Balloonoob
I live for the CABE
Sorry about your mom's passing. If a Schwinn is what you want then get one. You've been staring at these old bikes long enough to know what else is available.
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Serious question
- Thread starter biggermustache
- Start date
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biggermustache
Finally riding a big boys bike
I am nearly overwhelmed with all the kind words. My mom was a very practical woman. The truth is, none of the three of us boys had any idea she had stuck such a significant amount of money away. As I might never have this opportunity again, I want to make sure I find the "right one". Please keep sending suggestions. There have been a couple of pictures of bikes I have never heard of before, and that is what I love so much about this hobby. I literally learn from you all EVERY DAY! This was one of the last pictures I have of her...I really didn't feel like blubbering this morning, but life has other plans I guess! lol
Mr. Monkeyarms
Cruisin' on my Bluebird
She looks like an awesome lady!! So sorry for your loss but it sounds like she will be living on through her boys. 
Take your time & look at everything. There will be a bike that makes you think of her in some way. That will be the one......
Take your time & look at everything. There will be a bike that makes you think of her in some way. That will be the one......Billythekid
I live for the CABE
Take your time
Freqman1
Riding a '37 Dayton Super Streamline
So here are a few of my suggestions/thoughts on the subject. First I'd get one bike. I wouldn't rush into it because there are plenty of cool bikes in this price range. Prewar deluxe is where its at. Unfortunately nice, original paint, prewar deluxe bikes generally bring more than your budget and competition can be fierce. If you aren't adverse to decent restorations it opens a lot more possibilities. So here are some of my picks-in no particular order:
1939-40 CWC Four Gill. A restored bike should be around $3000-3500 and an original will be right at $4k
1938 Hawthorne Zep--still a few nice originals out there that should be had for less than your budget
1941 Colson Double Eagle Deluxe aka "Clipper" Originals of these are tough and expensive but I've seen quite a few decent restorations in the $3k and sometimes less range-unique styling
1938-39 Iver Johnson Super Mobike--I've seen prices all over the place for these and a nice original will likely exceed your budget but if you can find a restored bike I believe it should come in under the wire.
1939-40 Monark Five Bar--an nice original probably out of the question for the money but there are some nice restored out there that should be in the $3000-3500 range. For whatever reason I have seen a bunch of horrible restorations of these in some downright crazy colors.
With any of the above, at most rides, you won't run into another. My last couple of pics if you just have to have a Schwinn would be:
1936-39 Motorbike--While prices for original bikes have been climbing I believe if you really shopped it you could find an original paint bike at $4k. Restored you might find decent at $3500 but make sure its right. The limiting factor on original paint will be color--hope you like black and ivory! While these were made in other colors they are highly sought after and will bring good money.
1941 Autocycle Deluxe (canti)--again prices for original desirable colors will get crazy (like this blue one) but maroon/ivory or one of the other common color combos even with a Forebrake should be within range with coin left over.
A couple I left off--37 Zep--not a big guy bike, 38-9 Huffman Twin Flex--if you are over 225lbs then unless you get a pair of John's springs not a good candidate. Good luck with your search. V/r Shawn
1939-40 CWC Four Gill. A restored bike should be around $3000-3500 and an original will be right at $4k
1938 Hawthorne Zep--still a few nice originals out there that should be had for less than your budget
1941 Colson Double Eagle Deluxe aka "Clipper" Originals of these are tough and expensive but I've seen quite a few decent restorations in the $3k and sometimes less range-unique styling
1938-39 Iver Johnson Super Mobike--I've seen prices all over the place for these and a nice original will likely exceed your budget but if you can find a restored bike I believe it should come in under the wire.
1939-40 Monark Five Bar--an nice original probably out of the question for the money but there are some nice restored out there that should be in the $3000-3500 range. For whatever reason I have seen a bunch of horrible restorations of these in some downright crazy colors.
With any of the above, at most rides, you won't run into another. My last couple of pics if you just have to have a Schwinn would be:
1936-39 Motorbike--While prices for original bikes have been climbing I believe if you really shopped it you could find an original paint bike at $4k. Restored you might find decent at $3500 but make sure its right. The limiting factor on original paint will be color--hope you like black and ivory! While these were made in other colors they are highly sought after and will bring good money.
1941 Autocycle Deluxe (canti)--again prices for original desirable colors will get crazy (like this blue one) but maroon/ivory or one of the other common color combos even with a Forebrake should be within range with coin left over.
A couple I left off--37 Zep--not a big guy bike, 38-9 Huffman Twin Flex--if you are over 225lbs then unless you get a pair of John's springs not a good candidate. Good luck with your search. V/r Shawn
biggermustache
Finally riding a big boys bike
Thank you Shawn! I would be incredibly happy to find a nice example of any of these. I'm especially digging the Colson and the Monark.
Superman1984
Cruisin' on my Bluebird
We have the same flavor! That Colson jus' screams I'm different, a little kitchy cool, & weird but those Monark 5 bars are unique too! I have to say I love Monarks though.
Just be aware/remember they seemed to crack or be problematic with the lower down tubes in the BB area if I recall Shawn's knowledge here.
Freqman1
Riding a '37 Dayton Super Streamline
I’ve seen that on the postwar bikes but don’t recall a Five Bar breaking there. V/r Shawn
Superman1984
Cruisin' on my Bluebird
Ahhh. I assumed it applied to all those models made that way. I don't remember the guy who had the rough red frame but I remember we were discussing it here because he thought it was something else ....
