Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Main d'Or For Sale: What do you think?

Hi All,

I have this vintage Main d'Or all Campagnolo bike with a Reynolds 531 frame, ALL Campy parts even the nozzle on the pump on the frame. I'm looking for information on the history of when/where the Main d'Or was built? Also, wondering how much you all think it can be sold for and where?

Thanks,
Oren

Moving to the Appraisal Sub Forum

Hi All,

I have this vintage Main d'Or all Campagnolo bike with a Reynolds 531 frame, ALL Campy parts even the nozzle on the pump on the frame. I'm looking for information on the history of when/where the Main d'Or was built? Also, wondering how much you all think it can be sold for and where?

Thanks,
Oren

Belgium. Also built bikes under the Eddy Merckx brand while Eddy was still racing, (so did Falcon for GB but that's another story).

I consider them, good build quality, but not "artfully" finished frames as compared to the Italians, but still had some hand work, the examples I have seen have cut out bottom brackets, nice fork crown, and geometry that is very road worthy.

Value? tough. In better times a full SR (reduced) almost NOS bike went for just over $1,100. plus shipping, from Europe, today? I think 20% less for sure, then consider size and condition.

Thanks, Repechage. It's amazing how little information there is about this on the web. You and one other person on this forum are the only hits I've gotten after constant Googling for information.

Any other information about the bike's history + guidelines on selling a vintage bike would be helpful.

Thanks!

Really nice looking bike. Early 70s, I'd guess, based on the clamp on attachments and gruppo. What's the date on the rear derailleur? You can also get some other possible dates from the front derailleur, dropouts, crankarms, Reynolds sticker, etc.

Go to velobase.com for more info. on Campy timelines and dating tips.

As for value? It's gorgeous, but obscure brands with NR don't seem to fetch a fortune. I was floored when, a few months ago on ebay, a lovely Italvega with full NR only went for $350.

Yours is certainly more interesting. I'll go out on a limb and predict that a really well documented ebay auction would bring $500-700.

The bikes built under the Merckx brand were labeled as built by "Kessels" rather than "Main D'Or." Not a major distinction, perhaps, except I believe the Merckx models were a bit better built and finished. Kessels also built quite a few of Eddy's actual race bikes.
It looks like a nice bike, but nothing special in terms of workmanship. It does have the desirable earlier Campagnolo brakes with the flat QR levers. I'd say $600 on a good day, give or take.

Nice Bike. Would you mine posting a pic of the BB shell. I just want to see if it has Gold handwriting on it as all the other Main d'or and some Kessels Merckx bikes I've seen.

$300-500.

$300-500.

I think $300 is too low for a full 531 frame and complete NR group, including (pre-CPSC) brakes and high-flange hubs (well, the front derailleur needs replacing, but other than that it's all there). I would put $400 as the bottom end - if it was mine and I couldn't get at least that for it, I'd stash it.

I think $300 is too low for a full 531 frame and complete NR group, including (pre-CPSC) brakes and high-flange hubs (well, the front derailleur needs replacing, but other than that it's all there). I would put $400 as the bottom end - if it was mine and I couldn't get at least that for it, I'd stash it.

I'll agree. I was just perusing completed listing and they're getting up there. I guess its not fair to comapre what I've bought my last 3 NR bikes for, $200-$300 and $400.

I'll agree. I was just perusing completed listing and they're getting up there. I guess its not fair to comapre what I've bought my last 3 NR bikes for, $200-$300 and $400.


Did they have 531 frames and include Campagnolo brakes and high-flange hubs? I'm not disputing what you're saying, just honestly curious. I can't say I've seen a comparable bike to the OP's go on ebay for under $400, but I'm happy to be proven wrong. Seems to me the supply of $300 Campagnolo full NR donor bikes with good frames dried up a while ago. Maybe I'm just not paying close enough attention.

Did they have 531 frames and include Campagnolo brakes and high-flange hubs? I'm not disputing what you're saying, just honestly curious. I can't say I've seen a comparable bike to the OP's go on ebay for under $400, but I'm happy to be proven wrong. Seems to me the supply of $300 Campagnolo full NR donor bikes with good frames dried up a while ago. Maybe I'm just not paying close enough attention.

I'm in agreement with you after looking into things.

1. $200 1985-ish Fuji Club with mostly pre CPSC Campy NR including high flange hubs and tubulars.
2. $300 mid 80's Rossin w/ mostly NR and small flange hubs, SR F&R derailleurs
3. $400 Not saying

Again, its not fair to compare what some of us pay because alot of us dont pay 'end user' prices.

and, location (x3). We don't know where OrenS is located, if he's in MY town that bike could sell for way over $400, but the brand name alone won't attract any but the most avid buyers. The pictures and "All Campagnolo" in the description are key.
Tampa seems like a good place to shop (and I'm sure Jim is a very savvy shopper).

and, location (x3). We don't know where OrenS is located, if he's in MY town that bike could sell for way over $400, but the brand name alone won't attract any but the most avid buyers. The pictures and "All Campagnolo" in the description are key.

That and playing up the fact that the frame is all 531, and the fact that the same company built bikes for Merckx.


Tampa seems like a good place to shop (and I'm sure Jim is a very savvy shopper).

I'm pretty savvy myself, but I'm sure not Jim savvy.

Tampa seems like a good place to shop (and I'm sure Jim is a very savvy shopper).


I'm pretty savvy myself, but I'm sure not Jim savvy.

Thanks!!! Its more patience and the willingness to take road trips than anything else. Most of my better bikes came from smaller cities outside of Tampa. Most of the big time flippers in Tampa stay within the city, I'm small time compared to them but more 'upscale' as well.

Thanks for all the input. I'm located in the SF Bay Area. Does that help to assess how much it would be worth?

Also, where's the best place to sell? Craigslist, eBay, or some other site?

Thanks for all the input. I'm located in the SF Bay Area. Does that help to assess how much it would be worth?

Also, where's the best place to sell? Craigslist, eBay, or some other site?

Here's my take on this...

1. Take a bunch of 2mp pictures and host them on Photobucket or Flickr.
2. Write a brief but accurate ad and list it on CL for for a price you'll be happy with. Insert the HTML code of your pics into the ad. Based on research try $600 as a starting price. Remember its CL...everythings negotiable. If $600 is your bottom line list it for $650. If it doesnt sell in a week at $600 lower the price by $50 and give it another week.

Here's what good concise ad looks like:

http://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/bik/1226468545.html

so...you ARE in my over-priced town! Certainly try CL, but if you're willing and experienced enough to pack it like a pro and ship anywhere, eBay will greatly expand your buyer-base. You might find an appreciative buyer at some Bay Area swap meet, but other than the one in Marin that benefits Trips for Kids, I don't know of any coming up. (and that one typically costs a big "pay to play" buy-in)