Classic & Vintage - Zunow 1980 circa information

I have a 1981 or 1982 Zunow Laurel with Suntour superb(Shimano) and Cinelli parts. I am the original owner and havent ridden much since the 80's. I took it out of storage in 2001 and put new tires on it, and rode it briefly. It has been in storage and is still in good shape. Does anyone know where I can go to get an approximate appraisal to find out whether I should sell it as is or try to spend some money on it to raise the value? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

the standard answer is

1. fire up your browser.
2. Go to eBay, and then Sporting Goods - Cycling categories.
3. Use the advanced search feature.
4. Enter Zunow, and then check "Completed Sales"

I think you'll find that it is worth quite a bit, relative to a lot of other bikes that were its contemporary. The parts mix and general condition will affect the value some, as well. EBay is good for two things; minimizing the seller's holding time and finding an audience for rare and unusual stuff.

An example of the first: a brick and mortar bike store invests $1000 in a batch of small parts and clears off most of them by the end of the year. They make a raw 30 percent on the parts, but that works out to about 5% per month, and you could find a lot of investments that would pay better than that. A web store spends the same $1000 and clears the stuff off in a month. Maybe, because they are heavily discounting, they only make a raw 20 percent but their return is 20 percent per month, much better than most other investments.

The second is the category you are interested in. Buyers are looking for the Zunow hummingbird, and you will sell it for all the market will bear, usually.

Thanks for the quick reply and the information. I have checked the completed items on ebay and it turns up nothing, which is why I am here. I love ebay and may use that forum if and when I decide. Again, thanks. If anyone else has any good suggestions I am still open.

Zunows do not come up very often and when they do they are usually pricey. The following is what I recall from past auctions:


Complete bike with Shimano 600 sold about $500
Frame, VG to EX condition about $600
Frame, VG to EX condition over $600


I believe a monostay will bring more, as will the gaudier paint schemes. But most any Zunow is going to command a good price.

well, if it's a 54cm bike it's worth about $15 but seeing as I'm such a nice
guy I'll give ya 50 for it to take it off your hands. . . .

ok, to be serious pictures would help to set pricing on this. Size does matter here, as
very small or very large frames can be hard to sell (although we have some of each here).
suntour superbe came in a few flavors and that also will have an effect on price.
I know of at least one collector who is looking for a zunow.

Marty