1947 Swiss Titan 3 speed I am considering
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1949 Swiss Titan 3 speed I am considering
Any thoughts?
1949, not 1947, trying to edit title of thread.
bicycle type: road
condition: excellent
frame size: 21"
make / manufacturer: Swiss Titan
model name / number: 3Speed
wheel size: 700C
Very Rare Swiss Titan 3 Speed.
The photos speak for themselves.
The bike was brought to the U.S. by the original owner, as far as my research has taken me this particular model bike was never in the public market here. I believe it's the only one of its kind in the U.S..
Completely original.
700c Titan stamped Alloy Rims with Datwyler "Bullcord" 700cX35b Tires.
Swiss Made Dynolight
"PAT. PENDING" Sturmey Archer Rear Hub
Picosa Front Hub w/Grease Fitting
Long Handle Sturmey Archer Shifter
Fender Flags
License plates
Fluted Crank Arms
Wittkop leather sprung saddle
Looks almost new.
Last edited by raleighroadster; 11-18-18 at 07:38 PM. Reason: Correct year, 1949, not 1947
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A very nice bike in fabulous condition for its age. But I have no idea how to value it. If it fit me and if I was in the market for a 3-speed town bike I might spend as much as $500 for it. But it's my limited experience that there is very little demand for 3-speed, vintage town bikes, and especially for high-end ones like this.
Brent
Brent
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Thanks!
QUOTE=obrentharris;20670274]A very nice bike in fabulous condition for its age. But I have no idea how to value it. If it fit me and if I was in the market for a 3-speed town bike I might spend as much as $500 for it. But it's my limited experience that there is very little demand for 3-speed, vintage town bikes, and especially for high-end ones like this.
Brent[/QUOTE]
QUOTE=obrentharris;20670274]A very nice bike in fabulous condition for its age. But I have no idea how to value it. If it fit me and if I was in the market for a 3-speed town bike I might spend as much as $500 for it. But it's my limited experience that there is very little demand for 3-speed, vintage town bikes, and especially for high-end ones like this.
Brent[/QUOTE]
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In most cases the prices on vintage 3 speeds are pretty low compared to road bikes or nicer cruisers usually under $200. This one is a bit special in that it is a high end 700c wheeled model and in exceptional condition. I could see going $400-500 for this one which is pretty much the top end for a 3 speed understand that would be as a keeper if you end reselling in the near future there a good chance you may not get all your money back out of this one.
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How did you determine the date?
It's a drop dead gorgeous bike, and clearly worth quite a bit, but I don't want it, which makes it hard for me to put a number on it. $500 sounds good to me.
It's a drop dead gorgeous bike, and clearly worth quite a bit, but I don't want it, which makes it hard for me to put a number on it. $500 sounds good to me.
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It is so rare there is little demand, apparently. It has been on craigslist for quite awhile. If it were a mint Raleigh roadster or dl1 it would probably sell easier.
I was thinking of buying it but found a near mint all original ( except for grips, brake blocks , and tires/tubes) 1939 Raleigh sports tourist roadster that was one owner, stored inside 100% of its life, for the same price as the swiss bike ($500) . More interesting to me.1939 came with tools, owners book, old s a oil can with metal filling nozzle 3 or so inches long.
NOS grips are on their way to me from Great Britain, brake blocks will be switched out, and tires, dunlap bike tires can no longer be found.
Last edited by raleighroadster; 12-03-18 at 08:07 AM.
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Yeah, that is what I suspected. I certainly don't question that he bought it new in Switzerland in 1949, but I wonder if the bike hadn't sat "new" in the bike shop for some time before that. The Sturmey Archer bits appear to be from the late 30's, and the Weinmann brakes are an earlier style than any others I've seen.
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thanks for spotting these discrepancies.and your expertise. If it is prewar I will have great difficulty in saying no!
Last edited by raleighroadster; 12-03-18 at 08:10 AM.
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I will be looking at this Thursday. Will offer $400 and see if they will take it. They have had it listed for awhile. They emailed photos to a bike shop in Switzerland, and they said they had only seen one of this model before, and it was in heavily used condition.
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Would Weinmann brakes sold on a bike in Switzerland say "made in Switzerland" in english? I picked up a swiss 3 speed Condor last week with those same brakes which made me think it was built for export. Nice bike by the way, I say go for it!
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Would assume the bike was sold in switzerland with brakes saying made in switzerland . But in English????
I know that swiss import laws are restrictive sometimes. I have heard of Sig handguns from Germany being restricted, so they are made in Switzerland for Swiss use, with importation from Germany not allowed or restricted. Sig is a swiss company .
originally.
Perhaps Weinmann was forced to make brakes in Switzerland for bikes sold in Switzerland
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Curious, I guess if you are making a product for international and domestic distribution you might just use the language of the largest market share.
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#15
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Clarification
The bike was purchased in Zurich in 1949 and brought over by the first owner from who I purchased the bike from.
the bike is 100% original yes even the tires which can no longer be found.
i have and have owned vintage pre and post war raleigh bicycles of varying shapes sizes and condition.
This bike at the very least rivals if not far surpasses the quality of those bikes of similar model.
thank you all very much for you opinions and time.
happy riding
the bike is 100% original yes even the tires which can no longer be found.
i have and have owned vintage pre and post war raleigh bicycles of varying shapes sizes and condition.
This bike at the very least rivals if not far surpasses the quality of those bikes of similar model.
thank you all very much for you opinions and time.
happy riding
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