Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - can't date or determine the name of my Schwinn 10 speed :(

Ok so I need help ,I bought a Schwinn I looked everywhere to find out any information ,I have the serial number located on the back left fork drop which is SJ082957 (websites indicate that its a Japanese model) but on the front head plate it says Chicago and it has 4 numbers stamped 3511 fist time owning a Schwinn. All I really want to know is the type of bike and the year it was made ,I would appreciate any help. :)

We need pics.

Ok

Pictures and the best detail description you can manage will help Bike Forum members help you. For the time being you can determine the age of your bicycle by applying some of the information contained in How Old Is My Bicycle? (http://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpeeds_1/FREE_SITE_VINTAGE/VINTAGE_1_Start.htm)

As for the type, or model, pictures are an absolute must. So, try to show the drive side and even close up details of the frame and components. The pictures will be a great help.

Hope that gets you started and welcome to the Bike Forums.

Chicago on headtube often only means Schwinn had a sales office in Chicago. They continued to use it long after the Chicago factory was closed. 3511 = 351st day of the year ending in a 1, could be 1981, 1991, and so on. Pictures will tell the story.

And serial number tells nothing about the model.

Of all the bikes to date, Schwinns are the easiest due to an abundance of on-line catalogs and their use of logical serial numbers.

232534232533232532232535
http://www.bikeforums.net/images/misc/pencil.png

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=232534&d=1325731390

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=232535&d=1325731434

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=232532&d=1325731348

Looks very similar to this 1980 LeTour: http://www.trfindley.com/flschwinn_1971_1980/1980_06.html Based on the dropouts, crankset, centerpull brakes, chrome tipped fork, and 1020 frame it is definitely from that era (mid 70s through 1981 or so.)

I just did a quick search though, feel free to page through all the catalogs at your convenience: http://www.trfindley.com/pg_schwinn_cats.htm

I just saw a World that had the same seat tube stickers.