This is one of the most often asked questions I get. The answer is not simple. The value of collectibles in general is based on three factors: condition, demand (desirability), and availability. Notice no mention of rarity here. A bike can be extremely rare yet be worth less than $50. Yep you may have the only one left on earth but if no one wants it then the value will be negligible. I cannot stress enough how important it is when asking this question to provide good, clear pictures of the entire bike from the chain side along with good pictures of the badge and any other interesting features.  The serial number may also be helpful but be aware that a bicycle serial number is unlike a car serial number and many times does not tell very much. So for those of you who don’t like to read here is the short answer; Your bike is worth what someone is willing to pay for it.

So let’s look at the first factor “condition”. At the top of the scale would be a complete, original bike in mint shape. This is what collectors would call a “10”. Very few if any of these exist. After 50-80 years bikes will acquire a number of bumps and bruises and rubber and leather components will deteriorate. Typically most top end balloon tire bikes will fall in the 7-8 condition category. Condition also relates to how complete and correct a bike is. This is where knowledge of the particular model is indispensable. Manufacturers used components from different suppliers and would often change suppliers and/or parts. Knowing what the catalog says as well as actually seeing many original bikes can help determine what is original or not. Missing components can be extremely costly. Pedals can cost $500 or more a set and even a reflector may cost $300 or more for certain bikes. Tanks can run into the thousands. Any bike equipped with electrical components should be inspected to determine the condition of the battery trays, tanks, or lights for battery acid damage. If restored a top level bike correctly done will bring many times the price of an amateur effort. Restored bikes typically don’t bring as much money as an original bike.

Demand fluctuates depending on a few factors. Certain models may enjoy a surge in popularity that can drive prices higher. Geography can also play into this in several ways. A bike with an obscure badge from a town or region may sell higher in that area. For example a bike with a Tulane (New Orleans, LA) badge may bring more in the Southeast than in the upper Midwest. Unusual factory colors or options can also drive demand. Someone looking for a serial number of their birthday or their childhood bike many pay more than the bike would normally be worth. Most collectors, as they advance in the hobby, try to acquire the iconic bikes such as the Elgin Bluebird, the Schwinn Aerocycle, or Shelby Airflo Speedline. Bikes such as these are always in demand even though they may not be the rarest bikes because they are desirable.

Lastly is availability. While there are a fair number of surviving Bluebirds, Aerocycles, and Speedlines collectors tend to hold onto these bikes and when they do become available they generally sell quickly. It is amazing but these bikes are still found in sheds, basements, and barns and generate a lot of attention when discovered. Many high-end bikes trade regularly which are never seen on any website. The larger your collector network is the more availability there is.