Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Value of a '78 chrome Schwinn

I've had a hankering for a chrome bike for a while now, but I'm not sure what to think about this:

http://kalamazoo.craigslist.org/bik/1584457123.html

********* from the craigslist post ******************

Hi. I started to take this bike apart and was going to make a fixed gear single speed out of it but my plans have changed and I need the money. I will not accept less than 125, so do not ask. I have all the parts for it. This would make a SICK NASTY single speed bike. How many all chrome schwinns have you seen in your life? This is the only one. Only made 2 years.

its a 1978.

* Location: kalamazoo
* it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests


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After some email with the poster, the frame seems to be a 25" (my size) but the bike may be a little lower on the scale than the bikes I already own. I don't see any lugs and my initial hesitation tells me maybe this is not the right bike for me, but I'm curious to know what the going value/rate is for a frame like this.

If he has all the original parts it might work out OK, but not a steal. Really not sure which model/frame tubing that is. But it's a tall one.

I will assume it is a Super LeTour 12.2. If so, and it fits, its worth it (assuming he has the remaining parts in hand). If you want to roll the dice, wait him out a while. It is usually difficult to sell a bike in parts like this, buyers want ready to ride bikes, not projects. But you run the risk that someone will decide they have to have it since it is chrome.


+1 That is a huge size, which will also work in the favor of the buyer (you), assuming it fits.

was the Super LeTour electro-forged? There are no lugs in the better quality photos I received from the seller. Seller thinks it may be a Continental, if so I think it may be heavy for my liking. I do know I'd prefer a lugged frame without the mounted kickstand. No matter what, I'll have to wait. I depleted the bike fund on my last fuji purchase.

LeTour was fully lugged. Those EF bikes are heavy for sure. Under $100, it could be a decent flip come summer, depending on condition of decals, etc.

It's a 25" Continental. Keep in mind that you can't put a BB conversion kit in these without grinding some metal reinforcements in the BB.

-Kurt

I like chrome, but I'm going to pass on this one. My gut is telling me although it's pretty, the ride won't measure up to the fuji's I bought recently. If it had lugs, I'd be on it like stink on a monkey.