Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - 1980's Schwinn World maybe World sport?

Hey guys, first post; really excited to get back into shape with such a great sport and community :D

That being said, I am looking to get a road bike and convert it to a single speed down the road, found this beauty on Craigslist, just wondering if its worth it (I did talk him down to $80). Also, I can't seem to find anything on this model anywhere online. I guess it would help to know the exact year/model but I can't figure it out.


http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/bik/1834950598.html


Thanks guys!

Its not a World Sport, it says World right on the top tube. Worth $80? Not to me. But for your purposes, maybe...

Yea I saw that, in his ad it says it may be a sport, hence me asking.

I don't even know what the difference is between world and world sport.

Yea I saw that, in his ad it says it may be a sport, hence me asking.

I don't even know what the difference is between world and world sport.
World is really bottom end. In 1984, World Sport was upgraded to be somewhat decent. As the years progressed, the World Sport became more decent, and by the late 80s was pretty good.

Based on the steel handlebars, stamped rear drop outs, turkey levers, claw RD hanger, this World is pretty low end.

Read the four digit code on the head badge.

Here's the head badge on my 1987 Prologue, 0497 = 49th day of 1987. My Prologue was made in Japan by Panasonic, so head badge dating was not limited to just Schwinns built in the USA:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4015/4559059559_28cd0b4995_o.jpg

awesome, since I am a bigger guy (245 right now) I am looking for a cheaper older bike for the steel frame to convert to a single speed or a fixie, would a world be ok for that, or should I pass this bike up?

Based on the paint scheme, it's a 1988 World (not World Sport). The World Sport that year had 4130 chromoly main tubes, but I believe the World was 1020 carbon steel. It was near the bottom of the Schwinn model line-up.

http://www.trfindley.com/flschwinn_1981_1990/1988_14.html

It would be fine. Whatever you do, just compare the cost to one of those Bikedirect ready to go SS/FG for $299. Certainly a Schwinn World SS/FG would not be any better than one of those BD bikes. So if you have all the tools/time/space/skills, then go for it. If you are going to pay someone to do the work, I would just go with a new BD bike instead.

Jus found out it was stamped with GC865516

So how do I read that?

Thanks for the help so far guys, good to know about bikedirect, I am checking that out now. I am trying to keep this as cheap as possible for now, then once I get a bit more proficient I will upgrade to the next level.


thanks guys!

I believe it translates to made by Giant (Taiwan) in March, 1988, but late eighties serial numbers aren't well documented since Schwinn was building some in Greenville, MS, and importing from Taiwan, mainland China, and Japan, and the serial number convention varied depending on the source.

What are the four small digits stamped into the head badge? They represent the assembly date of the bike (as opposed to the date the frame was manufactured). The first three digits are the day of the year (001-366) and the last digit is the last digit of the year (see post #4 above by wrk101).

Every market is different. If that came up on my local CL, I would pass.

Jus found out it was stamped with GC865516

So how do I read that?

Thanks for the help so far guys, good to know about bikedirect, I am checking that out now. I am trying to keep this as cheap as possible for now, then once I get a bit more proficient I will upgrade to the next level.


thanks guys!


You ignore it. Instead, just read the code off the head badge.

so he ended up dropping the price to below any other bike I could find in my size on CL, so I took it.

Got some new pads and some new handle tape. Seat will be next.


I figured if I like the sport then I will pass this bike to someone else and upgrade, if not then I won't. I don't want to get myself too into it if I end up bailing...



Thanks for all the feedback guys, I am sure I will be asking noob questions allot in the up and coming months.

How is it holding up looking at pretty much the same exact bike, sellers asking $100

I picked up a blue Schwinn World Sport today at a bike swap meet.Gave $30 for it.It needs basic stuff-front derailluer cable,brake pads and could stand some tires but it's rideable as is.The number stamped by the left rear dropout is 3316014.The graphics on the frame tubes have horizontal lines running through the letters(like looking through a Venetian blind).Any idea what year this thing might be?

What are the four small digits lightly stamped on the head badge? Can you post a picture?

The last digit is mostly obscured by the left rivet head but it looks like it might be 3212.The first 3 didits I could read with no trouble.So I'm assuming November 18th of 1992.1982 maybe?????? 2002?????
I know it's made by Giant because there's a sticker on the left rear dropout that says "Schwin App GIANT".
Sorry,can't post a pic.I'm not very computer savvy and haven't figured out my digital camera yet.