How to Tell a Reproduction Bike???

[Carbon]

There are a few tale tale things I could personally tell about a repro bike like shiny paint and relectors on the wheels but how bout someone insisting there Western Flyer is an original, what are some other distinguishing details that sets them apart from the real deal? :arrow: :?:

 

[SCHWINNRAY69]

The chainguard on a repop Western Flyer is small compared to an original

 

[DHrider]

this is a great topic...
i look forward to some information as well.

 

[outskirtscustoms]

Easy way to spot a re-pop is look at the quality of the parts, REAL VINTAGE is built to last, most re-pops look like walmart bikes, (built to be functional and look decent for 5 years). Old schwinns will have smooth brazed frames newer re-pops will be welded. If it has allen head bolts, such as a allen head bolt that tightens the stem, it's a dead giveaway of a re-pop. look at the chrome, newer bikes won't have the same quality chrome as an older one. If you see the chrome flaking off it's probably a re-pop. Another giveaway is look at the spokes, if they are stainless they are not old wheels.

 

[snydur]

pinstripesrigionals werent perfect. and look at the front sprockets. origionals have a rib all the way around. new bikes dont . they just look like flat metal. also look behind the chain guard for any kind of rust, unless its restored, theres usually something back there. alllllso, look under the seat. the new seats have thick bars, or thick wires you could say, old ones have flat metal. and the position usually cant be adjusted, only the height.

 

[outskirtscustoms]

Or the absolute best way to tell a fake.... just throw a pic or two up on here and we'll tell you in a few seconds.

Once you hang out here and read forums for a while like I have you'll see so many cool bikes here you'll start to see particular things to spot on old bikes and what some re-pops look like you'll be a pro in no time. Also don't look at re-pops like a bad thing, some of them are quality reproductions and can be cool to ride. Not as cool as original but still cool.

 

[pick]

Or the absolute best way to tell a fake.... just throw a pic or two up on here and we'll tell you in a few seconds.

Once you hang out here and read forums for a while like I have you'll see so many cool bikes here you'll start to see particular things to spot on old bikes and what some re-pops look like you'll be a pro in no time. Also don't look at re-pops like a bad thing, some of them are quality reproductions and can be cool to ride. Not as cool as original but still cool.

+1 :mrgreen:

 

[CCR]

decals for one, the WF repops ive seen had vinyl decals, even the scallops were just decals, the other thing ive noticed about thos "limited" and "special" editions is the tank mounts to some brackets that stick off the frame, usually pretty obvious

 

[Carbon]

Good info guys, that definately helps, if things work out I may try and buy it from him regardless but we will just have to see. :mrgreen:

 

[yoothgeye]

Small sticker on bottom of seat tube just above crank: "MADE IN CHINA"

 

[Carbon]

Small sticker on bottom of seat tube just above crank: "MADE IN CHINA"

LoL! He asked me tonight if they came with a Shimano rear hub back then, hmmmmm,... :mrgreen:

 

[blackdiamond]

pretty sure no one got any thing from japan in the 1940s-1950s after ww2.
a real old one should have a morrow or a bendix or a New departure, ect not a japanise shimano.

 

[drabe]

Hey guys, not trying to hijack this thread but this is on the same topic.
I saw this on CL but can't tell from the pics if it's a repop or not.

http://houston.craigslist.org/atq/2666511938.html

I know the seat and reflectors are giveaways that it's a repro but those could have been added during the bikes life even if it was original.

Thanks for the help!

 

[SCHWINNRAY69]

^^^^
Repop :wink: Notice the chainguard is smaller than an original

 

[Anonymous]

I can make a 70 year old bike look brand new and a brand new bike look 70 years old.

Serial number under the bottom bracket is the tip off for an old bike.

 

[Rustinkerer]

^^^^
Repop :wink: Notice the chainguard is smaller than an original

Also, the og guards were embossed, and the CWC version has "WESTERN FLYER" embossed in caps on the guard, the repop version has a script decal. -Adam

 

[Bigcam59]

repro

 

[drabe]

Thanks for the additional details guys!
I haven't seen the bike in person, just the crappy CL pics.
Regardless, I made and offer, we'll see what happens!

 

[Anonymous]

I just noticed...

We need more cowbell in your AV

HEH

 

[Frankthetank]

Easy way to spot a re-pop is look at the quality of the parts, REAL VINTAGE is built to last, most re-pops look like walmart bikes, (built to be functional and look decent for 5 years). Old schwinns will have smooth brazed frames newer re-pops will be welded. If it has allen head bolts, such as a allen head bolt that tightens the stem, it's a dead giveaway of a re-pop. look at the chrome, newer bikes won't have the same quality chrome as an older one. If you see the chrome flaking off it's probably a re-pop. Another giveaway is look at the spokes, if they are stainless they are not old wheels.

I just looked up brazed bikes and welded bikes, I think I noticed the difference. Is brazed real smooth almost like it's not there and the welds are real noticeable, correct?