Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - 1996 Trek 470

ricohman posted about a 1988 Trek 520 and I couldn't believe the prices that were mentioned for older Trek bikes.

I have a 1996 Trek Fast Track 470 with a complete RSX group including 7 speed brifters, dual pivot brakes and RSX hubs. It even has the original Rigida SHP 60 rims. The frame is in very nice shape, though not in the condition of ricohman's. I checked with BikePedia and everything on the bike is original.

How do you distinguish between a Trek that is worth a few bucks and a Trek that isn't?

I took off the RSX derailleurs and replaced them with 105's that I had lying around thinking it would be better for resale. Is this a good thing, or should I leave the RSX group alone?

Here are pics of mine.
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Thanks,
Ian

First, I would put the RSX stuff back on. Most buyers won't be able to tell the difference. And some will want the components to match, and be original.

As far as Trek values, any steel Trek road bike is going to have good value. Touring bikes will in general have the best (highest) values. Buyers seem to also be attracted to the USA built steel Treks.

And buyers looking for vintage bikes are going to seek out bikes with lugged frames, and good name brand frame tubing. Your 470 has Trek branded tubing and is not USA built. And 1996 is not vintage anyway.

The 470 only sold for $699 back in 1996. It will compete value wise with other Asian steel STI bikes from that era (like the Giant Kronos I picked up last week). Except my Giant has a lugged frame.

My Kronos has a couple of upgrades (wheels and brakes) as right now, it has been added to the keeper fleet. I will put the stock parts back on if I decide to let it go.

+1 Agree, some of the real early (1970s) Treks are highly sought after, as well as the top end racing bikes.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2653/3818958522_9e8d60c19d_o.jpg

I would estimate your 470's value to be in the $275 to $300 price range, in ready to ride, really clean condition.

Touring bikes will in general have the best (highest) values. Buyers seem to also be attracted to the USA built steel Treks.


The earlier hand silver brazed Treks, late 70's into the early 80's, were beautifully made and have some collectibility, in addition to riding well. Also, the model 170 is worth seeking out, racing-bike-wise, and is hand built from Reynolds 753. The 770, with reduced Super Record gruppo, would also be worth good money, based in part on the components. Otherwise, as mentioned, the touring models - 520, 620, 720 - can fetch a premium.

The 470 only sold for $699 back in 1996.

This is where it gets dicey in regards to valuations of late 90's bikes. Because of infaltion and a variety of other factors an equivelant new bike may run $1000 or more. The high price of new bikes is helping to prop up the value of certain older models.

In general I'd say 20-30% of MSRP or $150-200 but in this particular instance, because of the overall quality and uniformness of components I'll agree and say $300-ish.

$300 is 43% of MSRP which is outrageous consider new bikes drop a minimum of 33% after the first year and upto 50% or more after year 2.

Thanks for the info. I am asking $400 on Craigslist, not with the expectation of getting $400, but as a place to start. I am hoping for around $325.

I would change that RD as in my opinion, the black RD looks out of place on this bike. I would also put a matched set of tires on it considering the price range. I usually pick up Hutchinsons or similar on sale at Nashbar for around $10 each, so new tires need not be pricey. My Kronos has a set of them on it in the picture above.

But I am into the smaller details which may or may not be that important to a buyer. Note the placement of the tire labels versus the valve stems on my tires.

Thanks for the info. I am asking $400 on Craigslist, not with the expectation of getting $400, but as a place to start. I am hoping for around $325.

Sounds like a fair stradegy.

Well, I got $375 for it.:) :thumb: