Schwinn Woodlands Mtn. Bike.

[Macintosh.]

Hello, I just purchased a (what I think is a 1988) Schwinn Woodlands yesterday for $50 at a thrift store. The thing that I first noticed about it, is that the entire thing (except for a few minor chips on the front fork and on the back by the tires) seems to be original. Even the tires say Schwinn Slickrock and are gum tires. The seat is in excellent condition, and the shoes on it look great. The only thing that baffles me is the brakes look to be a bit 1970's style to me. I'm not sure as to why, but maybe it's just because it's a mountain bike.

If anyone can confirm this is a 1988 (on the badge it says 3228, so I figured that is the 322nd day of 1988). & I would like to know a rough price on how much this bike is worth. It shifts beautifully, the tires still have a lot of tread, the break shoes are great, and everything is there. Like I said, just a few minor chips on the front fork and the back part of the frame by the rear wheel (I don't know the terminology for it). Also, the spoke guard on the rear wheel is slightly yellowed with a small crack, which I don't think that's a big deal, but wanted to add it!

I will provide a picture (it's not the best quality) but it will show that it's a Schwinn Woodlands and yeah. I hope to get some incite on the year and worth of this bicycle.

[GeorgeET]

Here is a link to Schwinn Catalogs. Nice bike in good condition. its definitely worth what you paid for it. Check it out. Replace tires and brake shoes. Lubricate all bearings and cables, for start.

http://bikecatalogs.org/SCHWINN/1990/MTB_And_Road/High_Plains_Woodlands.html

http://bikecatalogs.org/SCHWINN/

http://www.trfindley.com/pg_schwinn_cats.htm

[Macintosh.]

(05-20-2012, 02:21 PM)GeorgeET Wrote:  Here is a link to Schwinn Catalogs. Nice bike in good condition. its definitely worth what you paid for it. Check it out. Replace tires and brake shoes. Lubricate all bearings and cables, for start.

http://bikecatalogs.org/SCHWINN/1990/MTB_And_Road/High_Plains_Woodlands.html

http://bikecatalogs.org/SCHWINN/

http://www.trfindley.com/pg_schwinn_cats.htm

Yeah, I've definitely checked out all of those links before, but I cannot find the same model, 1988. I definitely know it's worth what I paid, but is there any guesstimate as to what you think it is worth? A random dollar amount at best.

[Painkiller]

On bicycles that are in 95%+ perfect condition with minimal paint chips and no rust on the nuts and bolts I can usually fetch 50% to 75% of original retail value on bikes of most any age from 1980 to 2010. But remember to get a nice price does not always mean more profit if one has to spend a lot on tubes, tires, brake pads, cables and housing..etc.

Plus higher asking prices can take longer to sell. but without more pics or seeing the bike in person I would say you got a fair deal but guess it to be a hard sell in the $150 or higher range as the slightly newer like early 90s are more desirable and cheaper to maintain or replace parts.

Ride it, enjoy it, and it looks like you have a pretty nice bike!

[nfmisso]

This site is about servicing and maintain any bicycle, making improvements, etc.; is not rebout the value of any given bike.

[Macintosh.]

(05-21-2012, 02:09 PM)nfmisso Wrote:  This site is about servicing and maintain any bicycle, making improvements, etc.; is not rebout the value of any given bike.

Nigel, if that is so...then given that I just bought this bicycle from 1988, what are a few "quick" things to look for to check and/or improve on this bicycle to reassure the overall quality, and safety of this ride?

There is also another question I have about the brake shoes on this bike. They seem to be working just fine now, but they seem to be quite unique and I was wondering if these are hard to find? I will attach a picture below that best depicts what the brake shoes look like.

[nfmisso]

Hi;

These brake pads are top rated:
http://www.amazon.com/Kool-Stop-Bicycle-Cantilever-Compound/dp/B001SYR4HO/

Amazon lists many other ones that will work. Many (most?) of us, go with Kool Stop for our replacement brake pads exclusively.

I would tear down the headset, bottom bracket and wheels, replace the bearings and grease with boat trailer wheel bearing grease. Also replace the cables and housings (making sure to grease the cables).

[Tim M]

The OP twice wondered what the bike is worth:

1) "I would like to know a rough price on how much this bike is worth."

2) "I definitely know it's worth what I paid, but is there any guesstimate as to what you think it is worth? A random dollar amount at best."

It's a valid question and a common question when it comes to thinking about an old bike (or car or boat or house, etc.). We most all have wondered it. And, in a different way, when contemplating the repair, restoration, maintenance of an old bike it would be silly to ignore the economic "escape hatch" issue...how far do I want to go with this bike?

The OP's question is legitimate and relevant. Your answers were informative and interesting. Thanks.