Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - HELP! Is this Vintage Raleigh-Shimano 600 worth $275

Hi everyone Im new to the forum and to the sport. I have been riding for a little over 2 years.
My first bike was a '94 Trek 1400 all Shimano 105 and I loved it, but I had to sell it because it was a bit too small for me.

Im looking for another comparable bike in the $300 range and I came across this bike:

http://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/bik/1232136568.html

Everything looks nice and clean and I know that Shimano 600 was good a few years back but my main concern is whether or not the components are still good now, especially since they are frictioned and if this is worth investing $275 in?

Thanks a lot!

I'm sure miamijim thinks so!

I think that the Shimano 600 group on this bike is indexed, not friction. Although it can be used in friction mode. Over all the bike looks great and it doesn't appear to need anything except someone to ride it. I think it's worth the asking price and if you could get it for less - even better. Good luck.

That 600EX group is from the mid-80s, last iteration before SIS; its a very nice group, both in function and durability. The frame is Reynolds 531 which is very desirable. Can't really comment on price since its so dependent on local market prices, but it seems fair considering the bike has been completely overhauled.

Thanks for the reply!

I asked the seller and he said they are friction.

What exactly does that mean? Will I have to be catching the gears manually?

Thanks

It should function quite well. If it's your size and you'll ride it a lot, it's probably worth it. I don't know your market either - $275 is an OK price, IMO. Not a screaming deal, but an OK price.

Thanks for the reply!

I asked the seller and he said they are friction.

What exactly does that mean? Will I have to be catching the gears manually?

Thanks

It means the shifters won't have discrete click stops for each gear. Friction shifting doesn't take long to get the hang of if everything is functioning correctly. I have both on my bikes, and whether it's indexed or not has no influence on my decision to grab one bike vs. another.

Needs to go in valuation subforum.

There's really two choices in the used market. Buy a bike that has been neglected for many years (even decades) and rebuild it, or buy a bike that someone has recently rebuilt. Having a bike thoroughly rebuilt by a good shop will cost about what the seller is asking for the bike ($250 or more). So unless you are willing and ready to do the work yourself, its a good way to get a fully serviced bike, ready to ride, for about the cost of the service work.

I'm sure miamijim thinks so!

Hah, yeah that was my first thought too! If he is in fact the seller then i'm sure it is in ride ready condition and that adds a good deal to the value.

That's local to me. The seller seems to be doing a bit of this. I'd say it's a decent buy if everything looks Kosher in person and it fits you. A bit small for me.

Friction isn't a big deal on a bike that shifts as well as Shimano 600 should. You'll feel the chain move and be done. It is all very consistent, so much so that indexed shifters were possible.

Moving to Appraisal sub-forum

I didn't think that was a good deal until I stopped and read the text. IMHO, that's not a bad price considering vintage bikes are at an all time high. If that was close by I'd be looking at it tonight. Considering the quality of that frame, I think the seller will get that price or close to it.

Dam, how'd I miss this?

Yes, it was my bike.