Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Pricing for '88 Trek 1200 and '79 World Sport

Hey all I was hoping you could help me out. I would like to know your thoughts on what I could realistically sell my bikes for. I have a near mint 1988 55cm Trek 1200. It has nearly no scratches or anything and rides, shifts, and brakes like new. What do you think, around $300 ish? Pics are too big and not loading so I will try to get some up soon. But it is bright denim blue I believe with highlighter yellow decals. Aluminum frame, wheels, shimano 105 components in perfect working order, etc.

I also want to sell my 1979 Schwinn World Sport. I believe its a 63.5 cm? I will have to re-measure. Anyhow, it is in really nice shape for the age and all original as far as I can tell. I put a Bontrager seat and new lines and cables and tape on it. I was thinking in the neighborhood of $200?

I may be wrong for pricing, thats why I am asking for advice and thoughts. By the way, I am located in Oregon.

That price is really high for a 1979 World Sport. The World Sport was upgraded in 1984 as I recall, so this bike is before the upgrade. Upgraded, the bike has a cromoly frame, alloy rims, three piece crank, etc. So it is a pretty decent bike. Before then, it is more like the Sprint: high ten steel frame, steel rims, etc. A basic, heavy, boomer bike. It is more like a $100 to $125 bike (max). The most I have gotten for a boomer bike here is $110. And the large size will make finding a buyer more difficult.

A 1984 or newer World Sport would be worth $150 to $175 around here, in ready to ride, clean, no defects, condition. But I am not in Oregon.

The Trek 1200 would be worth $250 around here. Hard to get $300 for a bike here unless it is really highly sought after (higher end steel, or a touring model) or has brifters. In parts of Oregon, $300 is probably no problem! The 55 is also a better size (fits more people).

Yeah the Oregon market seems to usually be a little or a lot higher than most other markets in my experience. I have the Trek listed for 400 obo and the Schwinn for 180 . Should I take the Trek down to 325 and the Schwinn down to 150?

Your World Sport was part of the "X-tra Lite" series, imported, yes. If this the large tube steel, (seat post 26.8 mm) and weighs in under the 30 # mark it should be chromoly.

From my observations tall riders searching for a bike will pay a little more in my area for a 25" or 26" frame as there are not always that many available.

If you just posted, leave your prices alone and see what replies your receive, you can always come down once prospect is on premise or if required to get them closer to making visit.

+1 The beauty of Craigs List is pricing is self correcting. If you are too high, you will know within a week. If so, take one down, wait a week, and put it back up at a slightly lower price.

As for frame, the 1979 World Sport is heavy high ten steel: 18 gauge 1020 steel tubing and per the catalog, weighed 33 pounds. Steel rims, steel hubs, steel chain rings. It is an entry level bike. http://www.geocities.com/sldbconsumer/1979/79ccpg07.html

No way could I get over $110 for that World Sport around here. It will be interesting to see the Oregon premium. And $400 for that Trek is really high too. But again, may be possible in Oregon.

And some buyers really aren't too sophisticated (not a surprise). Some just see a brand they know and buy.

Good luck!

I have to bites on the Schwinn. I think I am letting it go for $150. At least thats what he sid he just has not emailed me back. I also had one guy just email me and ask me if I still had it. I have it posted for $375 so I should have a little room to budge.

Wow, great! On the one hand, I would love to sell into your market. But on the other hand, the prices I pay for flip bikes would be up substantially I am sure. So I guess it equals out. And of course, I could always look to ebay as an equalizer if I want to go that route..

I have to bites on the Schwinn. I think I am letting it go for $150. At least thats what he sid he just has not emailed me back. I also had one guy just email me and ask me if I still had it. I have it posted for $375 so I should have a little room to budge.

Did I read correct? You listed the Scwinn for $375??? Did you mean $175? Either way, getting $150 for a high ten Schwinn is outstanding, I don't care what market you're in. That is one very clean bike and I'm sure that helped. I'd have trouble getting over $100 for that bike, but that's our market.

The guy thought it was Cro-mo. So hopefully he still wants it...lets cross out fingers!! What is the difference..cro-mo lighter and better, more expensive?

Yes to all three. I agree with all of the previous comments, but again, Oregon is probably a way hotter market than Ohio. I paid 210.00 for a Trek 1420 in excellent ride ready shape, and still felt that was the max.

-Matt

The guy thought it was Cro-mo. So hopefully he still wants it...lets cross out fingers!! What is the difference..cro-mo lighter and better, more expensive?
This model year was marketed as a "X-tra Lite", and even if lugged it could be Chromoly tubing. If it weighs in under 30# fully assembled it likely is, or another brand of the same tubing.

From your picture it does appear to be the larger diameter tubing, lugged. (takes 26.8 mm seat tube? or about)

Being a outsourced frame, it is possible Schwinn did not specify the material and therefore did not advertise the frame tubing, or just an oversight when the material was printed.

Its high ten steel, the 21 inch size weighed 33 pounds. One great thing about Schwinn is that someone, somewhere will have the catalog posted on the web. I wish other brands had the depth of info out there.

The difference with the cromoly World Sport? As stated above, the cromoly bike is a totally different bike, a much better bike, from the frame construction and weight, to alloy rims, etc. Not surprised potential buyer was confused. The pre-84 World Sport is a totally different bike, much lower grade bike.

Its high ten steel, the 21 inch size weighed 33 pounds. One great thing about Schwinn is that someone, somewhere will have the catalog posted on the web. I wish other brands had the depth of info out there. Have link right here. (http://www.trfindley.com/flschwinn_1980_1990/1980_11.html) Listed it with 18 gauge 1020 Carbon Steel. And at 33#s.

The steel rims add some weight to the overall. The 79 listing is here (http://www.geocities.com/sldatabook/detail7579.html#1979worldsport), but not the same detail.

I replaced my steel rims on my 80 Continental, with alloy and stainless steel spokes, took it to 34#s with the seat bag, and water bottle mounted. Plus it is a 26" frame.