Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Apparently, I am not that bright.

So last week, in my never ending quest to buy a bike, I see this ad:

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/bik/1111675965.html

The seller is right down the street, so I take a look. I looked up a trek 1500 before I left, and knew it was a decent bike, but I also knew it was aluminum. Although this bike was the right size, I didn't like the aluminum. And the bike was a bit of a mess. It had 105 shifters and derailleurs, but the brakes were exage or something like that. The guy wants 60 bucks for it, but I decline.

I knew it was a decent deal. I knew it was probably worth more than the guy was asking-- but I figured maybe 125 all working right.

I was actually pretty proud of myself for not buying another bike that wasn't going to work for me.

Now today I see this ad:

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/bik/1119438865.html

Doh! The guy is asking 250 firm, and it still doesn't shift right.

Maybe that is real nice bar tape :) But it is more likely that I am just not that bright.

Jared

$60 is a very good deal, I would be all over it. Around here the great NW a decent condition 1500 goes for about $250.

This sort of happened to me the other day- a Bianchi Brava with a Suntour GPX group and Araya wheels for $60. Not my size, so I offered it to my roommate but she declined. I passed because I didn't feel like making the drive, and it reappeared today for $250. Whoops!

Heh, kinda sad, and it happens everywhere, everyone is a bike flipper now, no one rides biycles anymore, they just buy em for profit.

It's a good way to make a quick buck. Happens to everything that is marketable. A lot of times a bike needs very little maintenance, but the seller is unaware and just sells it off thinking its too far gone. Someone picks it up and realizes the value and resells it.

I bought a 3speed Batavus a month or two ago for $100. It turned out I wanted something else (indecisive) and I ended up selling it for the same amount I purchased it. I had a buyer in minutes and saw it back up on CL for $250 the same night... HAHA.

Heh, kinda sad, and it happens everywhere, everyone is a bike flipper now, no one rides biycles anymore, they just buy em for profit.

Or we buy then for profit so we can make the bikes we ride nicer. :thumb:

Remember, just because it gets relisted for $250 it doesn't mean it will sell for $250.

Lately I've been having CL sellers not even returning emails while the ad remains posted. And CL buyers playing all sorts of games.

Lately I've been having CL sellers not even returning emails while the ad remains posted. And CL buyers playing all sorts of games.
+1
I vote for throwing them off bridges. Seems so satisfying.

$250 is top if its in very good working condition.

Moving to Valuation

At $60, any adult sized Trek road bike in clean condition is a no brainer. Could sell them all day long for $200 in clean, ready to ride condition.

The $250 price level would be pretty strong for this bike but possible if it were really clean and mechanically perfect.

+1 I bought this very comparable 1420 in excellent ride ready condition for $210.00. The grease was fresh, the rims were straight etc etc.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3449/3377753978_1748c65dae_o.jpg