1988 schwinn prelude
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 1
Bikes: 1988 schwinn prelude
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
1988 schwinn prelude
i have a 1988 schwinn prelude and it is in relatively good condition and but has some scratches how much should i ask for on Craigslist for the bike.
pic of bike from schwinn catalog, yellow and white bike in pic
pic of bike from schwinn catalog, yellow and white bike in pic
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Dayton, Ohio
Posts: 1,369
Bikes: Trek 720, Trek 620, Trek 520, Steel Schwinns, AD Puch, Kona, Nishiki Pro, All City Disc Spacehorse, Waterford
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 141 Post(s)
Liked 63 Times
in
38 Posts
The Preludes are good - not great bikes.
I enjoy riding my Prelude - and just sold a mint pink Prelude frame.
The bike that came from that frame is beautiful.
Pictures would help, but in Dayton Ohio, I would expect to pay $100 for a ready to ride Prelude in decent shape.
I enjoy riding my Prelude - and just sold a mint pink Prelude frame.
The bike that came from that frame is beautiful.
Pictures would help, but in Dayton Ohio, I would expect to pay $100 for a ready to ride Prelude in decent shape.
#3
Spin Forest! Spin!
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Arrid Zone-a
Posts: 5,964
Bikes: I used to have many. And I Will again.
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
7 Posts
Wrong forum, you need to ask the folks in the C&V Appraisals forum.
The Prelude's selling point is the frame, it rides better than the bikes it was created to compete with in the market. The components are entry to mid-grade.
It's a sport-tourer bike, emphasis on sport.
How much to charge depends on condition and regional demand. I bought mine for $50 in Boston, where bikes are so plentiful, they give them away in the CL free ads.
In Phoenix, $100-200 due to an artificially high valuation. In your neck of the woods? Check similar bikes of condition and year on CL.
Cosmetic issues and mechanical issues will drastically lower price. Mint condition, well maintained bikes command top asking prices.
The Prelude's selling point is the frame, it rides better than the bikes it was created to compete with in the market. The components are entry to mid-grade.
It's a sport-tourer bike, emphasis on sport.
How much to charge depends on condition and regional demand. I bought mine for $50 in Boston, where bikes are so plentiful, they give them away in the CL free ads.
In Phoenix, $100-200 due to an artificially high valuation. In your neck of the woods? Check similar bikes of condition and year on CL.
Cosmetic issues and mechanical issues will drastically lower price. Mint condition, well maintained bikes command top asking prices.
Last edited by WNG; 02-01-14 at 09:13 PM.
#4
Constant tinkerer
+1 We need pictures to assess condition and value. But for a decent Prelude I'd expect about $150 around here.
#5
Decrepit Member
Detailed photos, please.
MSRP for the '88 Prelude was $399.95. Double-butted Tenax main tubes with chromoly stays and Hi-Ten fork, SunTour A5000 components, Weinmann alloy 700c rims.
I agree with Bill on the evaluation if it's in decent shape, especially in the bay area. ~$250 or so on S.F. CL without seeing detailed photos.
This isn't as bad a time to sell in S.F. as in other parts of the country. It's 60 degrees and sunny.
MSRP for the '88 Prelude was $399.95. Double-butted Tenax main tubes with chromoly stays and Hi-Ten fork, SunTour A5000 components, Weinmann alloy 700c rims.
I agree with Bill on the evaluation if it's in decent shape, especially in the bay area. ~$250 or so on S.F. CL without seeing detailed photos.
This isn't as bad a time to sell in S.F. as in other parts of the country. It's 60 degrees and sunny.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Fairplay Co
Posts: 8,647
Bikes: Current 79 Nishiki Custum Sport, Jeunet 620, notable previous bikes P.K. Ripper loop tail, Kawahara Laser Lite, Paramount Track full chrome, Raliegh Internatioanl, Motobecan Super Mirage. 59 Crown royak 3 speed
Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 587 Post(s)
Liked 658 Times
in
321 Posts
I would say $175-200 for this bike in your aera if in good working ready to use condition. Pics would help a alot as said before condition size and general cosmetics could make a huge differnce. The low end on a prelude is about $125 and the high is close to $300 considering condition.
Last edited by zukahn1; 02-01-14 at 04:56 PM.
#7
Vello Kombi, baby
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Je suis ici
Posts: 5,321
Bikes: 1973 Eisentraut; 1970s Richard Sachs; 1978 Alfio Bonnano; 1967 Peugeot PX10
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 80 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
