Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - 3Rensho TT Funny Bike (24" front wheel, 700c rear)

Quick, anyone got any idea if this frame w/ front wheel would be worth $300 or more? I'd like to save this from becoming a Fixed Gear if the asking price is below market value. Frame looks to be in decent shape, paint is a little rough with some rusting. Rode good and hard in its day, but doesn't look overly abused. Seller says the seat tube is about 58cm (damn, that's my size). Thinking I may put my SunTour group on this (perhaps that Cyclone GT derailleur isn't the best fit though), but I'll need to source a rear wheel.

ok, trying to follow my own rules here, and as such, photos!

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k436/churzo/DSC06211.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k436/churzo/DSC06212.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k436/churzo/DSC06215.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k436/churzo/DSC06217.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k436/churzo/DSC06221.jpg

o___0;

That's worth waaaay more than $300.

didn't the 24 front and 700 back wheels come on the smaller womens sixed frames?

WAY more than $300!!! Grab it quick!


On another note.....I've seen 2 personally. Both had vertical dropouts. Not good fixie bait. Would make a great wall hanger though......

OP updated with photos. Emailed the guy saying I want to come take a look at it / pick it up.

Looks to be a fillet brazed frame, from the headset I'm guessing about a 1990 frame +/- 2 years.

Looking at the gusset between the chainstays, I will say it is closer to 1984. That feature is particular to the early SRA, as is the way the seat stays meet the seat tube and the aero mount for the shift levers. I am guessing Campag ends. Not fillet brazed, standard lugs. Serial number on the BB will tell more. Please go get it.

Lynn,

BB is lugged, headtube is fillet, or at least not lugged. I didn't include a photo that showed that detail and I see it's hard to see from the full-frame photo. You're right that the dropouts are most likely Campy, not the 3Rensho super-end. I was talking to Marty and he thinks it's earlier as well, maybe mid 80's more likely. I was thrown off by the headset, vertical drops, and fork crown (or lack there-of).

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k436/churzo/DSC06223.jpg

Picking it up in about an hour. :D Details after lunch. Photos this evening.

Ok, frame is mine. Now I have no idea what I'm really going to do with it! :lol: Dude forgot to bring the front wheel so it should be interesting how that plays out. Serial number is: A956-590. No frame tubing sticker to speak of, but feels light. Is going to need a good cleaning and a little touch up to keep what rusting has started at bay.

emailed Yellow Jersey. They stated that the frame is either late 87 or early 88. So guess the truth was somewhere between where I thought and Lynn's.

I was just about to tell you to ask Yellow Jersey. I believe they still have one of these frames for sale.

Damn!! I wish I had luck like this. I'd love to have that frame. Though, like you, I'd have trouble figuring out what to do with it.

Advertize in Japan. I think there is a huge 3rensho following over there. Or email Eric Heiden, maybe that's his :)

Advertize in Japan. I think there is a huge 3rensho following over there. Or email Eric Heiden, maybe that's his :)

If my luck ended up being that good, I'd start playing the lotto.

I saw it on craiglist, but thought what would I do with a funny bike? Flip it?

Cuda2k, I look forward to hearing how you like riding it.

Btw, this same seller has a univega mixte with some Shimano 600 arrow parts for $60. Would be an easy eBay flip.

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k436/churzo/DSC01894.jpg

Saw the Univega, and I think he has (or had) a Nikshiki funny bike and some sort of carbon wrapped steel job. What ever he hasn't sold by Saturday he'll likely have at the bike swap in Dallas. I'm tempted to go down and take a look around, but after this purchase I shouldn't be tempted by anything else and I need the miles I'd get from my morning ride more than I do any more gear.

Sheik Cuda2K adds to his harem yet again.

Hahahaha you bought it?!

Pics required when you finish building it up!

Advertize in Japan. I think there is a huge 3rensho following over there. Or email Eric Heiden, maybe that's his :)
I played hockey against him in Pee Wee. He wasn't all that fast then.