One method of determining manufacturing dates on Schwinn bikes not manufactured in Chicago is the date code that is stamped into the head badge (Manufacture dates of Chicago Schwinns can be determined by the serial number for the most part). This is a 4 digit number, 3 digit julian date with 1 digit for the year. For example my Letour II (made in Japan) is stamped 3506, meaning it was manufactured on the 350th day of 1976 (you have to have a little insight to pick the model year) making mine a '77 most likely. I'm not sure when they started this practice, but have seen it used on their bikes from the mid 70s to present day.
Greg Groth
> Message: 1
> Date: Fri, 7 Sep 2001 20:30:56 -0700 (PDT)
> From: Ron Gurth <rononice@yahoo.com>
> To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
> Subject: [CR]Schwinn Voyager
>
> A local shop (one of those small shops that has
> trouble staying in business the last 20 years if not
> for the BMX/hybred market) happened to take in on
> consignment a 15 or so year old Voyager. It has all
> the original components and even the tires. Probably
> less than a 100 miles on it. Really perfect
> condition. I am a little confused as to the age. The
> guy at the shop thought 15 years. Probably right, but
> it has 5 speed rear, with half-step + granny gearing.
> And cloth-taped handlebars. Does that sound right for
> 15 years old (1986 ?).
> Since that bike probably sold for around $400 or less,
> can you guesstimate what it could be worth now. Did
> the Voyager have butted tubes? The componentry is
> mid-level, but, in Schwinn fashion, durable and
> functional. Would $200 be within reason for this
> machine? Thanks for the opinions. That is one thing
> this bunch does not lack.
> Ron Gurth
>
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