2x 1973 schwinn continental, advice
07-08-13, 05:36 PM
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2x 1973 schwinn continental, advice
Hello all,
Sorry to be a bother, but I saw this ad on Craigslist,
https://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/bik/3904667136.html
I'm not sure exactly what the frame sizes are, since I only see inches usually in mountain bikes,and, does having the original manual make them more expensive? Going to try and get them for $100 if I can. Any advice for this newbie? I'm still trying to learn pricing on bikes.
Thanks!
Sorry to be a bother, but I saw this ad on Craigslist,
https://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/bik/3904667136.html
I'm not sure exactly what the frame sizes are, since I only see inches usually in mountain bikes,and, does having the original manual make them more expensive? Going to try and get them for $100 if I can. Any advice for this newbie? I'm still trying to learn pricing on bikes.
Thanks!
07-08-13, 06:00 PM
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Those are low end bikes that need a lot of work. You can do better.
07-08-13, 07:00 PM
#4
Thrifty Bill
Depends what you want. Vintage Chicago Schwinns enjoy a hefty nostalgia premium. To the average bike collector, its a big pass, as they were pretty low end way back when (I had a 1971 myself, bought new as a kid). So its not surprising that most on this forum will tell you to pass.
But people are attracted to the old electro-forged Schwinns. Yes, they are very heavy. And Schwinn used really low end parts to build them. But they are built tough, really tough, one of the most durable bikes made.
As something to ride, you can do a lot better. As a cool nostalgia piece, those will probably sell at or near asking price. Naperville is full of people with money, that grew up riding similar Schwinns.
But people are attracted to the old electro-forged Schwinns. Yes, they are very heavy. And Schwinn used really low end parts to build them. But they are built tough, really tough, one of the most durable bikes made.
As something to ride, you can do a lot better. As a cool nostalgia piece, those will probably sell at or near asking price. Naperville is full of people with money, that grew up riding similar Schwinns.
07-08-13, 08:53 PM
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Originally Posted by wrk101
Depends what you want. Vintage Chicago Schwinns enjoy a hefty nostalgia premium. To the average bike collector, its a big pass, as they were pretty low end way back when (I had a 1971 myself, bought new as a kid). So its not surprising that most on this forum will tell you to pass.
But people are attracted to the old electro-forged Schwinns. Yes, they are very heavy. And Schwinn used really low end parts to build them. But they are built tough, really tough, one of the most durable bikes made.
As something to ride, you can do a lot better. As a cool nostalgia piece, those will probably sell at or near asking price. Naperville is full of people with money, that grew up riding similar Schwinns.
But people are attracted to the old electro-forged Schwinns. Yes, they are very heavy. And Schwinn used really low end parts to build them. But they are built tough, really tough, one of the most durable bikes made.
As something to ride, you can do a lot better. As a cool nostalgia piece, those will probably sell at or near asking price. Naperville is full of people with money, that grew up riding similar Schwinns.
07-09-13, 06:45 AM
#6
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Are those 26" wheels?
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Bianchis '90 Proto, '90 Campione del Fausto Giamondi Specialisma Italiano Mundo, '91 Boarala 'cross, '93 Project 3, '86 Volpe, '97 Ti Megatube, '93 Reparto Corse SBX
Others but still loved; '80 Batavus Professional, '87 Cornelo, '?? Jane Doe (still on the drawing board), '90ish Haro Escape SLX Bertoni "Speckled Trout"
Bianchis '90 Proto, '90 Campione del Fausto Giamondi Specialisma Italiano Mundo, '91 Boarala 'cross, '93 Project 3, '86 Volpe, '97 Ti Megatube, '93 Reparto Corse SBX
Others but still loved; '80 Batavus Professional, '87 Cornelo, '?? Jane Doe (still on the drawing board), '90ish Haro Escape SLX Bertoni "Speckled Trout"
07-09-13, 07:10 AM
#7
Still learning
Originally Posted by wrk101
As something to ride, you can do a lot better. As a cool nostalgia piece, those will probably sell at or near asking price. Naperville is full of people with money, that grew up riding similar Schwinns.
However, Naperville homeowners are not used to rust, old, and dirt under their fingernails. The compulsively clean heads of households won't let those bikes in their garages.
07-09-13, 02:06 PM
#8
Senior Member
Those bikes are '74 Continentals (not '73 as the seller states), the smaller is a 20" frame, the larger is a 22" frame. Both are in the Chestnut color, which was first used that year. You can see the original catalog page here. Continentals only came with 27" wheels.
Both bikes look to be completely original with nothing missing, and should clean up very well. Getting both for $100 would be an excellent deal. You can even get the original Chestnut handlebar tape for *both* bikes for only $15. In addition, both have Schwinn Deluxe (Union) Generator sets, which depending on condition can sell for more than $50 on eBay (each). Both also look to have Schwinn or Lucas odometers, which can fetch $10 to $20 each as well. Selling those accessory items could pay for most or all of the bikes, which is one reason I look for bikes with vintage period correct accessories like that.
Both bikes look to be completely original with nothing missing, and should clean up very well. Getting both for $100 would be an excellent deal. You can even get the original Chestnut handlebar tape for *both* bikes for only $15. In addition, both have Schwinn Deluxe (Union) Generator sets, which depending on condition can sell for more than $50 on eBay (each). Both also look to have Schwinn or Lucas odometers, which can fetch $10 to $20 each as well. Selling those accessory items could pay for most or all of the bikes, which is one reason I look for bikes with vintage period correct accessories like that.
Last edited by Metacortex; 07-09-13 at 02:10 PM.
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