Classic & Vintage Bicycle Appraisals and Inquiries - Nobody is helping me out

I really need opinions on a reserve price for my bike. I am putting it on Ebay tomorrow, and I'm not sure of a fair price to ask. I was going to try to sell it on here, but it won't let me unless i pay. My bike is a very nice Alan Record Carbonio. I have pics on my other thread here in vintage pricing. Please help me, or at least tell me what you'd pay for it. Thanks

Can anyone help?

East Hill

Does $17,502,863.07 sound fair? I suppose we could show a picture of the a pile of the money if that would be needed.

Your reserve should be the minimum you want to make on the sale: How much did you pay for the bike? How much do you reasonably want to make above that cost? Fwiw, reserve prices tend to limit bidding.

Neal

The market for early carbon fiber frames is really tough to gauge - they're just starting to be considered "collectible," and there's no really extensive accumulation of prior sales to help set prices. Mike Kone's recently updated price guide includes Alan, but only the aluminum frames, not the carbon ones. And with early carbon fiber, there are definitely going to be reliability/longevity questions that are less of an issue with the steel frames more commonly discussed on this forum. I also don't know if that frame is carbon alone or carbon over aluminum (which would be my guess). If you're indeed putting it on eBay, you may just have to do what people do when there's no established market for something - let the market du jour decide the price. The components on htat one are decent, but don't push the value up very much. If the bike were mine, I think I'd put an $800 reserve on it and cross my fingers, but that's just my .02.

After doing an eBay completed auctions search I found a frame and fork that sold for $450 plus. I think if your bike is complete and in fantastic shape with a well represented auction with lots of clear pics and a good description it could pull some serious change.....They are a fantastic bike IMHO! I would not sell it! Ride it!
Can we get some pics please? Especially the drive side.....
I would like to point out that I found this estimate in one of your threads.
Please take into account that you have a very rare bike. I think I speak for myself and others when I say I would have commented but I don't want to comment on a price when I don't really know what to say. I've seen two estimates, $450 and $800. I'd put my reserve somewhere between those two and see what happens. With any luck you'll find two bidders that really want that bike. Take into account, late December and early January are not good times to sell a bike. I hope it works out for you and I hope this helps.

Thank you all for helping me out. I don't know too much about bikes, I'm still learning.

Just remember that reserve auctions scare away many bidders. But it does protect you against a fire sale.

Another thing. If you don;t have a feedback rating on ebay yet it might be wise to get somebody who does to sell the bike for you. Either that or possibly offer a COD option with the auction.

I think $400 - $800 would be a reasonable range to expect.

The price variables would include the condition of the tubes. You wouldn't trust carbon tubes that have beed compromised. The size may have a baring as to the final selling price as well.

>>>nevermind<<<

Could it be?

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/972623736.html

Neal

Could it be?

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/972623736.html

Neal

I seriously wonder why people ask for advice when they seem to always already know best themselves.
Though having said that, I probably didn't give enough credit to the parts - some of those Assos bits could be value-adders. I wasn't that familiar with them when I first scoped the bike. But I do know that's not $2500 worth of vintage bicycle.

Because I dont like getting 'dupped' I deleted all of my comments....
Jim

I seriously wonder why people ask for advice when they seem to always already know best themselves.
Though having said that, I probably didn't give enough credit to the parts - some of those Assos bits could be value-adders. I wasn't that familiar with them when I first scoped the bike. But I do know that's not $2500 worth of vintage bicycle.

Bars and stem: $20 max...
Wheelset as is: worthless. Campy NR hubs have been drilled to accept bladed spokes and the tires are dead.
Brakes: Modolo 'dont stop wet or dry' Speedy's $20
Cranks: I dont know.. $40 or $50 max.
Pedals: ??
Derailleurs and shift levers: $75 for the set? (at work cant get on ebay)
Seat: $50

To be rideable in a practilce sense it needs well over $200 worth of work"

Wheels: $175....$100 for a nice set of clinchers to compliment the bike and $75 for a nice pair of tires and tubes. Staying with tubulars your looking at $60 with the chance of ripping the flanges off the hubs because of the slotted holes.
Bars: $20
Brake cables: $20

Oh well, Happy Holidays.

To the guy who gives me a price list; You're a jackass. You obviously don't know your bike parts. I have already got collectors in one day on craigslist for almost 2000. They even said that with the shape of this, I could easily get more. And to the guy saying that I am not new to bikes, you're kinda dumb too. I am getting all my advice from the local bike shops and on the internet. To all of the people who really did help, rather than just put down a newby, thank you.

To the guy who gives me a price list; You're a jackass. You obviously don't know your bike parts. I have already got collectors in one day on craigslist for almost 2000. They even said that with the shape of this, I could easily get more. And to the guy saying that I am not new to bikes, you're kinda dumb too. I am getting all my advice from the local bike shops and on the internet. To all of the people who really did help, rather than just put down a newby, thank you.

That is not the right way to thank people for answering the question you begged to be answered. You asked our opinions on the value of a bike which could vary greatly depending on a person's interest and the bike's condition and you got it. Apparently you did not read the sticky at the top of this forum. I suggest you do so.

