Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Can someone tell me if this bike is worth $125??

Hello all. I am new to this site, and really hoping for some insight on this bike I am considering purchasing. This guy posted just one crappy pic of the bike, and all that I know is that it is a late 80s Bianchi, with shifters on the down tube, 56cm. This is my size, and I have always liked Bianchis. I gathered that there were some Japanese made frames in these years that may be less desirable. Can anyone tell me if this is one of them? I have done all sorts of Google inquiries, but I couldn't find anything that looked just like this bike. Here's the link/address. Thanks in advance, y'all.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/bik/1015748988.html

Derek

I suggest the Vintage Value Inquiry subforum.

by the way. No way that's 56cm. Maybe 51... maybe.

I did put a post in there. Are you sure of the sizing? The guy just told me otherwise. I definitely don't want to waste a trip out to where he is if it's not the size he claims.

That is a TEENY headtube. I don't think that's a 56 cm frame.

I suggest the Vintage Value Inquiry subforum.

by the way. No way that's 56cm. Maybe 51... maybe.

might be a 56 cm top tube ... hybrids and mtb's tend to have longer top tubes than seat tubes so that you can get a little more standover clearance.

No way it's 56 cm. I'd be wary of the obviously-cobbled-together nature of the bike. Make sure your comfortable with the seller as mechanic or friend of mechanic before buying. At the very least, it violates some basic rules of aesthetics.

I did put a post in there. Are you sure of the sizing? The guy just told me otherwise. I definitely don't want to waste a trip out to where he is if it's not the size he claims.

Ask him how he's measuring.

If you ride a 56, that's $125 wasted. The seating position would overcome some of the shortcomings (pun intended), but that's a 50 at most in my book.

And you know that's a Bianchi because?????? Maybe it's my eyes, but I can't see "Bianchi" anywhere on that bike. Is that a repaint? All I know is even if it was your size, IMHO it's not worth $125. And like others have said, that is not a 56cm frame. Actually, I think that's an Easthill size frame. Looks to me like maybe a 48cm but it might be a 49 or 50.

Another vote for 49-50cm on the seattube. Probably 52cm top tube.

I'll guarantee you that he's measuring 56cm from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the flutes on the seatpost :rolleyes:

-Kurt

Well I'd say that, based on this feedback, I will keep on lookin'. I didn't see Bianchi anywhere either, but the pic is pretty vague. Anyone have any general suggestions on someone looking for an 80s road bike, steel frame, for under $400? Brands maybe? Or what brands I should stay away from? I've been told that Peugout is something to stay away from, but other than that I don't know what should peek my interest. My last road bike was a Nishiki Sport, and I loved it, but it seems like so many people have caught on that they are getting harder to find, at least for reasonable prices.

Are these any good? It seems like there are a few of them out there, in this price range.

Well I'd say that, based on this feedback, I will keep on lookin'. I didn't see Bianchi anywhere either, but the pic is pretty vague. Anyone have any general suggestions on someone looking for an 80s road bike, steel frame, for under $400? Brands maybe? Or what brands I should stay away from? I've been told that Peugout is something to stay away from, but other than that I don't know what should peek my interest. My last road bike was a Nishiki Sport, and I loved it, but it seems like so many people have caught on that they are getting harder to find, at least for reasonable prices.
There's always a Centurion Ironman, in general, on eBay, and some on craigslist.
Panasonic, Miyata, Centurion, Fuji, Nishiki (I had a Sport), Raleigh Technium, Specialized, Cilo.
Almost all can be had for well under $400 nicely equipped, or well under $300 and modernized under that $400 budget. You're at the right place.

All of the steel bikes here are under $400 except the solid black one. You may find little variation in brand, that's just my preference.

http://velospace.org/user/8175

For $400 you should be riding an el primo vintage bike, well above a Nishiki Sport. For that kind of money you should be able to find a Nishiki Prestige or International, completely rebuilt, fully lubed with new tires, cables and chain. Keep coming back here. It may take a little while, but if you keep posting and asking questions, you'll reach a point where a local bike that's a good deal will come up and you'll know it's the one. BTW, I don't know who said stay away from Peugeots. While the 70s Peugeots with French specs are not my favorite because parts can be difficult to find, they are well made bikes. Mid to late 80s Peugeots use standard specs for the BB and head/stems so parts are easy to find and they are quality bikes. I have a couple that are waiting their turn on the bike stand to be re-lubed. IMHO, they're as good quality as any other brand name LBS bike out there. Actually, around here they fetch a premium price.

Another vote for 49-50cm on the seattube. Probably 52cm top tube.

I'll guarantee you that he's measuring 56cm from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the flutes on the seatpost :rolleyes:

-Kurt

Don't you love it when you ride out to pick up a "58cm" bike at a great price but no pics and when you get there the dude has the seat post raised about 6 inches and he says "Yeah it's a large bike" as he stands next to a 49cm frame.

58cm Cannondale $350
http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/bik/1022595411.html

56/57cm Shogun $215
http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/bik/1023905893.html

Schwinn World Sport - $50 - needs tuneup
http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/bik/1018475827.html

Cannondale - $350
http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/bik/1017421078.html

All of these are worthy of checking out.

Don't you love it when you ride out to pick up a "58cm" bike at a great price but no pics and when you get there the dude has the seat post raised about 6 inches and he says "Yeah it's a large bike" as he stands next to a 49cm frame.

I don't usually bugger about with ads that are sans-photos. Most of my catches are "incidental" finds as well.

-Kurt

And it depends on what you buy it for. If you are just looking for a flip, size is almost irrelevant.

Schwinn World Sport - $50 - needs tuneup
http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/bik/1018475827.html


All of these are worthy of checking out.


Hmm......That one looks vaguely familiar...:innocent:

Hmm......That one looks vaguely familiar...:innocent:

So tune it up and raise the price...

Craig's List in my area has had a couple of nice Bianchi road bikes in the $150 range this past week, and they seem to have sold. By the way, why not consider a Trek?