New to this scene - help a guy out

[RustyJames]

Thanks for the replies. I knew it would be a loaded question but a fellas gotta start somewhere.
I’m also assuming that stepthroughs and kids bikes generally don’t command premium $$. Correct?

 

[Demzie]

Thanks for the replies. I knew it would be a loaded question but a fellas gotta start somewhere.
I’m also assuming that stepthroughs and kids bikes generally don’t command premium $$. Correct?

Some models of ladies bikes are extremely uncommon, but often times the aforementioned is the case. Boys beat their stuff into the ground.,less existed and of what did, even lesser in usable original shape. Kids bikes you'd be amazed. A fully dressed 20" from the 50s or earlier is ready to have a buyer if it's close enough. I've owned two? Almost three Prewar CWC 20" and I love them purely for having a lot of the same features and definitely the same quality to the adults sizes. It's great to see it all in Micro, but Mens Bikes do dominate the land.

 

[Archie Sturmer]

is there a general hierarchy of brands from post war through ~1965? basic rule of thumb?

Some might even prefer pre-war or pre-1933.

Seems that kids like bikes, but might not have much spending money.

Not sure if ladies prefer new shiny things (maybe even pink in color?), over the rusty junky stuff?

 

[Freqman1]

Thanks for the replies. I knew it would be a loaded question but a fellas gotta start somewhere.
I’m also assuming that stepthroughs and kids bikes generally don’t command premium $$. Correct?

Generally speaking you are correct-especially for post war stuff. My advice, before you spend your first dollar, is to do some research, see what is out there, and decide what you want. It's way too easy to buy everything that comes along because it was a 'good' price. That's a sure fire way to end up with a bunch of stuff you don't really care for and is hard to sell.

 

[Chadillac]

Sometimes you gotta just buy the ticket and take the ride to see if you like it. Aim small, miss small with your money at the entry level while you refine your taste. You are correct to call out Schwinn as a quality brand. Good original condition helps hold value as there is no shortage of Schwinn love. As you go you'll find that any junker left at the curb can still hold good value in parts, accessories, and oft needed hardware. Dig in.

 

[Real1]

Great advice all! I prefer ten speeds from the '60's/70's....even '80 if Raleigh built it. I'll probably never have any older bikes the collectors have here, but the site draws me in. I live through them vicariously and I LOVE the pics! I only had one clunky red Schwinn as a boy and I pictured it here with me riding it. I have no desire to ride or own anything like that again. But my older brother had an interesting Schwinn three-speed that I coveted, but when I got old enough to ride it, it was gone. That might be something to own someday if I ever get the chance.....

Kevin

 

[Hoagie57]

Run like the wind! One of these days, you'll thank me.

Hey if ya ever need to buy a "Wheelchair S-2 26" rim" @AS-1 is yer go to guy Don't believe me ask @Chadillac right Chad

 

[Demzie]

Hey if ya ever need to buy a "Wheelchair S-2 26" rim" @AS-1 is yer go to guy Don't believe me ask @Chadillac right Chad

Knows a lot of Titanic survivors..

 

[Wolfmac]

Hey if ya ever need to buy a "Wheelchair S-2 26" rim" @AS-1 is yer go to guy Don't believe me ask @Chadillac right Chad

 

[RustyJames]

I took the plunge and bought the ‘61 Skipper that was advertised on this site since it was in great, original condition and I like the overall aesthetic. I’m almost finished servicing it but I think the grease I used in the rear hub (high temp disc brake car stuff) is too thick since it has almost no braking.

Note - I’m NOT starting a grease/oil thread!!