Fair price?

[udallcustombikes]

I have a guy locally that has some bikes he is looking to sell me, but neither one of us wants to throw out the first offer. He lives about 40 miles from me and I don't want to drive that far so I had a friend that lives close to him stop by and look them over for me.He has 2 Schwinn Co-eds, one is a 60-62 in 8 of 10 original condition and the other is around the same year but somebody hit it with rattle can black; the next on he says is a '59 Schwinn Rangerette, but I think it is a '59 Roadmaster Texas Rangerette. My friend says it is in 8 of 10 original condition plus it has the Star sprocket on it. The last two are Alenax "Pump Bikes". He had someone look up the values online and they told him the Co-ed's are worth $100 and the Rangerette is worth $200-250. He said we could make a deal, but I don't know what to open the negotiations with. My buddy was going to take some pics for me but he dropped his camera in the snow when he got there and it didn't seem to like that. He is going back Saturday to snap some pics for me.

 

[Rat Rod]

I sure would make sure I saw them first...and I'll almost need to lay my hand on them before I started talking money.

I've come across too many deals lately that looked a lot better in the photos then they did in person.

 

[TheFlyingDingo]

There are many bikes i regret going out and buying. The pictures make the bike look great and when you see it in person, its not even close to what you thought

if i was you, i would take a look at them in person...Enjoy the drive, See if there is any other bikes on the way there or back, thats usually what i do.

 

[udallcustombikes]

I am going to go look before I buy, I am just wondering what a good price to offer him for these bikes would be in said condition. Any suggestions what to offer?

 

[NLCTVWguy]

Co-eds are nice and unusual ladies middleweights, a rare one or two year only model, that's not worth a darn thing. It's like having the best 4 door 68 Ford Torino. It was useful but never cool.

The Rangerette I admit is not something I'm familiar with. If there is any market for ladies bikes though, call me and let me know. I don't think they're worth a thing unless they have a tank or a working headlight and even then, what? $75? $100 if you're lucky and it's just the color she wants?

I wouldn't spend over $50 for either of them since you know they're gonna need tires, tubes, removal of 50 year old grease, missing spokes, bad chains, whatever. Maybe more if they're truly nice and inside stored, but if they're the typical neglected beat up garage bikes then no.

You're right to follow the advice of seeing them in person before you buy. And what looks good to a friend vs what you and I want to see, well, it can lead to bad feelings.

Good luck with the deal,
--Rob

I am going to go look before I buy, I am just wondering what a good price to offer him for these bikes would be in said condition. Any suggestions what to offer?