1988 schwinn prelude - a quality bike?
05-25-09, 11:43 AM
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1988 schwinn prelude - a quality bike?
i have an opportunity to buy an '88 prelude and im wondering what you guys' thoughts are. it has columbus tubing and i think suntour a5000 (?) derailleurs (suntour for sure im not 100% on which model). its my size exactly. is it a pretty good quality bike? what would be a decent price (i know it changes geographically)? and anything else you want to throw in.
Last edited by jcsulser; 05-25-09 at 11:48 AM.
05-25-09, 12:38 PM
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I had a 86 Prelude and an 86 Premis. Both had Tenax tubing, 700c wheels, and Suntour group. They were great riders. If it's in good condition I'd say $200 wouldn't be too much.
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05-25-09, 01:47 PM
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I've owned two. Solid bike, good component mix. I always like the colors of your option the best--black paint with red hoods. I paid $30 for one and $60 for the other--both via CL sellers who didn't know that they had a quality road bike.
05-25-09, 01:59 PM
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I have a slightly earlier version with Columbus tubing but 27" wheels. Swapped on some nice 700c wheels and it is a very nice riding bike that I am sure I could get $175-200 for, if I wanted to sell it.
05-25-09, 02:50 PM
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I sold one completely rebuilt with a new bottom bracket, new cross levers, tires, etc. for $400 a few months ago in Chicago. Definitely worth $275 in a biking city.
05-25-09, 08:48 PM
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Is it a good bike? Yes.
Last edited by wrk101; 05-25-09 at 08:48 PM. Reason: typo
05-25-09, 11:09 PM
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I have a similar Schwinn from that era that had the Shimano drivetrain and brakes. The Columbus frame and fork have perfect geometry for my style of riding making it one of the most comfortable riding bikes I've owned. Of course, with older bikes, condition is everything. A 1988 bike with a Columbus frame and fork in perfect condition is a bargain at $200...but if it needs $200 worth of repairs, it is too expensive. Have a good bike tech look it over and let you know what work it needs..use the cost of the necessary repairs to figure out a fair price.
