The Golden Age Of Pedal Power
Bicycles aren’t just for commuting or exercise—they’re a rich slice of history. From elegant European racers to quirky American balloon-tire cruisers, vintage bikes are now commanding astonishing sums at auctions and collector shows. What was once a kid’s ride to school could now be a ticket to a serious payday. Let’s roll through 20 bicycles that collectors are spending big bucks on today.
Schwinn Sting-Ray
Introduced in 1963, the Schwinn Sting-Ray is often called “the bike that started the wheelie craze.” With its banana seat, high-rise handlebars, and motorcycle-inspired styling, it became the dream ride for kids in the ’60s. Today, rare models—especially Krate versions like the Orange Krate—can fetch over $5,000.
Nels P Olsen, Wikimedia Commons
Raleigh Chopper
The British answer to the Sting-Ray, the Raleigh Chopper of the 1970s featured funky ape-hanger handlebars, a banana seat, and a dangerous-but-cool stick shift mounted between the rider’s legs. Collectors love early Mk1 versions, and pristine examples have sold for more than $3,000.
Thehotone1970 at English Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons
Columbia Superb (1890s)
Dating back to the 19th century, the Columbia Superb represents the pinnacle of early bicycle craftsmanship. Made by Pope Manufacturing in Hartford, Connecticut, these high-wheelers with nickel-plated accents are museum pieces today. Auction prices can soar past $10,000 depending on condition.
Columbia Superb, Columbia Bicycles
Peugeot PX-10
French racing bikes dominated the peloton in the mid-20th century, and the Peugeot PX-10 was a legend of the road. Built with Reynolds 531 tubing and outfitted with top-tier French components, it was the weapon of choice for Tour de France riders in the 1960s and ’70s. Today, a pristine PX-10 can reach $2,500–$4,000.
1974 PEUGEOT PX10 VINTAGE RACING BIKE, David European Classic Cars
Schwinn Aerocycle
Part art deco sculpture, part bicycle, the Schwinn Aerocycle (1934–1938) is one of the most visually stunning bikes ever built. With its faux gas tank, streamlined frame, and chrome detailing, it resembles a two-wheeled luxury car. Collectors pay dearly—examples have crossed $10,000 at auction.
https://www.flickr.com/people/turbojams/, Wikimedia Commons
Cinelli Supercorsa
The Cinelli Supercorsa has been in production, with subtle evolutions, since the 1950s. Known for its elegant lugs and Italian pedigree, it’s a bucket-list bike for vintage racing enthusiasts. Early models with Campagnolo gruppo parts can bring $3,000–$7,000.
Vintage Cinelli SuperCorsa. The best steel frame of its time, Velogrove
Schwinn Phantom
Produced between 1949 and 1959, the Schwinn Phantom was the Cadillac of balloon-tire cruisers. With springer front forks, chrome fenders, tank lights, and elaborate paint schemes, it became a mid-century icon. Mint-condition originals often sell for over $5,000.
Fascinating Rides: Schwinn Phantom, Bicycling
Raleigh RRA (Record Ace)
The Raleigh Record Ace, first introduced in the 1930s, was one of England’s most advanced lightweight road bikes. Known for its Reynolds 531 tubing and fine lugwork, it’s highly prized by collectors of British cycling heritage. Rare pre-war examples can fetch $2,500 and beyond.
Craigslist Rare Bike Find - 1973 Raleigh RRA (Raleigh Record Ace), RJ The Bike Guy
Iver Johnson Truss Bridge Frame
Iver Johnson, a Massachusetts manufacturer also known for firearms, produced bicycles with a distinctive truss-bridge frame in the early 1900s. These rugged and innovative designs are rare today, making them highly collectible. Well-preserved specimens can bring $4,000–$6,000.
Oliver race bicycle +/-1905 truss bridge frame, HDCLASSICBE
Bianchi Specialissima
Bianchi is synonymous with Italian cycling prestige, and its Specialissima road frames from the 1960s and ’70s are especially valuable. The trademark celeste paint, coupled with legendary riders like Fausto Coppi, ensures collectors pay top dollar. Prices often hit $5,000.
Schwinn Krate Series
The Sting-Ray may have started the craze, but the late ’60s Krates were the crown jewels: Apple Krate, Lemon Peeler, Cotton Picker, and others. With their flashy paint, five-speed stick shifters, and springer forks, they’ve become cult classics. Expect to pay $6,000 or more for mint originals.
1968 Schwinn Apple Krate REVIEW / WHEELIE TEST, Dallas Smith Digital Studios | Wedding Filmmaker
Trek 5000 Carbon
Not all collectible bikes are ancient. The Trek 5000, introduced in the late 1980s, was one of the first mass-produced carbon fiber frames. Its historical importance in modern cycling tech makes it a valuable collector’s piece today, often bringing $2,000–$4,000.
TREK 5000 Carbon road bike review, Super Cyclist
Hetchins Curly Stay
Hetchins, a small British builder, became famous for its ornate lugwork and the “curly stay” rear triangle, designed to absorb road shock. The artistry alone makes these bikes collectible, and rare 1930s–1950s examples can command $7,000 or more.
1948 Hetchins Super Special Bicycle, britishbicycle
Schwinn Excelsior Motorbike
Before motorcycles took over, Schwinn produced balloon-tire “motorbike” style bicycles in the 1930s–40s. The Excelsior series, with faux gas tanks and robust frames, are now prized by cruiser collectors. Expect valuations around $5,000.
RESTORED:1940’s Schwinn Built Excelsior 🚲, Jeff Galey
Colnago Super
Introduced in the 1960s, the Colnago Super was a lightweight steel racer that redefined competitive cycling. Its race pedigree and Italian craftsmanship have kept demand high. Pristine examples often reach $3,000–$6,000.
Monark Silver King
Built from aluminum in the 1930s and ’40s—when most bikes were still steel—the Monark Silver King was way ahead of its time. Its streamlined design and rarity make it a darling of collectors. Restored examples can sell for $5,000 or more.
Hobbies: Antique + Vintage Bicycles, Mr Obsoletes Vintage Homesteading
Schwinn Black Phantom
A deluxe variant of the Phantom, the Black Phantom (introduced in 1949) is one of the most coveted balloon-tire bikes. Featuring chrome accents, a tank horn, and a glamorous two-tone paint job, it’s been known to sell for upwards of $10,000.
Photojunkie, Wikimedia Commons
René Herse Randonneuse
René Herse, the French “constructeur,” built some of the most exquisite hand-crafted touring bikes of the 1940s–70s. His randonneuse bicycles, complete with integrated racks and custom components, are functional works of art. They’ve sold at auction for $15,000 or more.
Un vélo à 9000 € - René Herse, NCT - La Chaîne du Vélo
Paramount Road Racing Bike
Schwinn’s Paramount line, hand-built by master craftsmen starting in the 1930s, remains one of America’s finest contributions to performance cycling. Early track and road racing models are highly sought after, with values reaching $6,000–$8,000.
The Bike Collection • Schwinn Paramount Track, River City Bicycles
Flying Merkel Bicycle
Associated with the famous motorcycle brand, Flying Merkel bicycles from the early 20th century are among the rarest American bikes. Their bright orange paint and distinctive badge make them instantly recognizable. Surviving examples have commanded more than $10,000.
1910 Timeless Flying Merkel Replica, Bartlett Auctions
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