KC2008

hi I was given a Schwinn bike, ived look pretty much everywhere on the internet and now im all confused. looking at the bike it says that its a Schwinn world, but when I go and put in the serial number on Schwinn cruisers it tells me that I have a 1957 original Chicago, and when I go to the catalogs I can't seem to find a model that looks like mine. and when I google Schwinn world, all I get is either world sport or world tourist, not just world. also if yall know about how much they go for that would be great. if someone can shine a light on me I will greatly appreciate it. thanks

Metacortex

It looks like an '85 World: Schwinn 1985 Lightweight Bicycles -- World

If you post the serial number as well as the 4-digit number on the headbadge we can tell you exactly when the frame and bike were built.

not_jason

I'm no expert on Schwinn, but perhaps the serial number inconsistencies owe to these being outsourced frames? Stands to reason they might have their own numbering system, right?

Many common older Schwinns were made in Chicago using a pretty unique construction process. They were good bikes, but quite heavy and not particularly competitive. By the late 70s and 80s, Schwinn was losing a lot of sales to foreign companies selling lighter and sportier lugged frames, and was forced to go in that direction as well. Of course, they did this by outsourcing the production to Japan. Your bike is one of those. It looks like a nice bike. Probably not worth a ton, maybe 100 or so depending on your market. I'd ride it and enjoy it if it fits you.

Metacortex

Schwinn serial numbers (including those from "Schwinn Approved" suppliers like Giant) are very well documented. Unfortunately the serial number decoding tool on the site mentioned by the OP often produces incorrect results. One would be much better off asking the experts here.