Phiber

Recently came across a Western Flyer and a 70's Raleigh Sprite.

Thinking about pimping both out but would like some input.

What have I found?

Phiber

No input on either?

I don't even know what I have, here. The Western Flyer was my grand fathers and the Sprite was my fathers.

kerk

Sounds like the start of a collection that can be handed down to children and grand children. No one will have the attachment to these bikes as much as your own family.

Noobee

I found a 1969 Western Flyer Fairway Flyer Girls comfort bike. $40, wondering if I should buy to clean up and resell.

wrk101

Really depends where you live. Around here, if I paid $40 for that bike, I would lose money on it when I was done. Realize Western Auto = department store quality from the bike boom; girls bikes bring less than boys or mens bikes, etc.

Western Flyer bikes were sold by Western Auto, which was an early discount hardware store. Back during the bike boom, pretty much every tire store, gas station, hardware store, department store, etc., sold their own brand of bikes. Of course, none of these companies built bikes, they just had a variety of low end companies build bikes for them, slap on a label, and call it their own.

Around here, people want bike shop branded bikes. The department store/discount store stuff gets minimal response.

Now if you are in a better market, why not? Need to correct the rear brake cable routing (missing a couple of clips). Other than that, bike looks to be in really good shape.

And as a keeper, why not? $40 gets you a bike, make a few minor changes, and ride it.

sailorbenjamin

I wouldn't try to flip that bike for money but if I had a lady friend who needed transportation I'd seriously consider it for her.

Noobee

Thanks wrk101 for your response, that's what I like about this forum I can get a real response from my peers. I want to start flipping bikes for mechanical experience and to buy tools.. I have read flipping bikes 101..

Gravity Aided

Western Flyers were a decent , but not inspired bike from back then . Much on a level with Columbia . Our local hardware store had Hiawathas, which were much the same in some cases , and re-branded Phillips in others , a much lighter bike . These bikes do give you a contrast with lighter bikes as to the application of better steel formulas over the years to produce a better , lighter bike . These had softer steel, and needed thicker tubing , than alloyed steel like Reynolds 531, making for a heavier bike . Wheels were originally steel , which doesn't brake well when it's wet out. But the brakes seem better than the later stamped steel stuff you find on basic bikes . They are good everyday riders , but heavy . 40 bucks worth of ride .