Norman and Columbia Bicycles
06-25-12, 02:28 PM
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Norman and Columbia Bicycles
I have a Norman of England bicycle circa 1955 and a Columbia bicycle circa 1975. What are they worth? Photos attached.
06-25-12, 05:11 PM
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I think Normans might have a big following and it might be worth a decent amount, but not retirement money.
This one... Unless there is a Columbia collector out there dying to have this it might fetch $100-125 for a college students city bike.
Which is a shame since it is in such good shape.
This one... Unless there is a Columbia collector out there dying to have this it might fetch $100-125 for a college students city bike.
Which is a shame since it is in such good shape.
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06-25-12, 09:28 PM
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Keener splendor
You'll need to channel Rhm as he is one of the experts around here on Normans. In NYC, probably around 200 for the Norman and 100-125 for the Columbia ... maybe a little more for it.
06-26-12, 05:31 AM
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Protip: don't listen to oldroads on value. They have a shop and they are in a hot market. If you as an individual person asked me for $225 for a Columbia lady's bike - I would laugh in your face. I'm also likely the biggest fan of Columbia bicycles on this forum (I've owned at least 11 - I've lost count), and that price is totally nuts.
If you could get $125 for it, you'd have done good. That's a fair amount for a lady's bike of this type, but it has a rack and lights, so it's perfectly fair to ask for.
I would not be too disappointed to settle for a bit less either...
Here's a 1973 men's version - twin to yours that I paid $75 for last year - and men's bikes are almost always worth more:
The year on the Columbia is probably before 1975. I would guess 1973 or earlier because it is fitted with the older ribbed fenders and the old-style frame that was discontinued around '74. The three speed hub should have a year stamped on it in the center.
The Norman, being a men's bike and of higher quality is going to be worth more, $150-$200 to the right person. Maybe even a tad bit more if you have a good market (but maybe a tad bit less if you don't).
If you could get $125 for it, you'd have done good. That's a fair amount for a lady's bike of this type, but it has a rack and lights, so it's perfectly fair to ask for.
I would not be too disappointed to settle for a bit less either...
Here's a 1973 men's version - twin to yours that I paid $75 for last year - and men's bikes are almost always worth more:
The year on the Columbia is probably before 1975. I would guess 1973 or earlier because it is fitted with the older ribbed fenders and the old-style frame that was discontinued around '74. The three speed hub should have a year stamped on it in the center.
The Norman, being a men's bike and of higher quality is going to be worth more, $150-$200 to the right person. Maybe even a tad bit more if you have a good market (but maybe a tad bit less if you don't).
Last edited by Mos6502; 06-26-12 at 05:48 AM.
06-26-12, 05:32 AM
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Norman and Columbia Bicycles
I overpaid for my Norman Rapide. 
06-26-12, 05:43 AM
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Really depends where you live, when that nice Raleigh built Western Flyer womens 3 speed won't bring $60 in Kansas City, then the Columbia is worth quite a bit less there. Location, location, location.
Here I would be super happy to get $75 for that Columbia.
Here I would be super happy to get $75 for that Columbia.
Last edited by wrk101; 07-09-12 at 09:28 AM.
06-26-12, 06:10 AM
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ONly $200 for the Norman? I thought they were more sought after.
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
06-26-12, 06:23 AM
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Normans are cool, but to most people aren't any cooler than a Raleigh, BSA, et al. In fact Norman was bought up by TI years before they went on their monopoly rampage in the late 50s and early 60s. Getting what it is worth depends on finding somebody who knows what it is and why it is valuable.
06-27-12, 05:18 AM
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07-09-12, 10:50 AM
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I think those sound good as starting prices while nice bikes there just isn't a lot of market for basic mid or lower end three speeds exspecially step thoughs. I know where I live in Denver the local bike coop can't hardly give away a step through 3 speed.
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