lasauge 

I've sold more than a couple bikes in my city, but trying to sell this World Voyageur has me stumped. I tried to sell this bike more than a year ago, had to give up and rode it for a while longer (no great shame, it's a fantastic bike), now I've changed a few things and have it back on the market. For whatever reason, regardless of the components, regardless of the price (I once had it listed for less than it is now with the original 1st gen Dura Ace cranks, custom 700c wheelset, and Parigi-Roubaix tires ... still no response), level of description I put in my ad text, or detail and quantity of photos, I never, ever get any interest from anyone in buying this bike.

Here's what she looks like now, setup with a mostly-matched Suntour touring group I figure will be appreciated by anyone using this as a commuter, or a newer rider looking for a road bike that can handle the big climbs to be found in this area:

Link to ad: World Voyageur 56cm
(note, I deliberately took "Schwinn" out of the title of my ad, thinking that might be scaring some folks away).

Could I get some feedback about what, if anything, I'm doing wrong?

Micah McDowell

Maybe try adding some keywords to your title... like "Vintage Schwinn World Voyageur 56cm Road Bike." I wouldn't be scared of the Schwinn name. For someone who knows bikes, they'll know it's not a Varsity, and for someone who doesn't know bikes, Schwinn still has a pretty good connotation. It's not a Huffy... no shame there.

Other than that, I don't know. I'd be sorely tempted if it was local, and if I were in the market for another bike. Heck, I'd be tempted even if I wasn't in the market for another.

bargainguy

This is a very soft year for used bikes. Hard not to take it personally because you think it's you or the bike and not the market, but it just might be the market.

Thumpic

It's a beautiful bike to folks who love bikes. To an average Joe looking to "get in to" cycling, it's just another bike. It needs color. I think white tape and housing (maybe saddle) would make all the difference.

And the name Schwinn is nothing but a plus. As much as the TV collectors have mucked up the market, they have put the marquee names out there. If they pick up a junk widget for 200 and estimate a resale of 500, all of your widgets are now worth at least 200. Even if we think differently.

The Schwinn name, in particular, is great. It's like model trains; hundreds of brands but Lionel is the first in American minds. Schwinn means bicycle.

FrenchFit 

I would market it as a true classic tourer, long distance bike, (but you pulled off the 27" wheels, yuk.). Still. I'd show it with a rack and panniers or a rando bag up front.. I bought my Voyageur for exactly that reason...love the bike.

lasauge 

Thanks folks, I appreciate all the suggestions. Will definitely put "Schwinn" back in the title for starters.

oddjob2

I'd replace the saddle and pedals with less expensive components and lower the price to $199. Also consider ebay. It takes some patience, but it works. Just sold a Raleigh Comp and a Schwinn Tempo frame set.

Bandera

Accurate size information is important in selling quality C&V bikes.
Having owned a '73 they were sold as "23 inch" frame.
Measure carefully from the center of the crank to the top of the seat tube, it's not a 56cm.

Anything from that era not produced in Chicago whether it was a complete bike or a component was "Schwinn Approved", not "Schwinn".
A small but important distinction to anyone who knows/cares and is likely to be interested.

Nice bike, put it on ebay.

-Bandera

inkandsilver

Wow, I am very surprised you've had no interest. I could see it taking a while to find just the right buyer, but that is a really sweet bike. You'd likely do better on ebay but what a pain (especially shipping). I bet if you can stick it out you'll find a happy local buyer.

I'd be inclined to add details about the overhaul you've done, i.e. name all the new items (new tires? cables/housing? bar wrap? etc.)

curbtender

I think when the "World" gets added and Schwinn gets deleted, that's when you lose people. Nice bike, good price. I think the $250 keeps away flippers, but doesn't exclude collectors.

thinktubes 

Too many Dutch angle shots.

likebike23

I did a search of your local CL with a $250 high price. Going back 3 weeks, I couldn't find one road bike that was nicer in that price range. You should talk it up a bit more. Tell people that it's the nicest bike of its type in the area and tell them why (chrome lugs & socks, leather saddle, cool style, parts replaced, etc.). Sometimes people don't know what they're looking at and need to be told. Also, I would add "road bike" to the title, as it will tell potential buyers that are looking for a road bike to check your ad out.

I was selling a cool vintage mountain bike and it wasn't moving at my price, so I did a search in that range. Sure enough, it was one of the nicest, most interesting bikes in that range. I changed my ad and said "I did a search of CL in the area for bikes priced under $125 and to be honest, the selection is dismal. This is one of the nicest, most interesting of the bunch. Test ride it and you will not be disappointed. The bike functions exactly as it should, is very clean, quiet, and needs nothing. Blah, blah, blah. Next day, I sold the bike to a nice woman for $10 below asking price. Don't be bashful about it if what you are saying is the truth. Some people appreciate up front communication.

Uncle Randy

Here's a 1973 magazine review of the bike : <------ Bicycling Magazine 05-1973 ------> Schwinn World Voyageur
The original version had a plastic saddle. What's the value of your leather saddle? How much would the refurbishments you did cost if done by a bike shop?
The chrome fork ends, chrome stays and lugs are very nice. This was Schwinn's first MIJ bike so it could be somewhat rare.

Metacortex

For these bikes, with respect to value - originality is KING. I would either part it out or reinstall as many of the original components as you can. The original Dura-Ace cranksets can go for more than $100 alone if in good condition, and other original parts like the GT-300 LeTour/Crane GS rear derailleur seem to sell for a lot as well. If you have the original wheels that would be a big plus in terms of value. Without the original parts you might be better off selling the frame/fork and what parts you do have separately on eBay. I've actually seen those frames/forks sell for more on eBay than you are asking for your entire bike: Vintage Schwinn World Voyageur 57 cm Frame Fork BB HS Road Steel RARE Used | eBay

Note that frame is the same 23" size as yours, did not even include the original fork, and of course you can see that the paint and decals on yours are much better.

Scooper

Even though the triple crank is obvious in the photo, I'd mention it in the description along with the fact that it offers a wide gear range. In Colorado Springs, that should be a big plus.

Uncle Randy

That magazine article I linked to mentioned a $275 price tag. Back in '73 you could get a nice Peugeot for $250. When you adjust for inflation, $275 in 1973 dollars is worth about $1500 today. That World Voyageur was not a cheap bike.

Uncle Randy

Wow! The frame and fork sold for $279.99.

Uncle Randy

I bought a '74 Le Tour new and I remember there were 21", 23" and 25" frames. A 23" frame would be 58.42cm.

Metacortex

One could pocket a bit more with this $100 one, which appears to be all original maybe even including the saddle: Circa 1973 World Voyageur Racing Bike

If that one were local to me I'd have it already.

Uncle Randy

Put it on Ebay. This one went for $499
1973 Schwinn World Voyageur Kool Orange Must See | eBay

Fred Smedley

Sometimes you just need a larger audience. I had a 93 MB3 frame , fork and Campy record headset listed all winter for $110.00 and could not get a local offer. The head set and fork are worth the asking price, frame was a bonus. It's still hanging in my garage until I decide I want to pack it up.

catonec 

its time to donate it to you local co-op, or better yet the less fortunate neighbor down the road. Karma will be your profit.

Uncle Randy

I know you have your phone number in your ad but have you checked the spam filter settings on your email to see if any emails have been blocked?