reese83

I'm new to learning about vintage bikes and don't have much information on this particular Schwinn (such as if parts are all u.s., the type of steel, original wheels/seats/brakes etc., but someone is selling a vintage 10 speed sprint Schwinn for $100 and I'd like to know if it seems like a good price? I'v attached the pictures below.

There is also a Schwinn World edition going for $120...better choice as its a much later model?

Also, any pointers on what I should look for when I go check it out/ take it for a test ride?

Thanks, I appreciate any advice!

noglider 

What kind of riding do you want to do?

The pictures are bad, so it's hard to gauge the condition. From what I can see, it's good. $100 is a fair price. But it's a very heavy bike. If you test ride it and test ride something else, you're more likely to prefer the other one, whatever it is. Nearly all bikes are lighter than that bike.

But it's a well made bike, made to last a lifetime. It's a good bike for learning how to work on bikes. You could do worse. I rather like working on that class of Schwinn, which isn't made any more.

reese83

Thanks for the quick reply Tom. Well honestly, I like it because its a oldie. Primarily I'm using it to city road to work everyday with cycling (no heavy racing) on weekends. There is also a Schwinn World (which I believe is a newer, better model, possibly European parts or maybe just European influence) that is going for $120. Pictures attached above.

What is the average weight on this type of bike?

Also, what are the type of things I should check out (other then gears, seat, rim, etc.) to make sure its in good condition?


Thanks!!!

Doohickie

The older bike is probably 35 lb. or so, the newer one maybe a little under 30.

wrk101

The red bike is extremely heavy, close to twice the weight of a modern bike. You are buying a certain look, which many people find attractive.

As for the World, it really depends on the year, as the build quality varied somewhat. The World is a heavy bike as well, just not as heavy as the red bike.

The World is probably the better bike for riding, while the red one has more nostalgia going for it, and is more collectable.

The bikes also appears to be two different sizes, so you need to determine what size is best for you.

Google bike sizing, as there are endless opinions on what size is the best.

Chris_in_Miami

It doesn't look like the World has alloy rims, but if it does, that would make it worth the extra $20. The steel rims are tough, but they don't stop very well without upgrading brake pads.

Edit - Good call on the size difference Bill, it looks pretty significant.

John E

Steel rims are unsafe, even with KoolStop salmon pads and modern brake cables.

I commuted on a Varsity for a few months, and it was not that bad by the time I installed toeclips, a 6-speed freewheel, downtube shifters, aluminum rims, and KoolStop brake pads.

noglider 

The Varsity (Sport) is typically about 39 pounds.

Old is nice, but other old bikes are still plentiful. A Peugeot UO-9 is about 28 pounds and rides pretty nicely for what it is.