8 Posts
Since we regularly see bikes with copious amounts of rust described as "mint", we really do like to see photos. Give us some, and we can narrow down the price a bit more; it's somewhere between 50 and 300$.
__________________
"It's always darkest right before it goes completely black"
Waste your money! Buy my comic book!
"It's always darkest right before it goes completely black"
Waste your money! Buy my comic book!
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Dayton, Ohio
Posts: 1,369
Bikes: Trek 720, Trek 620, Trek 520, Steel Schwinns, AD Puch, Kona, Nishiki Pro, All City Disc Spacehorse, Waterford
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 141 Post(s)
Liked 63 Times
in
38 Posts
Pictures would help, but just paid $100 for a mint Tempo. Columbus tubes throughout and better components.
No disrespect to Preludes. I love my Prelude.
Maybe its the snow in Dayton Ohio that depresses the bike market here in winter. Spring is coming.
No disrespect to Preludes. I love my Prelude.
Maybe its the snow in Dayton Ohio that depresses the bike market here in winter. Spring is coming.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 73
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I bought my Le Tour (a few steps down from the Prelude) for $70 in decent shape. I think you could fetch at least $200 in the NorCal market. Bikes in California go for MUCH higher than in other areas.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Fairplay Co
Posts: 8,647
Bikes: Current 79 Nishiki Custum Sport, Jeunet 620, notable previous bikes P.K. Ripper loop tail, Kawahara Laser Lite, Paramount Track full chrome, Raliegh Internatioanl, Motobecan Super Mirage. 59 Crown royak 3 speed
Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 587 Post(s)
Liked 658 Times
in
321 Posts
[QUOTE=jjames1452;16460213]Pictures would help, but just paid $100 for a mint Tempo. Columbus tubes throughout and better components.
No disrespect to Preludes. I love my Prelude.
Maybe its the snow in Dayton Ohio that depresses the bike market here in winter. Spring is coming.[/QUOTtE]
That is a big segway but the bike is great for under $250.00
No disrespect to Preludes. I love my Prelude.
Maybe its the snow in Dayton Ohio that depresses the bike market here in winter. Spring is coming.[/QUOTtE]
That is a big segway but the bike is great for under $250.00
Last edited by zukahn1; 02-02-14 at 01:46 AM.
#11
No Chain Lube Preference
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 3,913
Bikes: Schwinn Volare ('78); Raleigh Competition GS ('79)
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 704 Post(s)
Liked 475 Times
in
251 Posts
Around here, a well prepared and presented Tempo for $100, or a LeTour for $70, would last about a nanosecond.
Selling on Craigs List is all about:
What market?
What condition?
How much work do you want to put in preparing it and creating a good ad?
Bikes routinely sell for well under market, often due to lack of preparation and marketing. Its one reason why many of us still can find deals like the ones above.
Selling on Craigs List is all about:
What market?
What condition?
How much work do you want to put in preparing it and creating a good ad?
Bikes routinely sell for well under market, often due to lack of preparation and marketing. Its one reason why many of us still can find deals like the ones above.
Take the time to make the bike look like something somebody would want, have it in rideable condition when they get there to check it out, and you'll sell at the high end of the range.
__________________
A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
#12
Senior Member
You would get $200 to $250 for a good Prelude in Chicago.
__________________
My bikes: 1970`s Roberts - 1981 Miyata 912 - 1980`s Ocshner (Chrome) - 1987 Schwinn Circuit - 1987 Schwinn Prologue - 1992 Schwinn Crosspoint - 1999 Schwinn Circuit - 2014 Cannondale Super Six EVO
My bikes: 1970`s Roberts - 1981 Miyata 912 - 1980`s Ocshner (Chrome) - 1987 Schwinn Circuit - 1987 Schwinn Prologue - 1992 Schwinn Crosspoint - 1999 Schwinn Circuit - 2014 Cannondale Super Six EVO
#13
Motorcycle RoadRacer
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 3,828
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
I purchased this 1987 Schwinn Prelude off CL for $50..As you can see it had a bent rear wheel. I had some old wheels and tires that were take offs from other projects, seat and bartape were takeoffs off too. Put them on the Prelude. Cleaned it up, oiled it..BTW, it came with a Cannondale Velcro Water Bottle, that I had been searching for, and would have paid at least $35 for one. So, I got the waterbottle and 87 Prelude all for $50
Here is as I purchased it.. I took the bottle off to clean it

