Classic & Vintage - How to price a 1974 Fuji Road Bike?

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xtina04
05-04-08, 02:18 PM
So I've been doing some research on my Fuji since I'm in the process of posting it up for sale, although I don't know much about pricing vintage road bikes or their components.

I originally bought in Miami, FL about a year ago, I discovered that it had spent some time in Brooklyn, NY because of a bikeshop sticker.
These are its specs, I've found other similar bikes online- finding out it was made in 1974....

It's a 1974 Fuji Special Tourer, 21', has drop bars with Suntour Shifters, a new Shimano 9-speed from derailer (the original piece busted while pumping on a DC hill), original steel rims, a Vintage Union Bicycle Generator with Lights...currently not functioning , but shouldn't be hard to fix. Nitto Stem and Dia-Compe breaks with a center-pull. I added the Schwiin 26 x 1-1/4 1-3/8 tires for a classic look. Fuji seat. Made in Japan.

If anyone has any suggestions or clues on how much I should market this classic roadie, I'd appreciate it your help.

http://a367.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/96/l_7f69a620de88733340a2d71975c15166.jpg

http://a565.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/51/l_0a7003691abdc0d9768b87632e9fff24.jpg


Blue Order
05-04-08, 02:27 PM
Depends on where you post it. Craigslist prices will be determined by the local market. eBay prices will be determined by the global market. If you want the best price for it, eBay it with a low starting bid and what you want for it as your buy it now price. Bikes with low starting bods generally seem to attract a lot of attention and get bid up to their market value, while bikes that start out at market value tend not to attract much attention. For some reason, people will be reluctant to bid on a bike with a high starting price, but will gladly bid above that price if the starting bid is low.

If you decide to Craigslist it, the absolute minimum market value for that bike is $100, and probably more like $150-$250 ($250 being high end, and probably not achievable, unless the tubing, components, and condition warrant it.).

robtown
05-04-08, 07:57 PM
In the D.C. area you can get $100 - $150. If it is in perfect mechanical shape, tires good, and all the bare metal bits are shiny, and degreased. The bike looks like a lower end one with chrome wheels so I'd say the lower end of the range. A good description, including sizes, component names, and detailed pictures gets better responses and prices in the D.C. Metro area.


robatsu
05-04-08, 08:45 PM
I watch craigslist in DC area - I agree w/the 100-150 estimate. I also second the ebay low listing strategy. I just recently starting selling stuff there, now have about 75-100 sales. Initially, I was worried, put reserves, etc. But after watching the strategy, I say, what the heck, list everything for 99 cents and no reserve and let the global market decide. I've had a few disappointments, but many more surprises on the upside.

Lots of pictures help on ebay, IMO, and a nice narrative, if you can give the item a story. Just like LL Bean - they never sell socks, rather "Traditional Fundy Bay Fisherman Socks", etc. People like stories. Give a story to the bike, how it was part of the great bike boom of the 70's or something, so long as it is true.

cudak888
05-04-08, 09:00 PM
How much did you pay for it from Mr. Mills, incidentally?

huerro
05-04-08, 09:03 PM
I would pull that Miller generator light set and sell it on ebay separate from the bike. I can't imagine it will raise the value of the bike in a Craig's List sale as much as you could get for it on ebay. Mine did not bring anywhere near as much as this auction, but still a lot more than I expected.

http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-60s-SCHWINN-Miller-bicycle-light-w-generator_W0QQitemZ160234844147QQihZ006QQcategoryZ156522QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Blue Order
05-04-08, 09:43 PM
In the D.C. area you can get $100 - $150. If it is in perfect mechanical shape, tires good, and all the bare metal bits are shiny, and degreased. The bike looks like a lower end one with chrome wheels so I'd say the lower end of the range. A good description, including sizes, component names, and detailed pictures gets better responses and prices in the D.C. Metro area.Yeah, with those steel wheels, and what look like stamped dropouts, I'd agree- $100-$150.

xtina04
05-06-08, 07:37 AM
Thanks for all the helpful advice!
I originally bought the Fuji for $150 at the time- to answer some questions.
I will probably craigslist it after digesting the consensus. I would prefer it to be not ripped apart and turned into a track bike...as it is popular to do with old road frames. But, as long as someone is making use of it.

Blue Order
05-06-08, 09:27 AM
Well you likely won't turn a profit, but you can get back what you paid for it. It looks like it's in beautiful condition.