I want to ride my bicycle…page 8
O.K.
So Get Out and Find Bikes
All
old bikes are not necessarily valuable. Some people think that Aunt Nancy's old
bike hanging in the attic is worth a small fortune. Well... it depends.
First,
certain models, not brands, are more valuable than others. Simply having the
name "Schwinn" on the head badge does not make a bicycle worth more or
less than a lesser-known brand. Second, condition factors in. Generally bicycle
collectors want bikes in original condition (as with collectors of any item).
If a bike has been improperly or poorly restored, its value may be less than if
it were left alone. If a collector finds a bike offered by a non-aficionado,
they want to see the original dirt. If a machine has been expertly restored, the
value can be as much as that of a very good original. Third, boy's bikes are
generally worth more than girl's bikes. This is merely a factor of supply and
demand. Boys abused their bikes, girls were more gentle. Boys also had a
tendency to tinker and modify their rides. Often the bike was a temporary
stepping-stone to four wheels. After the 16th birthday, the bike was left
exposed to the elements behind the garage. Overall, fewer boy's bikes survived
and since it is typically men who collect bicycles today, boy's bikes command
a higher price. Fourth, a bike's components determine value. Deluxe accessories
and more sheet metal increases value. Look for bikes complete with a horn tank
(with horn and born button), chain guard, fenders, luggage rack and headlight.
Most manufacturers had interchangeable components, some more valuable than
others. For example, a mid-50s J. C. Higgins could have had a Delta brand
standard torpedo-style headlight found at old bike swap meets for $20 or it
could have had a Delta "batwing" found for $220. A horn tank for a
Dayton could sell for $80 at the swaps or over $500 for one of a different
design: Try" to find bikes with front suspension systems and original
seats,
pedals and grips.
Though it is possible to build
a bike starting with just a
frame, financially' and time wise you might be better off finding one that is
complete. A basic frame and wheels could be found at a local yard sale for $50
or less, but original parts to complete the restoration could be upwards of $600, not to mention the cost of repainting and re-chroming. Complete
bikes can be found at swaps for under $150.
Spending a little more in the beginning can save money in the long run.
Conclusion
It
has been said that bike collectors are really cheap auto collectors. This may be
true for some, but not for the people who have truly discovered vintage
bicycles. Consider some of the advantages. Bikes take up little room, are easy
to restore, don't burn gas or oil and don't cost a whole lot. They are beautiful
to look at, but mostly, just fun to ride. Try one, you'll be amazed at the
response. Ol' timers will tell you they had one just like it when they were
young and kids will be amazed at the fantastic designs! Some will make offers to
buy your ride on the spot. The time has never been better to start collecting,
Prices for bikes and parts are lower than they have been in over a decade. Many
more parts have been shaken out of the bush and are available for restorations.
Whether you are at a show, in a parade, or just riding around the block, there
is no better way to go than to ride an old bike.