After the minor fixes, it takes on the role as a beater bike. I has a sweet ride..

Here is one I saw on CL for $100 but it wasn't my size. I purchased it, and as is, I listed it for for $175 and put it back on CL.. It sold in 2 days..
Here is as I purchased it.. I took the bottle off to clean it

After the minor fixes, it takes on the role as a beater bike. I has a sweet ride..


Here is one I saw on CL for $100 but it wasn't my size. I purchased it, and as is, I listed it for for $175 and put it back on CL.. It sold in 2 days..

#14
Constant tinkerer
And you got a screaming good deal. That doesn't mean the market value of a mint Tempo is $100. I was ecstatic when I found a 1988 Tempo in 'good' condition (needing an overhaul) for $150.
#15
Still learning
In the last year, I bought the following Schwinns, for between $25-$130, one at auction and the balance within 80-85% of CL asking price. They're all good deals IMHO, all needing full overhauls and new consumables. The gross selling price on one will cover 80-100% of the acquisition costs of the remainders.
1981 SS
1987 SS
1987 Tempo
1982 Voyageur 11.8
1980 Voyageur 11.8
1981 SS
1987 SS
1987 Tempo
1982 Voyageur 11.8
1980 Voyageur 11.8
#16
Senior Member
#17
Still learning
#18
Senior Member

I bought those wheels from a forum member. The rims look new. No brake marks or scratches. They have Suntour hubs. I also bought the Suntour New Winner Freewheel from him as well. If I luck into a better frame for cheap I will have a great set of bits to swap onto it.
My wife`s Voyageur is almost finished. Just waiting on the HG 50 Cassette to come in. Will be done Saturday. Getting ready for spring.

__________________
My bikes: 1970`s Roberts - 1981 Miyata 912 - 1980`s Ocshner (Chrome) - 1987 Schwinn Circuit - 1987 Schwinn Prologue - 1992 Schwinn Crosspoint - 1999 Schwinn Circuit - 2014 Cannondale Super Six EVO
My bikes: 1970`s Roberts - 1981 Miyata 912 - 1980`s Ocshner (Chrome) - 1987 Schwinn Circuit - 1987 Schwinn Prologue - 1992 Schwinn Crosspoint - 1999 Schwinn Circuit - 2014 Cannondale Super Six EVO
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Fairplay Co
Posts: 8,647
Bikes: Current 79 Nishiki Custum Sport, Jeunet 620, notable previous bikes P.K. Ripper loop tail, Kawahara Laser Lite, Paramount Track full chrome, Raliegh Internatioanl, Motobecan Super Mirage. 59 Crown royak 3 speed
Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 587 Post(s)
Liked 658 Times
in
321 Posts
Gun metal grey with colored details cables bar tape is just great. Great mix of just classic and bold look at me.
#20
Motorcycle RoadRacer
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 3,828
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Yours looks great!!!

Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
BicycleMonkey
Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals.
16
11-12-16 06:39 PM
Midtown
Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals.
34
03-07-15 02:23 AM
dtipton
Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals.
1
02-13-14 04:18 PM
dubbann
Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals.
7
09-17-12 01:28 AM
spaniard19
Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals.
2
08-05-11 09:18 AM