Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - 80's Schwinn World Sport $150 ???

Anyone think this is worth it. I'm looking for a nice bike seeing as all of mine have been freebe fixer upers.

http://rochester.craigslist.org/bik/1008659977.html

If it is tuned and ready to ride and your size (how tall are you?) that is not an unreasonable price for a World Sport. I would want it for a bit less, as it needs a chain ($15.00) and without one how are you supposed to test ride it?

I'm selling one myself in my area (same model, different size) for $165, so I agree with the price. Although without a chain? That is pretty cheesy, and makes me wonder about other aspects mechanically. So based on questionable mechanics, I would look for a discount. If he doesn't put a chain on a bike to sell is kind of like selling a car without tires.

Buyers seem to be drawn to Schwinns.

This one would be a good example for the bike flipping thread showing where if the seller would simply put on a $10-$15 chain it would greatly improve his sales potential. As it is, his ad states no problems, then states there is no chain, which to me is a problem.

A World Sport I was watching on ebay as a price check recently closed at $73 with a shipping estimate at $49.95, so shipped to you it would have been just under $125 ($122.95). So, figure that one linked above for $150 should be able to be had for under $125 minus the cost of a chain and installation at a LBS. Offer the seller $100 and see if he goes for it.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=400024959507

Here's a Schwinn Sprint for $60:
http://rochester.craigslist.org/bik/1008685714.html

And a Raleigh for $200:
http://rochester.craigslist.org/bik/1006038017.html

Fit is the first priority, after that is everything else. ;)

I sold my 1987 World Sport this last summer for 95 dollars, I picked it up off CL for 40 put some different pedals on it and new cables had maybe 65 dollars total in it made thirty bucks on it.

I am 6'4" and i already have a brand new chain that i bought from the lbs that has a quick release in it. I was thinking of taking that over to test drive it.

I already have a sprint, hence the handle 85sprint, and believe that my bike is in far beter condition then that one.

Thanks for all of the input. is there anything else i should check out if i go to check it out.

The one model on ebay looks like an earlier model with steel wheels (I am not sure about it). I think the World Sport in the OP is a nice step up from the Sprint. Note, early World Sports were pretty bottom end bikes. But in the early/mid 80s, Schwinn had upgraded it significantly with cromoly main frame tubes, alloy rims, and three piece crank. So it is a good solid bike. I sold a Sprint in 2008, it had steel rims, high ten steel frame (a bottom end bike).

I would just shoot for a discount, given it will be difficult for the C/L seller to sell an incomplete bike IMHO.

As far as what to check: loosen seat post and pull it. If it is stuck, you do not want any part of the bike. Once you pull the post, with a flashlight, look down inside the seat tube. You are looking for rust. Flash rust is OK, but anything of substance, run away from it. Rust can be remediated, but it is a lot of work (and not at this price). Spin the wheels and check clearance versus brake pads. That will show you how far out of true the rims are. Don't expect them to be perfect, but do expect them to be decent.

Rust is the enemy of older steel bikes. Cables, tires, etc., can be dealt with (but should garner a discount).

Make sure the bearings all spin smooth and there is no noise coming from the bottom bracket. Look for rust (check that the seat and stem are not seized) and evidence of crash damage. Look at the frame alignment pay close attention to the two top tubes near the head set. Look and then run a finger to make sure there are no bulges. Oh and check that the rims don't have flat spots or cracks.

Wow, $150? That's a lot IMO unless maybe it's really cherry & in a hot market. But I agree with the others that the mid to late 80s ones with 4130 tubing are nice riders.

OK, just looked at the ad: frame looks really clean, so maybe he's not BSing about the chain getting accidentally tossed? But yeah, what they said.

I paid all of $12 for mine in fairly good condition - with chain that still had some wear left! - at a local thrift (F/G conversion in my sig) but am thinking of converting it back to geared with parts on hand because it is such a nice ride.

Wow, $150? That's a lot IMO unless maybe it's really cherry

Look closely at the pictures....there appears to be no rust on it. The brake hardware is clean as is the front wheel safety clip hardware. The pedal looks rust free was well.

If its close by and its rust free its worth $150 even if its missing the chain.

