Sceolan

My 16 year old found a vintage bicycle at a yard sale recently. I had never heard of it before, so I thought I'd look for information about it and that's what led me here. I took some pictures of it to share with you. Can anyone here give me any information on it?



If you need more pictures, just let me know. Thanks for any help you can give.

jet sanchEz

Schwinn Suburban with upgraded handlebars. Would make a nice grocery-getter if you add a rack. As far as value, maybe $60 as it sits, perhaps a little more depending on where you are located.

Metacortex

That looks like a '71-'73 Suburban. You can see the original catalog page here: Schwinn 1972 Cycling '72 -- Suburban

It was originally equipped with tourist style handlebars and a mattress saddle. Unfortunately whoever changed the handlebars failed to change the brake levers to the proper drop bar style. As it sits now the tourist style levers look to be very difficult to reach. I would either change the handlebar or brake levers to match.

howsteepisit

Also looks like the chain is rusted badly, and is either too long or there is a spring tension problem with the rear derailleur.

Metacortex

That Suburban has the original Schwinn Approved GT-100 derailleur, unfortunately those are notorious for breaking the main pivot spring, which causes the derailleur to lose tension and flop forward.

Sceolan

Thanks for the feedback, everyone! The wrong handlebars had me going in the wrong direction looking for info on it. I'll have to see if I can find the right ones. He's giving me the bike now, so I'd like to get it as close to original as possible. hmmm... Wonder what it'd be worth then...

3alarmer 

...they are swell, solid bikes that have a reputation for heaviness in construction and durability.

Sadly, those are not very good selling points in the current bike world, so not very much.
We get similar stuff donated to the co-op all the time and by the time we have them running
(which requires some input) we usually sell them in the $80-100 range.

I would not make myself crazy over originality hoping to increase value. They are not considered
all that desirable (except for the aforementioned grocery bikes) and they made and sold a gajillion.

It does look kinda scary the way it's set up on the brakes right now.

howeeee

I just put one together for a friend, for a commuter. I bought the frame,fork and fenders. I had an upright woman;s varsity I put all the parts onto the Suburban. Makes a good rider or commuter for someone. I had 65 bucks in it once I was done. Well worth it for a bike that will go another 40 years, no problem.

bike_forever

Around here those are a tough sell

TireLever-07

Those are flat-bar brake levers on it. Drop brake levers would be correct, and a shorter reach. They were 5 & 10 speed flat bar beasts. Some new, tires, grease etc. it's good for another 40 years of abuse. Chris