The Early Show

Big Bucks For Bikes

By CBSNews.com staff CBSNews.com staff

June 23, 2000 / 1:16 PM EDT / CBS

From pre-war Schwinns to the Stingrays of the '60s, bicycles are getting a second look from collectors. Saturday Early Show collectibles expert Tony Hyman, author of Trash or Treasure: Guide to Buyers, and bicycle expert Michael Kaplan gauge the worth of some antique bikes.

In 1817, a two-wheeled vehicle called a "velocipede" was patented in Germany. This early bicycle had no pedals, so the rider would sit on a bar between the wheels and use foot-power to push along the ground.

Bikes have come a long way since then. Today, collectors are finding value in those early experiments in two-wheeled propulsion as well as in some bikes built just decades ago.

Pre-War Bikes

Find out about other collectibles in The Saturday Early Show's Collectibles Archive, or visit Tony Hyman's Web site.

If you think you have a collectible worth cash, send an email to
sat@cbsnews.com
with "What's It Worth?" in the subject line. Or write to "What's It Worth?" The Saturday Early Show, 514 West 57th St., 6th floor, New York, N.Y. 10019.

Most bikes made before World War II were collected and melted down during metal drives to support the war effort. Some people hid them away, and those surviving bikes can be valuable if in good condition.

The Monarch police bike built in the 1910s has a police headlight and is unique for its wooden rims.
According to Kaplan, the Elgin Bluebird may be the most coveted bike in the world right now. Built in 1936, it originally cost $50, a lot of money during the Depression. It had lots of pressed steel, so many of them fell victim to the war-time metal drives. Today, a Bluebird is valued at $5,000 or more.
In 1937, the tire company Firestone sold a Huffy bike as a promotional item. It was unusual for its full-suspension system, very rare for that time. Today its estimated worth is $6,000.

Post-War Bikes

The black Phantom bike Schwinn made during the 1950s is considered the '57 Chevy of bicycles because of its lavish chrome and flashy design. It is worth about $2,500 in good condition.

The Bowden Spacelander, made for only three months in 1959, was a futuristic looking bike made of fiberglass. It was a bomb in the stores; kids didn't want them because they were so fragile. Today, the Bowden is a highly sought after bike. One recently went for $19,000 at auction.

The Stingray, built during the late '60s, was patterned after hotrod cars. It has a banana seat and a stick shift style gear shifter. One in good condition cabring $3,500 or more.

Michael Kaplan is happy to answer any questions about bicycles from any period including modern reproductions. Visit his Web site or email him at bac2the50s@aol.com.