Schwinn of the late 1960s was the market leader. By manufacturing bikes overseas, Schwinn signalled that the Japanese at least, could make a bike as good as an American. Foreign bikes flooded into the country from all over the world (no pun intended) throughout the 1970s bike boom.
THIS CHART APPLIES TO CHICAGO SCHWINN`S ONLY. SCROLL DOWN FOR THE DATE CODES LINKS BY FRAME LOCATION OF THE SERIAL NUMBER
IF YOU HAVE A BIKE OLDER THAN 1948, OR YOUR LETTER AND NUMBER DO NOT APPEAR IN THE LISTS, PLEASE SEND ME THE NUMBER AND YEAR (if you know it) AND A PICTURE IF YOU HAVE ONE.
THIS INFO WILL BE USED TO ATTEMPT TO REBUILD THE PRE-1948 SERIAL NUMBERS LIST.
USE THIS LINK FOR IDENTIFYING PRE-WAR CHARACTERISTICS BY YEAR' ID FACTS
SUGGESTED USAGE: FREE SHOP LOG TABLET! Copy and print this date code info at will, it`s FREE. BUT If You Steal The HTML And Post It On A Web Page In ANY Format, It Is Illegal
On bikes older than 1948 you need to use reference to other, known year bikes, or pull out the crank to look for a date stamp on it. Doing both is a good idea. All serial number records before 8/18/1948 were lost in a factory fire. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IF THE SERIAL NUMBERS ARE FOUND UNDER BOTTOM BRACKET (On The Bottom Of The Frame, Under The Pedal Crank Housing)
TOTAL SCHWINN BICYCLES MADE, FROM 1945-1965 ------ 10,356,870. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THIS CHART APPLIES TO CHICAGO SCHWINN`S ONLY.
Our value ranges are based on current market trends for bicycles sold in “stock” condition. Any modifications to the bicycle must be accounted for independently. Secondary retailers offer additional tuning and warranties that can increase the value of a used bicycle and must be considered when transacting through them.
Excellent:
The bicycle looks new and is in like-new mechanical condition. The frame & fork have no visible or detectable blemishes or damage. All components, parts, and accessories are clean and free of any visible & detectable blemishes or damage. No service is required on any component, part, or accessory. Tires and grips/handlebar tape are original spec and in pristine condition.
Very Good:
The bicycle looks good, may have minimal cosmetic (only) blemishes on the frame, fork, components, parts and/or accessories. The bicycle may require minimal service adjustments without the need of replacing any parts. The suspension (if applicable) and braking surfaces are clean with some signs of usage yet free from grooves & pitting. The tires, grips/handlebar tape, and brake pads may show signs of usage yet have a majority of their life remaining.
Good:
The frame or fork or components or accessories have cosmetic blemishes. The frame (if metal) may have minor, aesthetic dings. Paint is faded slightly and/or slightly discolored and scratched. Bicycle is free of major mechanical issues but may require some service, a tune up is recommended. Some parts may require replacing, not to include front or rear shocks, wheels, shifters, front or rear derailleurs, braking systems, crank set or chainrings. Items that may need to be replaced include: tires, tubes, grips/handlebar tape, brake pads, brake hoods, chain & cassette, brake cables, gear cables, any/all housing, brake fluid and shock oil. Braking surfaces may have minor grooves or discoloration. Suspension and brakes may need to be serviced.
Fair:
The frame or fork or components or accessories have cosmetic blemishes. The frame (if metal) has minor, aesthetic dings. Paint is faded slightly and/or slightly discolored and scratched. The bicycle has some mechanical issues and a tune up is necessary. An overhaul is recommended. Multiple parts need to be replaced. Suspension and brakes need to be serviced.
Poor:
Any bicycle which does not minimally meet the conditions outlined under the description of Fair will be considered Poor. In consideration of our customers, trade-in partners, and retail partners, it is our policy to refuse valuation to bicycles in poor condition. Some specific damage will automatically categorize the bicycle’s condition to Poor such as: A combination of 3 elements or more from the Fair condition. Broken or cracked frame, fork, or wheels.