Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - 80s Bianchi Sport SX value

So there's a Bianchi Sport SX on Craigslist in my area (Houston):

http://houston.craigslist.org/bik/1000831362.html

And I thought it might be an upgrade to my Raleigh Record.

So, first question, having not seen it/sat on it/weighed it, should the frame be lighter/better quality than my record? I think that between the slightly small size and the weight, my record is destined to be a utility bike, and I want something for long, unladen rides.

Second question, if it turns out this is superior to my record, what should I offer? The record was $75, and i rode it home. I've since gotten a rear brake, rear wheel, cassette, tubes and tires, and cable guides (about $125). So I personally don't think I would want to pay over about $125 for this, unless it's a considerable upgrade. But that's why i'm asking you experienced types.

Some pics:

This type of rust and surface condition is to be found all over the frame, plenty of paint left, but where it's scuffed, it's rusty:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v259/gotcha640/th_bike002003.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v259/gotcha640/?action=view&current=bike002003.jpg)

The cassette looks rusty in some pics, and protected by grime in others. Not sure, but I'm pricing based on a replacement:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v259/gotcha640/th_bike002001.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v259/gotcha640/?action=view&current=bike002001.jpg)

I would like to try biopace, just to show off to the father in law, but it's not a big deal.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v259/gotcha640/th_bike002008.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v259/gotcha640/?action=view&current=bike002008.jpg)


It looks like a lot of the bike could be cleaned thoroughly and turn out reasonably well, and I've been wanting to try out some biopace chainrings. If I start at the asking price of $350, I'm thinking -$125 in parts to get it rideable, and another -$50 for something that looks a little more like a shifter to my 26 year old head (just kidding, sort of...). I'd be looking to use this as my main ride, and whatever I buy next (this and a bunch of parts, or a newer road bike) will be ridden ~100 miles a week on average, a few centuries a year, and the upcoming MS150. I'd prefer a bike that I won't see 100 others exactly the same on the group rides.




As there's a "Found" thread, I posted there, and was pointed toward the "Valuation" thread. I realize I'm dumping my question in a long thread of info, so I understand being pushed elsewhere. Unfortunately, the Valuation thread is really just a discussion of "do we need a valuation thread," so I doubt I'd get much luck there. Just in case someone's wondering why there's yet another "what's my bike worth" thread.

There's a separate Valuation sub-forum (look above). This thread will be moved there soon, I'm sure.

I agree with you, I wouldn't pay much for the Bianchi. It's probably Japanese or Taiwanese built, and while solid, it's nothing special. At the least, the main frames are likely chromoly, but the fork and stays may not be. Components are also entry level, and while functional, hardly justify the price tag on that bike.

Of course, it's a Celeste Bianchi, so someone might pay that price.

Personally, I'd look for a comparable Nishiki, Centurion, Panasonic, or any other number of Japanese built frames which will sell for much more reasonable prices.

Oooohhhh, THERE it is. My fault.

Anyway, having talked to the guy selling it, who said he really doesn't care if it sells or not, he intends to get about what he's asking, and my favorite LBS guy, who said he has some new used bikes for me to look at, I'm not going for that one.

I've found the valuation forum, so feel free to delete this thread.

Just keep writing in this one...they'll move it.

Yeah, you could get waaay more bike for $350 than that...though Portland is a hot market.

nah i'm in houston, there's some market but not huge.

Looks like a $150 bike to me, at best.

nah i'm in houston, there's some market but not huge.

Oh, Pearland...time for a visit to the eye doctor :lol:

Looks like a $150 bike to me, at best.

:thumb: At best...... Dont get blinded by the name and always pay more for a bike with zero rust.

:thumb: At best...... Dont get blinded by the name and always pay more for a bike with zero rust.

+1 Rust abatement can be a lot of work. I consider bikes with rust issues if 1) I think I can strip the components off and get a good return and 2) it is cheap, real cheap.