I wonder how much this one sold for:
http://velospace.org/node/5380

To the guy who gives me a price list; You're a jackass. You obviously don't know your bike parts. I have already got collectors in one day on craigslist for almost 2000. They even said that with the shape of this, I could easily get more. And to the guy saying that I am not new to bikes, you're kinda dumb too. I am getting all my advice from the local bike shops and on the internet. To all of the people who really did help, rather than just put down a newby, thank you.

Where I goofed was on the parts - I learned a bunch while researching your bike (which I did spend an hour or more of my time doing). The Assos cranks take a special bottom bracket, and they are rare, obviously. Same for the pedals - and I'm guessing those Assos rims are very rare, too. Also, now that I look at the other set of pics, that's also a (valuable) Campy alloy freewheel peeking out in one pic. The brakes are Master Pros, which are nice but not especially valuable vintage items. But the parts definitely add value. From what I've been able to glean, too, those Alan frames have decent durability. That said, I'm surprised at 2K. Then again, as I said, early carbon fiber bikes are tough to judge in terms of collectibility. Do beware of advice from local bike shops when it comes to vintage stuff - they often act like they know more than they do, and often that's not much.

By the way, it's most definitely not the first carbon frame - that would be the Exxon Graftek circa 1975.

To the guy who gives me a price list; You're a jackass. You obviously don't know your bike parts. I have already got collectors in one day on craigslist for almost 2000. They even said that with the shape of this, I could easily get more. And to the guy saying that I am not new to bikes, you're kinda dumb too. I am getting all my advice from the local bike shops and on the internet. To all of the people who really did help, rather than just put down a newby, thank you.




You need to do your research pal. As I look to my side I see 2 bikes that are not older than what you have but they're worth more money and they're more collectible and will sell in heartbeat on something other tha CL. But, as you said, I dont know what the f*@# I'm talking about.

Brakes: Modolo Speedy Failed to sell at $15. (http://cgi.ebay.com/Modolo-Speedy-brake-set-NOS-worldwide-shipping_W0QQitemZ220329203018QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCycling_Parts_Accessories?hash=item220329203018&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A13%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318) Jim 1 F50Davis 0
Seat: Concor Sold for $38 (http://cgi.ebay.com/Selle-San-Marco-Concor-Supercorsa-Seat_W0QQitemZ220333368227QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item220333368227&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A13%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318) Jim 2 F50Davis 0
Handlebar: Cinelli Sold for $10 (http://cgi.ebay.com/Cinelli-Perfection-road-handlebar-26-4-mm-x-40-cm_W0QQitemZ270319407862QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCycling_Parts_Accessories?hash=item270319407862&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A13%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318)Jim 3 F50Davis 0
Derailleurs: Huret rear 70's sold for $62 (http://cgi.ebay.com/Huret-Jubilee-Rear-Derailleur-vintage-rare_W0QQitemZ150317313752QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item150317313752&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A13%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318)Jim 4 F50Davis 0

And, without further interuption the Coupe de Grace

Coupe de Grace 1 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ALAN-1982-Super-Record-Red-52-5cm-Frame-Forks-SWEET_W0QQitemZ280296534384QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item280296534384&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A13%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318)
Coupe de grace 2 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ALAN-classic-italian-lightweight-racing-bike_W0QQitemZ320326688481QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item320326688481&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A13%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318)
Coupe de Grace 3 (http://cgi.ebay.com/1985-Alan-Record-Italian-FRAMESET-Alloy-59-cm-NOS_W0QQitemZ290280560981QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item290280560981&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A13%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318)

bit*h slap and ownage complete.

You need to do your research pal. As I look to my side I see 2 bikes that are not older than what you have but they're worth more money and they're more collectible and will sell in heartbeat on something other tha CL. But, as you said, I dont know what the f*@# I'm talking about.

Brakes: Modolo Speedy Failed to sell at $15. (http://cgi.ebay.com/Modolo-Speedy-brake-set-NOS-worldwide-shipping_W0QQitemZ220329203018QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCycling_Parts_Accessories?hash=item220329203018&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A13%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318) Jim 1 F50Davis 0
Seat: Concor Sold for $38 (http://cgi.ebay.com/Selle-San-Marco-Concor-Supercorsa-Seat_W0QQitemZ220333368227QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item220333368227&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A13%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318) Jim 2 F50Davis 0
Handlebar: Cinelli Sold for $10 (http://cgi.ebay.com/Cinelli-Perfection-road-handlebar-26-4-mm-x-40-cm_W0QQitemZ270319407862QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCycling_Parts_Accessories?hash=item270319407862&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A13%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318)Jim 3 F50Davis 0
Derailleurs: Huret rear 70's sold for $62 (http://cgi.ebay.com/Huret-Jubilee-Rear-Derailleur-vintage-rare_W0QQitemZ150317313752QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item150317313752&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A13%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318)Jim 4 F50Davis 0

