Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Help identify a bike? 1978 Schwinn Continental

So I just bought a bike over craigslist, and I wanted to ask for help because I want to know if it is what it is supposed to be, and if it is worth anything.

It's supposed to be a 10-speed 1978 Schwinn Continental (a short internet search came up with other Schwinn Continentals, all of which were electric assist bikes but this one isn't). It's in pretty much perfect condition. The frame says Schwinn and Continental in faded out lettering. The guy who sold it to me told me he got it from New Hampshire where it had been sitting and he replaced the tire treads because they had rotted away. The front wheel hub is quick release but the back is not, it's got stem shifters and the breaks have secondary levers. It's also got a light generator that I have no idea if it was added on later.

I linked to pictures at the bottom. Is there any way to know if it is actually a 1978 bike? Also, is it worth anything? If it is I want to resell it, if it's not it's going to be my commuting bike.


http://s458.photobucket.com/albums/qq303/RudysDontCare/?action=view&current=scont3.jpg

http://s458.photobucket.com/albums/qq303/RudysDontCare/?action=view&current=scont2.jpg

http://s458.photobucket.com/albums/qq303/RudysDontCare/?action=view&current=scont1.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/sldatabook/contents.html

It appears to be just as advertised. A 1978 Schwinn Continental II. Here is a link to look at. These bikes typically resell for around $75 - $150 depending on the time of year, condition, and location.

http://www.geocities.com/sldbconsumer20/1978/78ccpg18b.jpg

Next to the bottom of the Schwinn line, but yours looks like a real nice one! $150 would be the top end around here, you would need to find the right willing buyer.

Not next to the bottom of the line. Continentals were built as solid yet heavy performers with a frame that had a lifetime warranty. Just think, your Continental outlived the original Schwinn Company.

You have a great example of American engineering built to last. My '62 Continental is still very road worthy. Thanks for the pics and best of luck on your "new" bike!

I reconditioned an old Continental & rode it a few times before I sold it on. Brought back memories of my old Varsity. It's heavy & due to the steel wheels it took a some shifting and a lot of stomping to reach cruising speed. Yet, somehow, it seemed like I was going faster (once I reached cruise) on it than I do on many of my other bikes. The rigid frame means power is transmitted efficiently. The riding position was very comfortable. The handling is very sweet. Not a bad bike despite the weight I say.

Thanks for the replies!

I paid 180 for the bike, so I guess I overpaid a little? Even so I'm happy with it and don't feel ripped off. I've been riding it and it's as great as it looked. I asked about the value becuase I had searched Schwinn Continental and found these bikes prices at $2000+, but then a closer look revealed that those were actually electric assist bikes of the same model. (I thought it was weird to have stumbled across a collectors item!)

As I said, I'm real happy about it anyway.