Craigslist rule #1: All prices are negotiable.

Well, if we used thrift store prices to set market prices, that would be interesting to say the least. As I sit here typing this, I am wearing my $1 jeans, $1 Carhart jacket, $1 Eddie Bauer shirt, and $1 New Balance shoes. All thrift store finds.

Thrift stores are a whole different world. Deals come and go. You really have to shop them continually to find the deals (or get real lucky). The deals I have gotten on non-bicycle stuff have been better than the occasional bike deal. But I love my $16 Lotus.

I recently acquired a world sport myself and think it is a nice bike. Does anyone know how to date bikes of this type? I'm thinking it must be from the 80's but I haven't located the serial # yet. Thanks

I recently acquired a world sport myself and think it is a nice bike. Does anyone know how to date bikes of this type? I'm thinking it must be from the 80's but I haven't located the serial # yet. Thanks

The round metal plate on the headtube will have 4 very small numbers stamped into it. 1362 would be the 136th day of 1982 and be 1982 model.

Something like 3125 would be the 312th day of 1985 and more than likely be a 1986 model.

The round metal plate on the headtube will have 4 very small numbers stamped into it. 1362 would be the 136th day of 1982 and be 1982 model.

Something like 3125 would be the 312th day of 1985 and more than likely be a 1986 model.

But that would not work the other way right? That is, a 0254, meaning the 25th day of 1984 would not be a 1983 model? I ask for obvious reasons, 1984 being the year of the change to cromoly.

There is one on CL now for which the seller is also asking $150. It seems on the high side given that it is the dead of winter and it is a tall frame. But it is very local - as in on my commute, which is worth something to me, and while I could eventually find one or a Le Tour or something at a thrift store, how many trips to the thrift store will I have to make? How many slightly ill fitting Hawaiian shirts will I end up with as a result of all those trips to the thrift store?

But that would not work the other way right? That is, a 0254, meaning the 25th day of 1984 would not be a 1983 model? I ask for obvious reasons, 1984 being the year of the change to cromoly.

There is one on CL now for which the seller is also asking $150. It seems on the high side given that it is the dead of winter and it is a tall frame. But it is very local - as in on my commute, which is worth something to me, and while I could eventually find one or a Le Tour or something at a thrift store, how many trips to the thrift store will I have to make? How many slightly ill fitting Hawaiian shirts will I end up with as a result of all those trips to the thrift store?

How many thrift stores will it take? I find one decent thrift store bike in about 1 visit out of every 500, I am not kidding! And then, I could care less what size the bike is, as it will probably be resold. Finding one my size at a thrift store? It has happened twice in about 2500 visits (one I kept, one I sold). Fortunately, I have found a lot of other stuff at thrift stores in the last year, that have been resold through ebay or consignment shops (kind of a hobby for me). I pretty much find an item (usually several) every visit. My batting average on garage sales is MUCH better, probably one decent bike (usually not my size) every 10 garage sales.

My last decent thrift store bike find was last July.... I still go for the other stuff.

When you are looking for a keeper bike, in your size, Craigs List is a better option. Just be ready to pounce. My family keeper fleet has one thrift store bike, two ebay bikes, and the rest Craigs List.

As for the specific World Sport, yes, that is a 1984 model. This time of year, in my market, the bike would have to be perfect and ready to ride (fresh tires, bearings, grease, cables), to warrant that price. And considering it is a big size, it would still be on the high end price wise. Every market is different, but Chicago in the winter should be a buyers market.

But if you could get that bike for $100 to $110, it would be a pretty good deal (assuming it fits). Tall frame in the middle of winter, seller may be waiting a while.

NOTE: The only Schwinn I saw on Chicago's Craigs List was a Schwinn World, not a World Sport. Those are two different models. The 1984 World is a bottom end bike, probably has a high ten steel frame and steel rims. A $100 bike on a good day.

How many thrift stores will it take? I find one decent thrift store bike in about 1 visit out of every 500, I am not kidding! And then, I could care less what size the bike is, as it will probably be resold. Finding one my size at a thrift store? It has happened twice in about 2500 visits (one I kept, one I sold). Fortunately, I have found a lot of other stuff at thrift stores in the last year, that have been resold through ebay or consignment shops (kind of a hobby for me). I pretty much find an item (usually several) every visit. My batting average on garage sales is MUCH better, probably one decent bike (usually not my size) every 10 garage sales.

