Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - '82 Holdsworth Special

Hi all

Im considering purchasing a '82 Holdsworth Special from a friend and wanted some opinions on its worth. My friend is the original owner and builder of the bike and wants in the neighborhood of 350-400 for it. I'm on the fence about it as its my size and a nice ride but a bit out of my budget and I'm coming close to capacity.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3550/3418123699_65bf2a4693.jpg?v=0

Specs-
Frame- Butted Reynolds 531, paint scratched in places, no rust
Wheels- Phil Woods hubs, Mavic G40 rims
Shimano arabesque 600 derailers,
Suntour shift levers
Superbe brake levers, calipers (rotted gum hoods)
Headset- tange Allez
Stem- Cinelli
Bars- Cinelli Giro d'Italia
Saddle- San Marco concor
Cranks- Shimano deore


thanks in advance,
RS

if it fits, and he'll take $350? Yeah, that's a good deal. The frameset is worth at least $200 by itself. Looks like a mismatched front wheel though, which would be a shame, as Phil Wood/Mavic is a mighty nice combo.

Most importantly, make sure that it fits. Also, are you happy with the components (I would be)? But, if if fits and you only need to provide light maintenance, that's a fair price.

Its worth it if the half step gearing doesn't drive you crazy. That looks like a big frame. You probably need to be over 6 feet tall to ride it. Keep in mind old frame were designed for only a fists length of seat post showing. That seat post is probably within an inch of of its max extension.

Thanks for the input guys.

Just to clear up things: The bikes a 60cm and fits well as pictured (I'm 6'1/2"). The front wheel is mine (the original is flat). I like to get some thoughts as to the bikes value. 350-400$ just seems a bit much even with a 531 frame and some nice components. Ive just seen similar bikes sell for much less on CL and ebay.

RS

I think the price sounds fair, I sold a bare 531 frame for that much. It has nice high end components and looks like it is well kept.

Matching front wheel? And it fits well? Give him the $350, and be done with it. I bet the wheels would sell for $150 by themselves.