And, without further interuption the Coupe de Grace

Coupe de Grace 1 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ALAN-1982-Super-Record-Red-52-5cm-Frame-Forks-SWEET_W0QQitemZ280296534384QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item280296534384&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A13%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318)
Coupe de grace 2 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ALAN-classic-italian-lightweight-racing-bike_W0QQitemZ320326688481QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item320326688481&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A13%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318)
Coupe de Grace 3 (http://cgi.ebay.com/1985-Alan-Record-Italian-FRAMESET-Alloy-59-cm-NOS_W0QQitemZ290280560981QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item290280560981&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A13%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318)



In the interest of accuracy, not acrimony, the brakes appear to be Master Pro and are therefore top-of-the-line, and a far cry from Speedy. And the three Alans you linked to on eBay are aluminum frames - the OP's is carbon fiber. And the cranks are worth quite a bit more than $40-50. And the wheelset is definitely not worthless, as the Assos rims are worth something all by themselves, even if the spokes and hubs are a no-go.

Note to self, "Do not piss off miamajim".

Note to self, "Do not piss off miamajim".

Bad month for the Bucs.

In the interest of accuracy, not acrimony, the brakes appear to be Master Pro and are therefore top-of-the-line, and a far cry from Speedy. And the three Alans you linked to on eBay are aluminum frames - the OP's is carbon fiber. And the cranks are worth quite a bit more than $40-50. And the wheelset is definitely not worthless, as the Assos rims are worth something all by themselves, even if the spokes and hubs are a no-go.

I know..my post is somewhat loaded but it is somewhat accurate. $400, as others pointed out is probably a good starting point. Considering how much other Alans failed to sell for its hard to say what its realy worth. If he can get $2K good for him. A better strategy would be to put a little coin into it and sit on until spring.


My guess....his ARM just kicked in.


Note to self, "Do not piss off miamajim".

Just having fun with the rookie. I'm actually in a great mood today....thats probably why I'm messing with him. If he had caught me on an off day I wouldnt have bothered.

Bad month for the Bucs.

I'm only a casual Bucs fan...but yes, what a month!!

I'm only a casual Bucs fan...but yes, what a month!!

It could be worse for you. I am a casual Lions fan. Or, maybe a casualty Lions fan.

It could be worse for you. I am a casual Lions fan. Or, maybe a casualty Lions fan.

I'm a diehard Chiefs fan - geez, is this thread the Twilight Zone or what?

Thank you picchio. Somebody sees what I am saying. Jim doesn't understand that sharing the brand name, does not make 2 items the same thing. B*$)! slap and owned!

You certainly are full of yourself.

You have a bike given to you that you know very little about, then complain that you aren't getting any help. Free help to resell a free bike.

Then when you aren't satisfied with the answers you are getting you proceed to call a longtime forum member a jackass.

Nice. Good luck selling your bike.

I don't know too much about bikes, I'm still learning.

This thread is a perfect example of the delicate nature of the Value forum - a model example as to why any member who acts in a confrontational and aggressive manner against those offering their valuations should be banned from this subforum immidiately. That should go double for an individual who previously admits an ignorance of the very bicycle that he later claims to know far more about then anyone else.

-Kurt

+1 Odd when someone says they don't know much about bike values, and asks for comments. Then they don't like the comments they get. How about accept the comments as opinions from others, many of whom have bought and sold dozens of bikes. Credibility comes from experience, rather than text in an email. You can and should price the bike however you want, higher, lower, whatever.


Values on many bikes are often a local issue. Bikes around here sell for about half of what people sell them for in Portland, LA, NYC, and others. Some collectable bikes have a national/global interest, which ebay can attract. But, ebay can be a crapshoot, sometimes values go way high (witness the Schwinn Super sport that sold earlier this year for over $1000). Yet you can see similar/better Super sports go for $150.

And if you do not have adequate/abundant feedback, be prepared that bidders will discount your item significantly due to the risks of buying from low feedback sellers. Except for a couple of scams (like the forged money order), buyers take all the risk on ebay. So ample positive feedback is critical. And there is the additional risk of having someone with little feedback shipping a bike (or even a lot of positive feedback, but no bicycle transaction feedback).

Personally, I only buy bikes on ebay that I can pick up. This is after a shipping disaster on an earlier ebay buy.

I wonder how much this one sold for:
http://velospace.org/node/5380
I don't know if Otto Rax sold it or not. Quite a bike. The man's an artiste, and a very nice fellow.

I once got a rear brake caliper bolt, FREE, without solicitation, from miamijim.
It just showed up in the mail. And he wasn't a jackass at all about it.

So, for you, f50davis, "$3.50" (If it's confusing, refer to some older threads)
While that's a nice bike you have, it's certainly not on par with Otto Rax's ride for unique-er-ness.

And I think I'd pay $500 for this "early" carbon bike, which is now fully Campy, before I'd pay $500 for yours.

1-Rideability. It's done.
2-It's cool. Kids yell at me when those wheels flash by.
3-It's mine.
4-It came from Otto Rax, who knows his vintage carbon.

So, my hope is you do well on the bike.

And I recommend if one of those experts who's offered you $2000 shows up, take his money. Then run like hell.

That's my .02 worth, and you can PayPal me the change.

I think the answer has sufficently been answered at this point. Thread Closed.