My last decent thrift store bike find was last July.... I still go for the other stuff.


Your numbers sound large, but I believe them. I kinda gave up on thrifting many years ago after I calculated my time to find ratio. But that was back when I only owned one bike at a time and their vintage was simply a matter of when I bought them. All the talk about thrift store finds here in C&V got me sort of excited about the prospect of thrifting bikes. But now that you mention it, back when I was a regular at the thrift stores I only recall seeing really bottom of the barrel bikes.



When you are looking for a keeper bike, in your size, Craigs List is a better option. Just be ready to pounce. My family keeper fleet has one thrift store bike, two ebay bikes, and the rest Craigs List.

As for the specific World Sport, yes, that is a 1984 model. This time of year, in my market, the bike would have to be perfect and ready to ride (fresh tires, bearings, grease, cables), to warrant that price. And considering it is a big size, it would still be on the high end price wise. Every market is different, but Chicago in the winter should be a buyers market.

But if you could get that bike for $100 to $110, it would be a pretty good deal (assuming it fits). Tall frame in the middle of winter, seller may be waiting a while.


Thanks for the suggested price range. The seller claims he won't go under $140, but he also claims it is "mint" and in "amazing condition". I think I'll try to take a look at it. The rest of this week does not look good for a test ride though weatherwise...



NOTE: The only Schwinn I saw on Chicago's Craigs List was a Schwinn World, not a World Sport. Those are two different models. The 1984 World is a bottom end bike, probably has a high ten steel frame and steel rims. A $100 bike on a good day.

It is definitely a World Sport - or at least that is what is says in the ad. I can't exactly tell from the photo.
http://atoms.net/bike/images/worldSomething.jpg

Sold a decent one last night for 100.00. I dont think you should pay 150 for any WS.

I'd pay $100 for a particular 1985 ice blue World Sport. Mine, that is, which was stolen some years ago. But that's about $75 worth of sentiment.

It is definitely a World Sport - or at least that is what is says in the ad. I can't exactly tell from the photo.
http://atoms.net/bike/images/worldSomething.jpg

A picture definitely helps :)

this is an '84 World Sport. 4130 frame, Alloy Araya 27 inch rims, (unfortunately steel rear hub), 29 lbs catalog weight.

I'd say about $100 if it works properly and it is recently tuned up. Add $20 each for the rack and the lock and it might worth your $140... Also looks like it got a newer "anatomical" saddle. (Not sure what that is from the picture)

It would do fine for a commuting bike, that's about it... Must be a monster size as well...

I'd pay $100 for a particular 1985 ice blue World Sport. Mine, that is, which was stolen some years ago. But that's about $75 worth of sentiment.

Did it look like the one I just sold?


http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c91/cusco-awd/clear001.jpg

I'd like to agree with everyone and tell you $140 is crazy, but that's not true around here. While it's cold out, it's too high, but come the spring World Sports and their equivalent, like newer Raleigh Records, will be selling for just that amount. I have a 84 Traveller that I might be selling this spring. It's in A++ condition and I expect to get $140 for it. Same for my 87 Raleigh Record. IMHO Like it or not, that's what basic chromoly framed, alloy rimmed bikes are moving toward. It's high, but if it's what you've been looking for and if it's in really good condition, needs no work maybe it's worth it. BUT only if it's a keeper.
EDIT: Let me add a comparison. About 3 weeks ago, I flipped an entry level, 12 speed Ross. Bottom line components, alloy rims, front QR, Hi-Ten frame with new tires and re-lubed hubs and BB. It went for $100 within 24 hours. The guy who bought it had been looking for weeks. Make that a chromoly frame, better brand name and warmer weather, and you can do the math.

The seller won't budge under $140 and the bike is not worth that much to me, so I've passed on it. Thanks everyone for sharing your opinions and expertise. I got a PM from a user who has a WS of similar vintage which he is selling for $85, which I might go take a look at/test ride some time in the future if this crazy snow ever dries up.