I should be buying this Schwinn Grey Ghost, right?
 

Hi all, long time no see. I chanced across a Schwinn Grey Ghost, so rare in this country that I've never seen a Krate of any sort in the metal, at a local second hand shop for about $150. All my research tells me it's a gigantic bargain, and I'm planning to be outside the door when they open tomorrow. It looks identical to the one in this pic, possibly missing the chainguard, but otherwise like this. Single speed, coaster brake, good condition racing stripe seat, no suspension on the sissy bar. Any reason I shouldn't jump on it?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SCHWINN-GREY...item3a803c30cb

You mean aside from being a reproduction? Are you certain the model in the shop is an original?

That is a Chinese reproduction from around 2005. Not much value for the foreseeable future. They are commonly for sale in the $500 range.

I sold a unrestored original in January for $2K

I have a very nice restored Grey Ghost too if you are interested, the restoration is from the early 90's before all the knockoff parts were available.

shipping would probably be the sticking point tho.

A real krate/grey ghost wouldn't be a single speed, I don't think.

They did make coasters in the original format. They are very rare, more rare than even the 5 speed GG. They are not as valuable as the 5 speed tho.

$500 would still represent doubling my money. I'm sure it's a repo, but still as rare as hen's teeth here.

Top Pic is an all original 1971 Grey Ghost I recently sold, bottom is the bike restored in the early 90's (nicely done) and still looking for a new home.

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http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w...d/IMG_3694.jpg


http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w...eyghost001.jpg

I went back for another look, and realised that this bike probably wasn't going to flip for 3x the price; it's missing the fenders, has a different stem fitted, and is a bit scuffed and scratched. It's still so cool and so rare that I bought it to keep; it'll be a fun complement to my Puch Mini-Sprint. Interesting things I notice; with the longer stem that's been added, I could actually ride this. I'm 6'3, and don't think I can set the Puch up to be rideable, whereas the Schwinn, whilst cramped and with me obviously not getting proper leg extension, could be fun to cruise around on. I also found on riding it that the sissy bar is held in place only with p-clips, and with my considerable weight on it, the seat sank. I might flatten the tube ends, drill it and mount it on the axle. It would be nice to find some fenders, as I like the more 70's look they have with those, but one way or another, I think I'm going to lightly mess with it, and then use it for cruising very short distances and feeling like a 10 year old again :)

Looks for Wald Fenders, I believe they still make something that would look good on it. Probably want the 972 series.

Aaron :)

Wald stuff is just non existent over here. Also, Hi Aaron, it's been AGES!

That is has. Sent you a PM. I may be able to help you with the sourcing. ;)

We are working on a trip to that side of the pond, but I suspect it may be next year now. :P

Aaron :)