I have a Schwinn Le Tour which I bought used in 1984, so it's about 20-25 years old (antique?). It's been used very little, especially in the last 10 years. It's a 10 speed and I've concluded I need at least an 18 speed for the hills around where I live, so I've decided to sell this bike. I really hate to part with it, since I've had it for so long, but I just don't use it anymore. It's light blue and has some scratches, but otherwise in good shape. What would be a fair price for this bike? Thanks.

Check with a Schwinn dealer. I asked exactly the same question about my 20 year old Schwinn Traveller, hoping it was worth something.

Initially, I was disappointed. I was told it wasn't really worth anything at all (not a collector's item). So I resigned myself to riding it around for a while.

To my suprise, I found out it was worth several times what I paid for it, but not to any collector; I had rediscovered my own love for cycling. This made my old
Traveller 10 speed priceless.

Now, of course, I have a much newer, lighter bike, more appropriate for my purposes. But I would not have this bike were it not for my faithful Schwinn. (I eventually gave the Schwinn to a friend who wanted to start riding, but could not afford a bike).

Pete

To danny Y,

I also have a Schwinn Letour from approx. 1987 that a bought new. I used the bike a handful of times and it is like new. I inquired about the bike at a local shop and they say it isn't worth anything. I don't believe that a bike in good condition from the old Schwinn company isn't worth anything. I think it could be worth a hundred or two. Ultimately it is worth what someone will pay for it. I will look into further and may put mine on ebay. I don't use the bike and my kids are asking me two get a mountain bike and I thought I could supplement the cost of the new bike with the sale of the Letour. If you find out anything please post again.

Thank you,

Fred

Hi Fred, the folks in the Classic & Vintage forum can give you a good answer, but we will expect photos. Your LeTour is probably worth at least $100, but it depends on condition, and where you're located.

East Hill

Depending on location (and time of year; you might wait till Spring), I would say 100-200.

But, are you sure you need 18 gears to climb hills? The NUMBER of gears is important to squeeze the maximum efficiency out of your higly tuned body. But the RANGE of gears is important to be able to get up hills for most riders. Sorry if I sound like a fixed gear rider with delusions of conspiracys, but most riders in most terrain only really need a handful of gears at most.

The LeTour was a decent bike in its day. Fairly light with okay to good components. If it is good condition, you might just be surprised how well it will meet your needs. None of your cycling friends will be caught drooling over it, however, if that is a factor for you. (And I do not mean this insultingly; feeling good about your gear is an important aspect of any avocation.)

jim