FluffNStuff

Someone has an old Schwinn 3 speed for sale and I was wondering if its worth picking up. It could potentially be pretty cheap. I know nothing about vintage bikes but I think it comes with its original parts.

ollo_ollo

If you want basic transportation, they can do the job. Old men like the easy mount step thru that doesn't require swinging your leg over the saddle to mount. 3 spd hub is worth $5-$25 if you can find a buyer. Fenders, chain guard, saddle, brakes, bars & peddles also have some value, but not much. Rest of bike is worth $ .04 to $ .08 per pound. Looks to be in pretty good shape with possibly good tires. If rims are chromed steel, they don't stop well when wet. Only buy it if you just want something to get around on. These are very hard to sell, especially the ladies model, so try not to pay more than $25. Don

63rickert

Frank Schwinn was God.

What you are showing is a Chicago-built Schwinn. If you want quality, simplicity, durability you want a Chicago Schwinn. The bike you are looking at is approximately 40 years old and right at the end of the run. There is a reason so many 40 and 50 year old Schwinns are still in regular service.

wrk101

FluffNStuff

I'm not looking to flip it. I just came across it and it was cheap. If no one else shows interest I can pick it up for $10 tomorrow. I picked up an old Raleigh not too long ago in worse condition that rides like a dream now. If its just as good I'll take it.

thumpism 

Yes, mine was older and worked fine. For a middleweight 3-speed most folks prefer Raleighs and other English bikes but the Schwinns are okay. Most of us IGH types prefer the Sturmey 3-speed hub to the Shimano.

dweenk

I would buy it in a heartbeat for $10. It will be heavy, but should prove to be a smooth rider. I'd give you $10 for the shifter and cable alone.

BigChief 

Yes, it is out of fashion and not worth much money, but it is a quality product. No cheap pot metal castings or plastic bits anywhere. Quality paint, chrome and clean strong welding. Nothing cheap or flimsy about it. And although rare, 597mm tires are still available
Schwinn 26 x 1 3/8" / English 26 x 1 1/4 EA.1 Bicycle Tires from Harris Cyclery (ISO/E.T.R.T.O. 597 mm)

Cougrrcj

I bought a '64-ish Schwinn 3-speed earlier this year. Those proprietary S-6 tires are rather expensive at over $20/ea. BUT if the rest of the bike is in good shape, go for it! Mine needed tires, tubes, brake blocks,S/A shifter chain, all cables... which brought my $15 'deal' to almost a C-note!

63rickert

If you were able to make that Raleigh work you will have no trouble with a Schwinn. There is not much on that bike where specialist knowledge matters. Designed to be maintained by twelve year old boys with a screwdriver and a crescent wrench. They are heavy to make them last and to keep them simple. And the ride is pretty good. And the small ones fit small people real well. If you do need tires look around. There is still a lot of Schwinn salvage available. Another great thing about Schwinns is those salvage parts are useful on many models produced over decades.

brianinc-ville

It won't be as dreamy as your Raleigh, but it'd make a fine backup bike.

FluffNStuff

I'm kind of surprised no one else bid on it. It ended up costing a whole $9.24.

3alarmer 

...the frames are constructed differently, but pretty bombproof, and the rear hubs are usually Schwinn approved SA, so also bombproof and rebuildable. If there's a significant difference, it's in the cranks, which are usually 1 piece Ashatabula cranks.......also pretty bombproof. I rode one like that , but in purple, as a commuter in Merced for about three years. All in all a little heavier than a Sports Raleigh, but very dependable transportation. And they dond't attract a lot of theft attention, so you can usually lock them up at work and not worry about them getting stolen.

3alarmer 

...hardly anyone loves stuff like this any more.

smontanaro 

Despite a rather large stable of vintage bikes, I probably ride my Schwinn Speedster more often than any other. True, it's normally only an around town bike, but it serves that purpose well.

63rickert

Lots of good bikes are attracting no bids. Or just the one bid. Not a reflection of the bikes inherent quality at all.

FluffNStuff

The bike seems to be in decent shape for its age. The paint isn't as nice as the picture but the tires and the seat practically look new. The dynamo needs to be rewired and a single spoke needs to be replaced. Any recommendations for spokes? It has 27 in wheels.

Velo Mule

27" wheels, Sturmey Archer AW, original fender in good condition and a high flange front hub. I think you spent your $9 and change well. You can't go wrong. Yea, the Raleigh is lighter and rides better, but the Schwinn was made to last, or as some put it bombproof.

For your spoke, go to a local bike shop and buy whatever they have in the size you need. For one spoke, it doesn't pay to shop for something special. But do get it replaced.

Wait, that is a tubular fork! Not the forged fork that is normally on three speed Schwinn's. This might ride a little nicer than we thought. It is the one knock I have against the old Schwinn Speedsters. The fork is durable. You can hit a curb and not bend it, but it does have a harsh ride. The tubular fork should give you a ride a little more like your Raleigh than a Speedster.

Give us an update when you get it all adjusted.

Hobbiano 

And a decent kick stand. History of the Schwinn Suburban:
https://bikehistory.org/bikes/suburban/