Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - 1970s schwinn varsity

original parts and average condition. any ideas?

In nice shape in rideable condition $150.00-$200.00 or so depending on your market.

$25 to $50 in my neck of the woods.

Completed eBay auctions (http://completed.shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=schwinn+varsity&_in_kw=1&_ex_kw=&_sacat=See-All-Categories&_okw=schwinn+varsity&_oexkw=&_adv=1&LH_Complete=1&_udlo=&_udhi=&_samilow=&_samihi=&_sadis=200&_fpos=Zip+code&_fsct=&LH_SALE_CURRENCY=0&_sop=12&_dmd=1&_ipg=50&_rdc=1) are a good general guide.

Recently completed Schwinn Varsity sales:

$125 (http://cgi.ebay.com/SCHWINN-VARSITY-Bicycle-PICKUP-ONLY-NJ-/390312362610)

N.O.S. $280 (http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-NOS-Mens-Schwinn-Varsity-/120721196830)

$75 (http://cgi.ebay.com/1980-SCHWINN-VARSITY-MENS-55-CM-USA-MADE-VINTAGE-10-SPD-/290563585165)

$162.50 (http://cgi.ebay.com/1977-SCHWINN-VARSITY-TALL-MENS-10-SPD-ROAD-BIKE-BICYCLE-/400212732283)

Condition is everything, how are the tires, cables, brakes etc?

I guess by rideable I mean 100% ready to go with fresh grease and new rubber and anything else that would be required.

I typically replace tires, tubes, cables and housings, brake pads, chain, bar wrap and grease all the bearings along with a thorough cleaning of all components.

Honestly I put way too much effort into the ones I do in regards to what I sell them for but I do make money on them and I enjoy what I do so it's not all about the money.

thanks guys and yeah I'm guessing I'm going to need to replace everything but maybe some cables or pads in most of these original part bikes, sometimes those too though

how about the Schwinn "Caliente"? I see a fair amount of Varsitys around here, don't remember seeing many Calientes

also thanks for the eBay link but from personal experience for the modest priced bikes ($3-700), ebay always seems to get $1-200 more than I would expect a good number of the time. Maybe my market isn't as bad as I thought it was? (htx)

In nice shape in rideable condition $150.00-$200.00 or so depending on your market.

I'd say half that: $70-100.

I'd say half that: $70-100.

+1 to that.

Calente is at best comparable.

You looking at the brown one, listed on Craigslist? I figure they want too much, since it says make offer, with no price. It was also listed last week. The red caliente, I got no idea.

I'd say half that: $70-100.

+2 to that ( provided it really is in nice shape.)

I would tend to put the Caliente one or two rungs lower.

You looking at the brown one, listed on Craigslist? I figure they want too much, since it says make offer, with no price. It was also listed last week. The red caliente, I got no idea.
Actually it's a blue one on craigslist listed at 95. I asked the guy for some pictures (I could barely see it) and he said he'll have new pictures and a new price on Sunday... so uhm I guess I'll know more then.

this is all I got
201685201686

You looking at the brown one, listed on Craigslist? I figure they want too much, since it says make offer, with no price. It was also listed last week. The red caliente, I got no idea.
oh I just realized you meant the varsity. yeah that one. if you look further back though he was asking $120 originally. I might throw him a $60 offer and see where it takes me

+2 to that ( provided it really is in nice shape.)

I would tend to put the Caliente one or two rungs lower.

+3. I was about to say $75 if it's in pretty good shape.

Actually it's a blue one on craigslist listed at 95. I asked the guy for some pictures (I could barely see it) and he said he'll have new pictures and a new price on Sunday... so uhm I guess I'll know more then.

this is all I got
201685201686
now is asking $115 when all I can tell that he's done is clean it up, but looks in great shape for it's age

http://images.craigslist.org/3nc3k33o85V05T55U4b5da931a315522e130d.jpg
http://images.craigslist.org/3n83p23lf5Q05Z05U4b5de539c322d6de1ac6.jpg
http://images.craigslist.org/3n33k23l65V15Z65W6b5d1965fd99b55d1c40.jpg
http://images.craigslist.org/3n63kb3l65Y25W45R3b5d6631f29d433e1d25.jpg

Even in really nice condition, it isn't worth much more than $100.00. Why do I say that? For one, it is heavy. That isn't important to everyone, but does affect value. Two, you can find better bikes, sometimes much better for just a little more than what the seller is asking for that one. The bike does appear to be in nice shape, in fact, the handlebar tape appears to be original and in good condition so it wasn't left in the weather a lot, that's for sure.

Bottom line is does it fit you and do you really want it. If the answer is yes on both counts, buy it.