Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - 70s fuji espree

specs are:

- 52cm made in Japan lugged triple butted Valite frame, long dropouts with a 30 inch standover
- Suntour 12 speed
- quick release alloy wheels with good tires
- Nitto bar and stem with Scott Aerobar
- alloy seatpost with SDG comp saddle
- Sugino GT alloy crank with removeable rings and SPD pedals ( I'll install regular pedals if you prefer)
- new chain and shifter cables
- the bike rides great but looks it's age with scratches and some surface rust on the headset and other non aluminum steel nuts and bolts

pics here: http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/bik/1216032174.html

Is this worth $225?

Looks like an early 80s to me, but that is not important. In pristine, ready to ride condition, it would be worth $175 around here. Given the description and pictures, it is more like a $100 bike. But the DC market is different than the market around here. I have four 1980s Fujis right now, so I certainly like them.

That model did not go triple butted Valite until 1984.

Thanks! This is really helpful.. I have a piece of junk Panasonic that I lug to work every day and anything would be a vast improvement but I was hoping it would last without getting overly ripped..

also, what is the function of the long dropouts?? it looks weird to me but maybe there is a good reason for them?

also, what is the function of the long dropouts?? it looks weird to me but maybe there is a good reason for them?

The provide the abilty to more precisely align the rear wheel and the alow changes in wheelbase. A 1" change is huge.