Grandfathers Chicago Schwinn
09-06-14, 02:00 PM
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Grandfathers Chicago Schwinn
I inherited my grandfather's Chicago Schwinn and have had it for a longer time -- 30 years. I don't know much about bikes and am trying to find out more information about the bike and if it has any value. It appears to still have the original parts (except the seat). Hopefully someone can tell me more about it. Attached are a couple of pics, but not sure what is important see on the bike.
09-06-14, 02:03 PM
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Looks to be a 70's varsity, low end, in poor shape. worth about $50 as it sits.
Edit on second look might be a Continental rather than a Varsity, value is similar either way.
Edit on second look might be a Continental rather than a Varsity, value is similar either way.
09-06-14, 02:14 PM
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That appears to be a '71 through '73 Varsity in Campus Green with a 24" frame. You can see the 1973 catalog page here: Schwinn 1973 Cycling '73 -- Varsity Sport
The serial number will identify the month and year the frame was built. It will be found stamped into the base of the headtube, as seen on the left in the following picture:
It looks to be mostly original except for the saddle and spoke protector. I'd estimate the value anywhere from $25 to maybe $75 depending on the local market.
The serial number will identify the month and year the frame was built. It will be found stamped into the base of the headtube, as seen on the left in the following picture:
It looks to be mostly original except for the saddle and spoke protector. I'd estimate the value anywhere from $25 to maybe $75 depending on the local market.
09-06-14, 02:28 PM
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I agree. In the case of things like tires, brake pads, cables and grease some times "All Original" isn't a good thing.
This needs a lot of elbow grease to be attractive to a buyer.
This needs a lot of elbow grease to be attractive to a buyer.
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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"
09-06-14, 03:05 PM
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Even though it's not a terribly valuable bike ( money wise), you might have fun cleaning it up and getting it back on the road if that sort of thing interests you. It wouldn't cost much. A can of grease, inexpensive tires and tubes, inexpensive brake pads, cables and housings a few cleaning supplies and grandpas bike might shine and ride like new again.
09-06-14, 04:50 PM
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I don't know why the talk of dollar values. I look at an heirloom bike as something quite special and nothing about monetary. Preserve, restore, whatever but I would keep it and ride with pride! Cool ride and thanks for sharing-
09-06-14, 04:50 PM
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I'm more worried about the bikes that I grew up riding, now belong to someones grandfather.
09-06-14, 04:55 PM
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Originally Posted by thinktubes
I'm more worried about the bikes that I grew up riding, now belong to someones grandfather.
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09-06-14, 05:44 PM
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Originally Posted by wrk101
...if I had my grandfather's bike, I would just focus on getting it road worthy and riding it. I would love to have a bike my grandfather owned, regardless of its value.
Last edited by Metacortex; 09-07-14 at 12:39 AM.
09-06-14, 08:01 PM
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gpabike6070 - I don't know if you will read this thread again, but if you do I recommend you read the following article about the Schwinn Varsity:
The Schwinn Varsity (1960-1986)
The Varsity has played an important role in the history of cycling in the United States. Part of the reason they are inexpensive now is because there were so many of them made, and they were made to last so they remain plentiful. Many vintage bike enthusiast's (of course not all) have an appreciation for the Schwinn Varsity that is not reflected in their monetary value. I would encourage you to appreciate the bike from the perspective of your family history and to appreciate it for it's own rich history as well.
The Schwinn Varsity (1960-1986)
The Varsity has played an important role in the history of cycling in the United States. Part of the reason they are inexpensive now is because there were so many of them made, and they were made to last so they remain plentiful. Many vintage bike enthusiast's (of course not all) have an appreciation for the Schwinn Varsity that is not reflected in their monetary value. I would encourage you to appreciate the bike from the perspective of your family history and to appreciate it for it's own rich history as well.
Last edited by turky lurkey; 09-06-14 at 08:05 PM.
09-07-14, 05:45 AM
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Originally Posted by wrk101
Because this is the C & V appraisal forum, and OP asked this: "I don't know much about bikes and am trying to find out more information about the bike and if it has any value."
At the same time, I am with you, if I had my grandfather's bike, I would just focus on getting it road worthy and riding it. I would love to have a bike my grandfather owned, regardless of its value.
To the OP's bike, if you do the work yourself, you can refresh this bike and get it road ready for about $50. It should clean up nicely.
At the same time, I am with you, if I had my grandfather's bike, I would just focus on getting it road worthy and riding it. I would love to have a bike my grandfather owned, regardless of its value.
To the OP's bike, if you do the work yourself, you can refresh this bike and get it road ready for about $50. It should clean up nicely.
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