[tbc] Advice-purchasing used bikes

[Lisa Frankenberger]

I need some advice.  Me and my boyfriend have been looking for  cheap used bikes to ride around the neighborhood in and feel comfortable parking them outside a business without the fear of losing our precious road bikes.  Five miles one way max. We've been to a few garage sales and what not but haven't found the right ones yet.  He's been doing some work at an older ladies house and she had two bikes in her garage that are at least 10 years old (she said she hadn't ridden them in at least 10 years before that I'm not sure).  He asked if she would want to sell them (he describes them as the cruiser, basket, chain guard type bikes we wanted). She said she would and wanted us to come over and look at them and name our price.  This makes me nervous as I have NO idea how much older bikes are worth and I sure don't want to screw an older lady while not screwing myself.  I know they are Schwins, one ladies one men.  Date and model unknown.  I also know they at least need new
 tires, but I get the feeling they rarely rode them so I hope (?) everything else is in normal tune up condition.  I think they are 3 speed? (my boyfriend wasn't scoping them out like I would have hoped).  I'm not guessing they are classics by no means but my co-worker bought a "hunk of junk" for 11 dollars at a garage sale that ended up being worth over $1000 so you (well I ) never know and I would hate to do that to an older lady. Would you guys have any advice?!?!?
   
  Thanks!
  Lisa

       
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