Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Vintage Schwinn Volare

Hi,

I'm new to this site and have a question for you vintage bike experts. I've been looking for a vintage touring bike and came across a Red Schwinn Volare built in Japan with 531 frame. After reading about this bike, it sounds like it is a classic built in 1977 or 1978, only built for 2 years and a very comfortable and reliable touring bike. However, when I went to look at the bike, it appears that some of the components have been swapped out. On the chain stays it says "Dura Ace" on the chrome ends of the stays, but the only Dura Ace components on the bike are the brakes and brake levers. I believe the deraillers are now XT, not sure about the crank. It has a seven speed rear cog and a triple front. Wheels have old Phil Wood hubs and Mavic rims, handlebars have the foam padding and it has a newer "comfortable" padded seat. Tires are shot. Asking price for the bike is $450, which seems a bit high. I realize that price and value can be an individual thing, but I'm wondering if this is a reasonable price for this bike. Overall, bike is in fairly good condition, but there are a few spots on the frame that have been touched up with paint that doesn't match the bright red original paint. Your input would be appreciated.

Need to post good pictures. Condition is everything. Not unusual for older bikes to not have original components, but that does hurt value. Sounds like a Frankenbike, so I doubt it is worth it.

I would look at the transaction as if you were just buying the frame set. Is it worth that much to you? If I had a Volare, I would be doing my best to return to as close to stock configuration as possible.

Those late seventies Volares are nice bikes, but to justify a $450 price it should be in nearly perfect condition with all original components.

For that kind of money you can buy a late eighties Paramount in good shape.

I wouldn't call mine a touring bike its got pretty tight geometry and no room for fenders at all. Where is it and what size is it?

Thanks for all of your input. I think I'm going to pass on this one. I think you're right "stringbreaker", there is no room for fenders and although I didn't ride the bike (bad tires), it appeared to have pretty tight geometry. I really don't know much about these bikes, but I thought I might buy it as long as I could get my $ back if it didn't suit me. The bike is in western Michigan and my guess is that it is about 60cm (fits tight to my crotch when standing in tennis shoes and I'm 6'0).

If you could get it for less they are great riding bikes. I love mine its the first one I take when I ride. Its my summer commuter and road rider unless I know I have some pretty good size hills. You can find a lot of period correct bits for it and the Shimano Crane RD shifts like butter. Like I said if you can get it for less buy it I don't think you will be sorry. They are scarce as hens teeth and if I could find another one that fit me I would buy it in a heartbeat

. I really don't know much about these bikes, but I thought I might buy it as long as I could get my $ back if it didn't suit me.

These are nice bikes. If it is in really good shape, that shouldn't be a problem



The bike is in western Michigan ....

Too big for me, plus I'm not in a position to buy a bike anyway, but where in West Michigan is it?

If you could get it for less they are great riding bikes. I love mine its the first one I take when I ride. Its my summer commuter and road rider unless I know I have some pretty good size hills. You can find a lot of period correct bits for it and the Shimano Crane RD shifts like butter. Like I said if you can get it for less buy it I don't think you will be sorry. They are scarce as hens teeth and if I could find another one that fit me I would buy it in a heartbeat

Ditto! <3 my Volare and if I ever get the gumption to pay for a "brand new" bike vs vintage it'll be a new Panasonic Frame (thru YJ, since they import them in).
P.S. I paid ~ $465 shipped for mine off E-bay, in worn out shape, but it cleaned up REALLY nice and still had almost all of the original components (still dura ace, just had a low flange front hub, no spoke protector, no reflectors, etc).