Fireman_mike_98

acquired a a schwinn continental in really good shape just needing tires(dry rot). I have no real use for this bike however it has been garage kept from what I can tell it's whole life. It is an original Chicago schwinn as I checked the numbers. I am going to replace the tires and sale just not sure what the market is or even where to list. Any suggestions? Thanks for the help in advance. Appears to be early 70's

SquidPuppet

We need to know the year, where you are located, and see pics in order to comment.

jefnvk

Yeah, location is key. If you were in Detroit and it were REAL clean with good tires, I'd probably list around $150 and take anywhere north of $100. If it is just an average shape, you're looking at probably $100 tops, may not even be worth changing tires

Trsnrtr

Since this is a classic and poster wants to know it's worth, I'm moving it to Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Bike Forums

wrk101

In my market it would not bring what new tires and tubes cost. Chicago made millions of Schwinn's. You need someone on a nostalgia kick to pay much for it.

Serious Chicago Schwinn collectors want a Paramount or Superior or a five speed Krate bike.

Fireman_mike_98

I tried to post pics however it wouuld not let me do to being a new member and not enough posts

FBOATSB

Hi mike, $100 - $150 max. Don't worry about posting pics here. But if and only if your Schwinn is fully serviced and immaculate in paint and all shiny bits. You still don't say where your local market is but if you take good photography some one may want it. "Really good shape" generally translates to $40 around here.

Fireman_mike_98

I will post the numbers on the bike and you can research. I believe it is a 1971 but do not remember. I am in Indinapolis

FBOATSB

The easiest and fastest way is the small four digit code stamped in the head badge. That will tell you the date it was assembled. Now I want to see pics

Scooper

In the early seventies, Schwinn wasn't yet stamping the assembly date on the head badge.

The serial number will tell the month and year the frame was manufactured. If the bike is from the seventies, the serial number will be on the bottom of the head tube just above the lower bearing cup.



Mass produced serial numbers.

Fireman_mike_98

I am currently at work so it will be in the morning but will post by 10 am. When I checked the numbers it said it was an original Chicago schwinn not a mass produced. I will post tomorrow

3alarmer

.
...just for clarification, all Schwinn Continentals were mass produced.

SquidPuppet

Original, genuine, authentic, Chicago Schwinns are like Big Macs. Millions and millions and millions were made. especially the electroforged 1970s bikes. They are as rare and uncommon as Levi's 501s, which is not at all.

That's coming from a 1970s Schwinn fan, Varsity and Speedster owner.

FBOATSB

Yeah, it may or may not have the head badge stamp, I think that started in the 70's?

McBTC

Now the 60s– then you'd have something… pretty darned old.

Scooper

According to Bob Hufford's SLDB, the head badge assembly date stamping for domestically made Schwinns began in 1976.

Serial Numbers

rickpaulos

I have a 1983 28" frame conti. Clearly NOT mass produced. Well in part anyhow. The rear triangle is classic electroforged Schwinn. the front triangle is fillet brass brazed, with oversized tubing and real tubing, not folded over sheet metal. Even the head tube is seamless. It was a common practice to make such large frames with thicker walled tubes but this one has larger diameter tubing. It's not a one-off bike. I read another www posting about this size & model from someone who striped the frame of it's factory paint to discover the brass joints.

I rebuilt it in a 1905 racer style. 26" wheels and a single speed (coaster brake hub). Only problem is I can't reach the pedals.

Barrynof