Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Value: '88 Trek 400

In an effort to get the VVI forum back on track with the good old C&V civility and camaraderie, I figured I'd throw this one out - just for the heck of it:

http://i24.ebayimg.com/04/i/001/26/d4/67dd_1.JPG

How much should I put down to acquire this one? Don't need to factor in shipping - it is local, can pick up, no fees attached.

Granted, I think it isn't the greatest thing I've seen, but I should be happy with it as a daily rider. I wouldn't shed too many tears if it happens to get tacoed by a woolgathering motorist either (as opposed to my EL Guerc'.).

-Kurt

I have an 84 760 that rides absolutely wonderfully.

For an 88 440, I think about 200-300 ish for the framset/hs/bb/seatpost isn't unreasonable methinks.

What material is the frame 531/chromoly/blank?

I don't know if this helps you or not, but I paid $60 for this complete Trek 400 this summer (Craigslist Seattle). I'm sorry I never knew the year of this bike, I'm assuming some Trek expert will know immediately from the paint whether it was older/newer than '88 (I am pretty sure it was a 400, though).

The components were in rough shape but the frame was in good to very good shape. No dents, cracks, or rust - some discoloration of finish that I might have been able to take out with a good cleaning. I don't remember exactly what kind of tubing it had (it was double butted); some of you experts might be able to tell from the stickers.

This was going to be a project bike for my son but on closer inspection after getting it home we decided it wasn't going to fit, so we donated it to the local bike co-op (they were happy). We learned a good lesson about getting over-excited about CL finds...(and soon thereafter we found him a super-nice '88 Panasonic DX 3500).



http://i44.tinypic.com/4uhop0.jpg

$50-$75 here in Eastern NC.
Raleigh bikes go for more here, and the LBS's sold so many Treks, they're everywhere.

$50-$75 here in Eastern NC.
Raleigh bikes go for more here, and the LBS's sold so many Treks, they're everywhere.

+1, I like Robbie's estimate, but going over, lets say, $100 is too high IMHO. I have a 400, identical to BengeBoy's. It's a nice bike and I'm setting it up as a go-fer bike, but it's not high end and your only getting the frame. I wouldn't go that high on other brands at that level (including Nishiki) but steel Treks of any level have no trouble selling and they all seem to have a very nice ride.

I would pay $50 for a frame like that (assuming no dents or dings, good paint, etc). I have a couple of donors that would allow me to complete it at a reasonable/no cost. Complete, a bike like that would sell for $150 to $175 around here, and could take a while to find a buyer (it would sell quick in the $100 to $125 range).

But if you do not have a donor, finishing this bike would rapidly put you over the price you could acquire a complete bike for.

Frameset as it sits - bout $100 wouldn't be unreasonable in my opinion. Especially if you have plenty of parts around for a build up so not to be shelling out extra cash for what's missing.

I wouldnt pay more than $50-100 for it dpending on what I was going to do with it. Built up with components equal to the frame you'd have $300-350 bike.....retail.

Whoops - forgot to mention condition. It has been subject to some ugly touchups:

http://i14.ebayimg.com/05/i/001/26/d4/8657_1.JPG

http://i21.ebayimg.com/07/i/001/26/d4/77fc_1.JPG

I gather it's a $50 job, max. Presently at $30 - we'll see about it.

-Kurt

Bought a 1989 Trek 400 at a garage sale about 3 or 4 years ago for $50. Nice riding bike. I think they only sold for about $320 new. Unfortunately, the frame was too small for me, so I sold it to a friend at work for $40 with a Zefal HP pump. The bike was in immaculate condition. Hey, he's a buddy of mine....and a very, very happy one now! Told him just recently he could probably get $200 for it.

Gave up with this one. It hit $51 (don't know if it went higher). Not worth it, IMO.

-Kurt

FWIW: I picked up a 412 (complete bike) today for $60.

You will find a better deal. Look at the complete bike Miamijim just got off of Craigs List.

You will find a better deal. Look at the complete bike Miamijim just got off of Craigs List.

What did he just get, I'm afraid to ask?

-Kurt