you're talking $175 for a working bike in a world where just two tires (gaterskin) can set you back over $90.

Thanks guys. You've given me a lot to think about. I appreciate the encouragement. I agree with the idea that I can always resell. Thanks also for correcting me on the weight, 27lbs seems on the heavier side of a commuter - though it is a steel frame. I don't think I can find many cheaper alternatives in the DC market where there are only a handful of adult bikes under $200 on CL. Perhaps there will be better deals closer to spring? I will give this seller a call and take it for a test run, 58-60 cm should fit well.

Again, Thanks.

Eric

I wouldn't get too hung up on weight. Quite a few of the touring bikes weigh in between 35 and 40lbs empty and they seem to get pedaled down the road and around the world just fine. I'd say that Schwiinn is a fine looking bike. But then again, I''m prejudiced as I'm commuting around on a Varsity that weighs about 36 lbs. If you are going to be commuting with the bike, I'd say check and see if you can put a rack on it, and see how long the chain-stays are to see if panniers are going to fit comfortably.