Classic & Vintage Bicycle Appraisals and Inquiries - Specialized Expedition Appraisal

OK, I can't believe I'm seriously thinking about doing this, but I'm starting to have that problem I've read many of you having; too many bikes in my small garage. I have an 85-87 Expedition in good to better shape.
Frame show normal wear with some scuffs here or there but paint is bright, Expedition decals are bright, but Special Series decals are fading. All original components except for RD has been upgraded to Shimano STX, front rim has been replaced with AlexRims DM18 and I can't tell the hub, rear wheel looks original but it may not be it's a Sun rim with a Sansin hub. Brakes are Deerhead, levers non-aero Superbe, headset looks very much like a Tange Levin, seatpost is SR Laprade, chainrings are stamped Specialized triple ring with the granny gear, crank arms don't say but should be Sugino, FD is Suntour Montech, stem and bars are stamped Specialized, and still has the wire running through the downtube for the optional light and generator. Size is on the big size for me at I believe 60cm.

I'm wondering what the consensus view is on the asking price would be for this bike, and what the appropriate forum would be CL or EB.

I know, I know; I'll post photos as soon as I can. If you search my previous threads you'll find some, they were in my first post.

eBay is probably your best bet, unless you live in one of those super hot bike markets. But do you have spotless feedback as an ebay seller? Have you sold and shipped bikes on ebay (with feedback)? Are you prepared to ship the bike?

Local pickup only auctions are where I have gotten some of my best buys, like a Univega road bike for $21, etc. Di

Those questions need answers before I could recommend best selling outlet.

With a mix of parts, you have two ways to get the most for your sale:
1) Someone local just has to have the Expedition, and doesn't mind the mix once they see it.
2) Someon on eBay just has to have the Expedition, and doesn't mind the mix.

Either way, you're needing the right person, not the right market.

All original, I'd say eBay and let 'em bid. Like it is, you hope the bidders want the frame and OEM bits and are savvy enough to figure their "part out" recovery in their purchase price. CL buyers are generally looking for a deal, and you're back to 1) above.

I know the people at the LBS, I figured I could ask one what they'd charge to have the bike professional boxed for shipping. However, I have never sold anything on EB although I do have an account. I live near SF Bay area and will be working in LA for the next month or so, both of these CL markets are as hot as any that I have seen. So I figured I could post on both.

Would it be worth my time to try to restore it to original. I believe it came with Araya wheelset that I could probably find, and I could also try to find a Suntour Montech RD. That would bring the bike back to as original as it will probably ever be, but would that increase it's value enough to justify?

Would it be worth my time to try to restore it to original. I believe it came with Araya wheelset that I could probably find, and I could also try to find a Suntour Montech RD. That would bring the bike back to as original as it will probably ever be, but would that increase it's value enough to justify?

Only if you do the work yourself and some/most of the parts come out of your private parts bin. I keep a few donor bikes around, it really helps. The Montech RD has a checkered past.

Since you are in San Fran, I would forget about ebay and just put it on Craigs List as is, at a price you are comfortable with. Some San Fran prices I have heard exceed anything on ebay, and with zero feedback and expensive shipping, I do not think you are going to do very well on ebay. (expensive shipping = paying local shop to disassemble and pack, then the shipping charges on top of it). And without feedback, I would not trust the shipping. There are plenty of horror stories out there, including on bikes that were packed "professionally".

That agrees with my thinking. I don't have the parts, so it would be an expense to me. I know what you mean about the Mountech RD. I've read Sheldon's opinion. Ebay seems like a nigtmare to me as well. I guess I'll try to clean it up the best I can and take better photos and put it on CL. It came with a Specialized computer that seems to work but looks pretty ugly wrapped around the fork. Any opinion on whether I should leave on or not? I was thinking about asking a firm $500 but have seen this vintage elsewhere for as much as $800. Am I shooting to low?

Probably too low for San Fran. I would follow San Fran prices to see what better vintage bikes are going for. I just don't follow San Fran C/L close enough, but I know it is hot for sure.

+1 for craigslist. It's free to list and you won't have to ship the bike. I would leave the computer on, someone may like it. If they don't they can take pictures of it and amaze themselves at how much better the bike looks without it.

Isn't that bike right up there with the Miyata 1000? If I am thinking of the right bike then I agree, you could probably do a lot better than 500.