Harder & Harder to Find

[rusty513]

I've really noticed lately that it's getting very hard to find old bikes anymore, at least around here. I got into this hobby about 3 to 4 years ago & was finding bikes from the 40's, 50's & 60's all the time & for a good price. Now when I do come across something especially at car shows & swap meets the people want a ton of money for it just because it's old & they no nothing about old bikes. As far as finding anything on craigslist & being able to get it I'm going to have to quit my job & just sit at home & hit refresh all day long, ha ha!!!

 

[BankerRAt]

There a lot in these Parts of the woods Rusty. But I have noticed the inventory slightly declining.

 

[B607]

I started collecting about 20 yrs ago and it is definitely harder to find 40's and 50's balloon tires bikes now. I used to find one or two a month on old farms but haven't run into any in a while. They're still out there, but I think now there's lots more competition with younger collectors. Gary

 

[necessaryevil]

Definitely getting harder to find around here. Something will pop up on craigslist every great once in a while, but either it's gone by the time you call, or the seller won't call or email you back. The cool stuff always seems to show up when I'm flat broke :?

 

[SimpleMan]

Living just north of you, I've not had any luck on CL. One bike in 6 months from there. I've been fortunate to work in an old farm community and word of mouth has netted me a few good finds......usually really rusty stuff from the barn :mrgreen:

 

[bikesntrikes]

Welcome to California! Good luck finding a decent old cruiser for a good price.

This past weekend I came up on an original 1951 Schwinn ladies cruiser. The guy was asking $75 at a swap meet. Not a bad price. It was right in the beginning of the swap meet where I came in. I told myself that if the bike is still there on the way out, I'd throw him an offer. Well, about 40 minutes later when I was on my way back, the bike was already sold.

Finding anything on CL around here is like winning the lottery.

 

[B607]

One of the best ways I used to find old bikes was on the radio. Here in the Midwest, many old people listen to AM radio. Find a station in your area that has a Saturday morning "swap shop" or "tradio hour", or whatever they call it. I used to call in and say clearly and slowly, "I would like to buy some old bicycles, any condition. The older the better." and say my phone number. Some days, the phone would be ringing within 5 minutes with people with bikes for sale. Give it a try, then come back here and thank me when you find a '39 Dayton with a tank and light for $50! :mrgreen: Gary

 

[CCR]

theres tons of overpriced junk around me, every once in a while there will be one priced reasonable but they usually sell within a day. ive seen alot get bought (for less than 100) and then relisted for close to a thousand with the original ads still up if you look far enough back too.

ive had luck posting a want ad at some local grocery stores bulletin boards too though

 

[Wildcat]

Just when I think there aren't any more around, one will turn up on CL. The wife was hopeful they were all gone, but I just added 3 old Emory bikes to the garage. I regretted selling the funky green one I had before, I let it go for 25 bucks.

Karma must have been a factor, because I replaced that with a better Emory for 30 bucks,

and then picked up 2 more together for 25 bucks.

That just goes to show you just have to be patient.

 

[Gold Street Customs]

I run an add in the wanted section on cl "looking for rusty old bikes" cheap or free for parts or restore, and every once in a while I get a call. I just picked up a ladies Schwinn mt bike style with cruiser lettered on it 5 speed with cool MX brakes on it....but I had to take the rest of the crap that she had also, any body need a bunch of 16 inch purple wheels ?