jordjb

I have two truly mint condition Schwinn Tempos which were purchased in 1991 and have been ridden about 50 miles each by my wife and myself. I am really not kidding, we took them out twice and then got tied up with other things and my wife's later medical problems precluded much more riding for many years. They are gathering dust in our basement right now, but are really in superb condition. Are these bikes worth anything - in other words, should we sell them on a bike website of some sort, or just sell them at a garage sale? They are Columbus SL frames with Shimano 105 components. I really would appreciate anyone that might know something about how to best sell these bikes and could assist with a good answer. I am not looking to make a money on these bikes. They sold for about $600 back in 1991 and I got them for $400 each, so if I could just get them out of the basement by selling to someone that would appreciate them, that would be great. Please help!

cyclotoine

Are you sure they are columbus SL? That doesn't sound like a tempo, I would have guessed columbus tenex, what kind of components do they have? I would think that top dollar would be about $300 a piece if they are truely mint. I would try the closest craigslist to you first before trying ebay.

jordjb

Took another look at them just to make sure, but yes, they say Columbus SL right on the frame. I'm not an expert, so not sure what you mean by components. I know they have Shimano 105 components on all the gears, etc., but they are the ones from 1991, which were the old style shifters, not these new click type. I know some purists supposedly prefer them. Like I said, I am certainly no expert. I really appreciate your suggestions. Thanks. John

vpiuva

SL tubing adds value. Post sizes, you might find some interest here. Local CL would be a good option for that age bike, too.

jordjb

Good point. As I said, I am no expert on bikes. I know one is a 23", but not sure on the other. I think it might also be a 23". I'll see if it can be determined off the serial number or some other location on the bike. They really are beautiful bikes. Even the taping on the handle bars is factory original - basically brand new. I hate to see them just sitting there. Thanks for your tip - good thought. John

vpiuva

measure the seat tubes on each from the center of the crank to the center of the top tube along the seat tube itself. Also measure the top tube from the center of the head tube to the center of the seat tube. Some might be interested in standover, too. For that just measure from the floor to the top of the top tube. That will get everything started.

jordjb

Roger - will do. Thanks.

jordjb

At risk of showing my ignorance, can I assume the head tube is the tube on which the handlebars are mounted? I am pretty sure it is, based on some things I found on websites, but not positive. Would appreciate someone letting me know. Thanks.

jordjb

OK - several things. First, I pulled them out of the basement (which is high and dry) and measured them. First, I think they are Columbus Tenax SL, based on taking a good look at the label. Not sure what Tenax means, but it's on the label farther down. Next, sizes are 21" and 22" (center of hub to center of top tube), 21.5" and 22" (center of head tube to center of seat tube) and 31.5" and 32.5" (floor to top of top tube) respectively for the two bikes. Hope this helps. I guess this means they are 21" and 22" bikes, using the old way we used to judge bike sizes for regular bikes? Thanks for setting me straight on sizing.

East Hill

Don't worry jordjb, in a few short weeks this will all be old hat to you.

Yes, it sounds as if you managed to get all the tubes sorted out. Now we need you to get us some photos....

East Hill

TBART

Columbus Tenax tubing has nothing to do with SL tubing, other than they are both tubing made by the same company. Columbus SL tubing is a high-grade tubing. Columbus Tenax is a totally different tubing - some people say it did not meet Columbus' specifications, so was sold as a lower-grade tubing called Tenax. It actually is pretty good tubing and there is nothing wrong with it, but it is not SL tubing.

Tom

jordjb

Tom,
All that may be, but it says Columbus on one line and "Tenax SL", exactly like that on the other. I am going to get some photos so you can see what I am talking about. I'm too dumb on this stuff to make it up.

jordjb

OK - will do. Probably be a day or so before I can get to it since I am out of town tomorrow. Thanks for your reply.

vpiuva

click here for Tenax SL or SP from the Schwinn Forums (may or may not be fact)

TBART

Looks like I don't know what it is either!