Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Benotto frame
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extraordinarul
07-22-09, 07:53 AM
Hi.
Please help me to identify this benotto frame (mexican or italian). I would like to know what model is and what year. And what is the price of such a frame. the seller wants about 200$, is it worth it?
thanks
Picchio Special
07-22-09, 07:55 AM
Mexican.
extraordinarul
07-22-09, 08:11 AM
I read about benotto frames in this thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=369168) and i found that most of frames built in Mexic cracks. I want this frame to build a fixed gear bike. Would you recommend it to such conversion?
Picchio Special
07-22-09, 08:27 AM
Some have cracked, some haven't. I personally would avoid it, but that's a matter of how risk averse your are. Plenty of folks have ridden Benottos for years and never had a problem. It's not an upper-level frame, so there's no real reason not to convert it, IMO. I also think the right price for the frameset is closer to $150 than to $200.
gomango
07-22-09, 08:44 AM
Yes, I'd go for it. The drop outs look long enough to make this a snap. The nice thing about this frame is no one will give you grief for converting it, since it is often assumed the bottom bracket/seat tube lug will fail. Again, maybe yes, maybe no. My son's bike has about 2000 miles on it since we bought the frame and built it together. He is incredibly hard on bikes, and is strong for his age. Must be all the soccer! At any rate, $200 is way to much. We paid $40 for the frame, and have maybe $100 into the whole shebang. Offer $125, and if they don't bite no loss. There are so many frames out there, and this one is easy on the eyes, but there will be more.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3633/3370435962_0256e42ce3_o.jpg
bluenote157
07-22-09, 08:46 AM
are those parts included? If they are, i would buy the frame. If those parts are campy, i'm sure you can sell them ...effectively making your $200 frame into a $80 frame??? maybe??
gomango
07-22-09, 09:30 AM
Good point Bluenote-I just did the same thing with many of the parts on my Casati. Even if they are not Campy, they still may have value. After all, ebay is a wonderful place to sell things, and I am often amazed at the prices people will pay for extras. To the op, the crank/bottom bracket, headset, front brake caliper, and front brake lever will still be needed. Both brakes if you run it as a single.
extraordinarul
07-22-09, 10:03 AM
thank you all for replys. based on your advices i decided not to buy the frame. for now, ill wait and see if i can find better offers. thank you