Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - 1972 Orange Krate

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fewmit
05-26-12, 11:54 AM
If someone could help get a better idea of the value of this I'd much appreciate it. I get anywhere from $150 to $1200 from Google research...I suspect it's value range is a bit tighter!

So, this was my bike as a kid - it was bought used around 1982. My parents stored it in the garage afterwards until two years ago they gave it to me. I got it into riding condition for my son, but now he's ready for a "real bike"...you know, one with gears and that doesn't weight half a ton!

So when I got I replaced rear shocks, handlebars, and seat with new parts...still have the original parts as shown. The rear tire tread became unusable so that was switched for a generic drum brake tike. Originals in pic also. The chrome is somewhat rusty and the bike well used but currently in good riding condition. I repacked all the bearings and cleaned out the brake when I fixed it up. serial #LH527950.

Cheers!

252588252589

thinktubes
05-26-12, 12:25 PM
Probably around $400 to $500 if you include the original parts.
Scooper
05-26-12, 12:38 PM
LH=November 1972, so it's likely a 1973 model year.

One of the best indicators of its value is to search the completed auctions on eBay because of the exposure. An unrestored 1969 Orange Krate sold for $2,000 on April 4:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Schwinn-Orange-Krate-1969-All-original-Not-Restored-Sting-Ray-/251033976082

Another, claimed to be a 1969 model, sold for $909.99 with 13 bids on March 11:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SCHWINN-VINTAGE-ORANGE-KRATE-BIKE-/251010281307

I don't know if there would be a significant difference in value between a '69 and a '72 or '73.

thinktubes
05-26-12, 01:01 PM
LH=November 1972, so it's likely a 1973 model year.

One of the best indicators of its value is to search the completed auctions on eBay because of the exposure. An unrestored 1969 Orange Krate sold for $2,000 on April 4:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Schwinn-Orange-Krate-1969-All-original-Not-Restored-Sting-Ray-/251033976082

Another, claimed to be a 1969 model, sold for $909.99 with 13 bids on March 11:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SCHWINN-VINTAGE-ORANGE-KRATE-BIKE-/251010281307

I don't know if there would be a significant difference in value between a '69 and a '72 or '73.

Those auctions are for 5-speed Krates. The OP has the single speed version.

Taking a second look at the pics I would estimate closer to $300 to $400 in it's current condition. The "upgraded" parts detract from the look and spirt of the original design.
Scooper
05-26-12, 01:47 PM
Those auctions are for 5-speed Krates. The OP has the single speed version.

Ah so desu ka. :o
fewmit
05-26-12, 02:50 PM
Those auctions are for 5-speed Krates. The OP has the single speed version.

Taking a second look at the pics I would estimate closer to $300 to $400 in it's current condition. The "upgraded" parts detract from the look and spirt of the original design.
I can certainly put the original parts back on if that will help it's value! Thanks for all the replies so far. I think it makes sense that the $900+ upper end valuations are for the 5-speed and/or ones with a front tire drum brake. This is a more basic model.