1971 Schwinn Varsity
05-17-24, 10:51 AM
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1971 Schwinn Varsity
Hey everyone, just want to know what this is worth. It is fully original except the tires/tubes, the dynamo and light work but the speedometer is missing the wire, it reads 271miles on it. Its very clean, has no rust, its mint. Its vin number shows it was sold in September of 1971. Just want to know how much I should list it for because im not a vintage expert. Cheers, Harrison
05-17-24, 11:14 AM
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Pictures would help. Schwinn Varsity isn't a real rare model. There are many. They weigh around 40lbs with the accessories and quite frankly aren't fun to ride. Plus I've noticed the bike market has REALLY softened up. I have a nice Trek FX 7.3 I can't sell for $180. The retro/hipster/vintage fad is VERY played out. If it's "ride it home" ready you might be able to sell it to someone for $125 if you are patient. At least that's in my area.
If you just want to get rid of it, you could ask $40-50. Any working bike is worth at least that much.
If you just want to get rid of it, you could ask $40-50. Any working bike is worth at least that much.
Last edited by RoadWearier; 05-17-24 at 11:28 AM.
05-17-24, 11:22 AM
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05-17-24, 11:30 AM
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Nice job cleaning it! I'm assuming the bearings haven't been regreased, cables are the old cables, etc? Maybe someone would give you $140-150 just because it's shiny! It would be nice if you could fix the speedo. Otherwise I'd just take it off and sell it separately on eBay. People dont like broken accessories on their vintage bikes. It goes without saying that for a daily rider no one would want those things on there. The modern options are better and lighter.
05-17-24, 11:35 AM
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Great city cruiser / commuter especially with the fenders. Find a cheap back rack to complete this use case. Also not a desirable steal but still recommend a lock. You could also start a rental fleet with classics like these and beach cruisers with little startup investment.
05-17-24, 03:44 PM
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Nice looking bike I like the paint and good chrome. That said not a tone of value $150-200 with a bit of premium for the paint and chrome.
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05-18-24, 08:19 AM
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I have a Sports Tourer for sale which is just below the Paramount.
the Varsity is the lowest end bike for the 10 speeds of that era for Schwinn.
Smooth ride...yes...but heavy.
I'd be surprised if you got 60.00 for the Varsity
I cannot even get 200 for my ST.
There has been a ST for sale for $150.00 nearby, and been listed for over a month
A lot depends on location as well.
Put 100.00 in the ad and see what happens.
GLWS !!!
the Varsity is the lowest end bike for the 10 speeds of that era for Schwinn.
Smooth ride...yes...but heavy.
I'd be surprised if you got 60.00 for the Varsity
I cannot even get 200 for my ST.
There has been a ST for sale for $150.00 nearby, and been listed for over a month
A lot depends on location as well.
Put 100.00 in the ad and see what happens.
GLWS !!!
05-18-24, 10:11 AM
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Agree, very location specific. In my area, it's a $25 bike.
Nice lightweight bikes from the 1980s can be found here in the $50 to $100 range, bikes that weigh 15 pounds less or more, better components, alloy wheels, 3 piece crankset.
Nice lightweight bikes from the 1980s can be found here in the $50 to $100 range, bikes that weigh 15 pounds less or more, better components, alloy wheels, 3 piece crankset.
Last edited by wrk101; 05-18-24 at 10:27 AM.
