schwinn varsity road bike vs schwinn cruiser
 

So I am very inexperienced when it comes to buying bikes. Any feedback greatly appreciated. I'm trying to buy a bike for under $150. I'm commuting on pavement, weekdays for about 7 miles a day. What do you think is better: the 78 Varsity Schwinn http://baltimore.craigslist.org/bik/2237029685.html
or the Schwinn cruiser from Target
http://www.target.com/Schwinn-Legacy...k&frombrowse=1

I know the older Schwinn is very sturdy the only reason I'm asking is looking at the height of the handlebars on the varsity I'm worried about having to ride hunched over. The cruiser looks very comfy, its a woman's bike and its cuter. It's still a Schwinn so I was thinking the quality would be similar, right?

Thanks for putting up with my questions. I appreciate all the help!

Ask yourself how much quality can you buy in a bike that cost $150 new? Then ask yourself the same question about the older well made used bike.

Bikes at big box stores are only good for kids to tear up and throw away. Adults need better quality bikes than any big box bike for under $200 can ever give.

Handlebars & seats are easy to change for little money. Adding fenders is also cheap to do.

Looking at the Varsity, the seat can be lowered and the quill stem still has some room to be raised if needed. You can also buy longer quill stems for the bike if needed. The Varsity is a good basic bike for somebody who is not concerned about top of the line performance and just want to get around town.

A Varsity of that vintage would be very heavy and the brakes won't stop you in the wet. Because of steel rims.

If you are willing to Overhaul the varsity and replace the steel rims with aluminum ones
so you don't die getting T boned by a car while you are white knuckling the brake levers
for all its worth and its still not stopping, then the varsity will get you down the road
and when you lock it up to a sign post , It's probably going to be there when you return.

But the thing is You have to replace significant parts to make it functional, and safer.

and so Its a good bike to learn mechanics on by completely rebuilding it.

The Varsity in the ad is a tiny frame. If you're over 5'4" or so, you'll be cramped on it.

The Varsity was a bomb-proof bike and would run forever with little care. Find one with a fresh overhaul, new cables & tires and it will outlast any disposable department store bike out there.