I've noticed some parts that are branded "Schwinn-Approved" tend to go for lower than I'd expect. I bought a set of Schwinn barcons, for example, and they behave just like Suntour ratcheting barcons that I've seen. is there any real difference between the Schwinn-branded items and otherwise?

Maybe they don't carry the same panache that other brands do. For one thing, you don't know for sure who made them. But Schwinn spec'd good stuff. At the time, it was overpriced, but I'm not surprised it doesn't command a high price any more.

Schwinn had manufacturers put their name on their products. So, we sold Schwinn Approved (Huret and Shimano) derailleurs, (Pansonic) tires, (Union and Soubitez) generator sets, etc. I would gather that the original manufacturers name makes it more worthwhile than the Schwinn name stamped on. People are very brand conscious, as you know.

+1

The "Schwinn-Approved GT-300 Le Tour" rear derailleur was actually a rebranded Shimano Crane long cage RD (first generation Dura-Ace). There is no apparent reason Schwinn Approved parts should sell for less than the OEM branded version of the same product.

Lots of people (I assume) search Ebay for "Suntour Barcons" or "Shimano Cranes" and don't know that there may be some real bargains with a different label. People who search for Schwinn pats are usually looking for fat tire stuff. It would be interesting to watch a few auctions and compare. I've noticed that some real hi-end stuff (not necessarily Schwinn) sells for less than cheaper stuff with better brand recognition.
Try also searching for misspelled stuff. I recently got a great deal on a "Raliegh" bicycle that no one else even bid on.

I believe those "Schwinn approved" bar-end shifters are probably Suntour shifters with a different rubber sleeve on them, just like some brakes that I've got that are "Schwinn approved" and are identical in every way except the label with Weinmann brakes I've got of the same style. I can't say for sure that they're rebadged Weinmann centerpulls but I can't tell the difference between them if you cover the little red label up.

I have a set of the Schwinn Approved barcons on one of my Paramounts. They ARE SunTours, just branded with the Schwinn Approved name and different covers. Schwinn Approved brakes, at least back in the 60's and 70's are Weinmann.

And those Schwinn-branded National tires were excellent. We now know this company as Panaracer.

You can tell a Dia Compe centerpull caliper from a Weinmann: the Weinmann has two turns of the spring, whereas the Dia Compe has three. You'll see this on the side view.

Interesting. Any more info on this gem? Unless the wire is thicker and/or the turns are larger, I'd expect the 3 turn spring to be softer.

I like Schwinn-approved stuff.

Yes, the Dia Compe has a softer feel. I notice it in the braking more than in the release; it has a "spongier" feel, as if leverage is a bit too high. I can't explain this, given that the dimensions look identical.

Funny how I notice a lot of minutiae.