dcdavys

Hi y’all, I’m going to look at a Schwinn Crisscross that appears to be a 1991–but the listing says it’s an 18 speed with 26” tires, which is off spec from what I can find online. Not sure if that means original parts have been replaced or the seller just doesn’t know much about bikes—they’re not sure of the frame size, so maybe the latter.

They’re only asking $30, so I guess I’m just looking for input on whether I should pass if it seems to be a total hodgepodge of components. This bike would be used for hauling around a kiddie trailer on bike paths and gravel/hard packed dirt roads, maybe some bike camping down the road. It will be transported in the back of a pickup with camping gear. Appreciate any insights, and sorry I’m too new to post a link to the listing!

Clang

If you tell us what location subsection of Craigslist or FB marketplace it's on, we can probably find the link and help. My money's on the seller not knowing what they're talking about. You're lucky they even spelled Schwinn correctly.

zukahn1 

I think the seller got the tire size wrong the Crisscross had 700c tires wheels originally so 26inch wheels tires just would not work on the bike. As for value $30 is a great deal if everything works and the Crisscross would be a good bike for your purposes.

dcdavys

thank you! It’s on FB marketplace. Bear Creek, NC. The listing is “18 Speed Schwinn” or something similar. Looking at it some more, I think it may actually be a 92

dcdavys

so I fell into a Schwinn catalog manual black hole and did find that one year the 16” frames had 26” tires (‘95 I think), but the color and decals are off for that year, so we’ll see! Hopefully not a 16” anyway, that would probably be tight

wrk101

Its $30, don't overthink it and don't worry if it has had some changes. Just go buy it.

My "trick" when considering bikes at really low prices like this, I just look for one or two parts to justify the purchase. Then I buy it. Bought the two Raleigh MTBs last week for a silly low price. One part covered that price so I grabbed it. The one in the background will be donated. I fixed up the one in front to ride.

zukahn1 

I really like nicer Techinium in front it would be a keeper for me also.

daverup 

We bought a new small crosscut in 94-95, it has 26in wheels. The larger ones had 700c wheels.

TugaDude

I've never owned one but have seen several in person and they are nice bikes. Very versatile as the name would suggest. I'm with Wrk101, go get it at that price.

So long as the components function, who cares whether they all match on a $30.00 bike? Once you get it, if that bothers you and the bike fits, you can go wild and fit it out to your heart's content.

dcdavys

Good to know! The seller just told me it was adult sized, but perhaps a smallish adult.

Did you like the crosscut?

dcdavys

Hah I like your enthusiasm. I am just trying to be circumspect; I don’t have unlimited space and I don’t have an urgent need for this bike, so would be willing to wait for another deal to come around if there are any major concerns with it being some kind of Frankenstein. You’re right though, if it fits and it’s running out, don’t overthink it. Better to ask my husband for forgiveness rather than permission when I tell him I need more space in the garage

daverup 

We have had the crosscuts for many years, They are good solid bikes. Ours have gripshift, which isn't really the best. They have held up fine for us, but we've never treated them roughly.
Most things on these bikes need some refurbishment at this point, but replacement parts are fairly common.

Clang

Whoops! I couldn't find the ad for the bike on FB even when I knew what to look for, but that site is strange. I always bookmark ads on FB that I'm interested in because I know that I might never find them again if I plan on using their search functions. I'd recommend breaking the link

example: hxxps://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1130417297709112/?ref=category_feed&referral_code=marketplace_search&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A 8421ed5a-8d27-4497-95e2-17bef1c8c26c

to get around no posting URLs when you're new, but you're almost at 10 posts anyways.

I did find this at the same price. It would fit me (5'8"). I'm not so sure about you though! It would fit your usage parameters.

1994 Trek 830 - $30 (Asheville, NC)

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...2-17bef1c8c26c

bikemike73 

Get that trek NOW !!!!

For $30.00 !!!

I do not even ride MTB. If it was closer...I'd be on my way ...NOW !!!!!!!

dcdavys

It would have helped if I typed the right town, although I couldn’t find the bike you linked to even with the link, so who knows? It was too far away to be viable, but there is an 830 for sale close to me for $160. More than I’d really like to spend, but maybe an option.

anyway, I think I’ve made it to 10 posts, so here’s the actual link (hopefully it works!) https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...9211578828111/

Clang

Looks to be in good and original shape, just needs a bath. This bike has seen little use during its life. The ad is 11 weeks old, so either it got sold and they forgot to take it down, or they didn't hear from many interested parties and forgot that they had it listed. Ihope it fits because it's a good deal.

wrk101

Thats the "beauty" of FB marketplace. Its a great place to find deals! Its really LOUSY for sellers, bikes do not have just one section, they are scattered all over the place. Hard to find them. But this weeks out the competition! Meanwhile, C/L has one easy to find bicycle category (OK, bike can occasionally show up in other areas like Sporting Goods).

FB could so easily fix Marketplace. I'm not sure I want them to, as I pretty much continually find deals there, even on bikes that have been up for sale for months.

My experience with FB marketplace reflects not just my location, but dozens of locations I have traveled through, as far west as Las Vegas. And from Vegas, I saw some great deals in California too.

dcdavys

You were spot on with both of these assessments! Amazing you could get that from one grainy photo…I’ve got a lot to learn!

I’m now the proud owner of a new to me, very dusty Crisscross!

daverup 

What size were the wheels? The picture looks like they might be 700's.
As long as it fits, no big deal.

dcdavys

700s! and I do think it is the size Small frame, so maybe it was just 94-95 that the small frames had 26" tires. I'll post a picture or two after I give it a bath.

The frame fits me, but I'm definitely on the upper end of the range at 5'7". I figure for $30 I'll play around with it until I find something better; I can always pass it on to a niece or nephew or my son in a few years....seems like this bike will probably outlive me