Firestone Vagabond Chante
 

I picked up a Firestone Vagabond, Chante model (10-speed, i think) at a thrift store for $20. It's lovely...and in great shape, but I cannot find anything online about this model. When was it made? How many? How much...etc. Thanks for any help!

I have no clue, but it looks like a great find for $20 !!

Cheers,

Joe

Another department store bike. Firestone did not make a single bike, they bought them from others, and had them slap on a Firestone label. During the bike boom, every tire shop, gas station, dept store, etc., had their own brand of bikes. No one is tracking these thousands of store brands, so web info is limited to non-existent. Value is all about what it is worth to you. Great condition is a plus!!

About a gillion of these were made, as Huffy/Murray/whoever made them for everybody.

Just found one myself on CL for $15. Not quite as nice as yours but still quite good. I really like the white bikes with chrome or aluminum as they look quite elegant.

Other than the typical maintenance required and a set of tires it seems fine and it is better than buying a Chinese bike. Fitted out with front and rear baskets (Wald), lights, and a few other bits I like these old store bikes for commuting, general errands, and general puttering about. If it is stolen, gets wet, or dirty no big loss. I have had great luck with the cheap "dept store" bikes.

A dumpster rescued FS Elite mtb is still going strong after 5yrs of 4 season commuting and general errand use. Would not subject my nicer bikes (mostly classic lugged steel) to the same day in day out use on salted winter roads.