Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Mid 80's Fuji Absolute. Yea? or Na?

I found a mid 80's Fuji Absolute on Craigslist and I was wondering if any of you thought it was a good deal or not. He's selling it for $260 and it's already well on it's way to being fully converted into a fixie, which is what I want to do with it anyway. So, Yes? or No?

Thanks!

I would say Mega-Na!!! RUN AWAY!!!

The Fuji Absolute was near the bottom of the line up, low end frame with entry level components. $260.00 can get you a whole whole lot in the world of vintage.

Here is an example of what that kind of money can get you:

I bought a 1990 Trek 1420 for $210.00 in almost perfect condition
It was not a steal of a price, probably market rate but it had just been overhauled at a bike shop and the seller had the receipt to prove it.
It was also a decent bike from the start.
- Shimano 105/Deore DX equipment (3rd down from the best)
- Light weight Aluminum frame and cro-moly fork

Where are you located? How is the bike market, is there a college or university? Those are big factors in price and availability.

Here are the specs for the fuji:
http://equusbicycle.com/bike/fuji/images/components3.jpg

I picked up a Fuji Arcadia a month ago for $25 and that is only one small step down in the rankings.

If the bike you are looking at has a new set of flip flop wheels it is maybe a $150 bike.

I'd have to agree with the above posters. The Absolute was an entry level sports touring moldel and only cost about $250-$300 US, depending on the year. That's a lot of money for a used and partially converted model, unless there's substantial value in the conversion components..

I think I saw this bike about a week ago for $40, if it is the one in Atlanta. I would stay away. It moved a few towns over and jumped by about $200 overnight.

Moving to the "What's it worth?" sub forum.

I thought I had a bad feeling about it. That's why I posted a question before I bought it. I live in Birmingham so I look for bikes in Atlanta which is just two hours away. And if anything, I really just liked the bike for the frame and rims. I want a fixed gear on a vintage looking frame, but I also don't want to spend an arm and leg for all of the components to make it worth while.

Oh, and this is the bike. If you want to see for yourself.

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/bik/1092638453.html

I had the same bike pass through my hands a couple of years ago. Based on the original component codes, its a 1986 +/- a year, but definetly mid 80s. As I recall, it's a Chromoly frame, but NOT butted. It's a decent rider, commuter type bike. The one I picked up had been tapped in the front and the lugs were bent. I stripped it, and tossed it in the trash. It was so low priced, I still came out ahead.
That guy may sell that bike to someone who has not done their homework, but not to someone who knows bikes. BTW, those $100 wheels look very similiar to the original wheels that were low end, alloy Araya. If he was in the $100 to $150 range, and you wanted a fixie, then I'd jump on it.