Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Opinions of a KHS Gran Sport

I have an opportunity to buy this for $85. It looks to be in good condition and comes with Suntour components. I don't know the what year it was made.

I don't own a road bike. Would this be a worthwhile project?

It looks to be a lower / entry level bike. If it has aluminum rims it would probably be an ok deal. The rear tire looks like it needs replaced, so figure in 30-60 dollars to get this bike in riding shape.

I don't think it's worth anymore than the asking price so it's no flipper.

If you are looking for a bottom end bike, you have found it. Rear rim looks like steel.

It looks to be a lower / entry level bike.

Ok, thanks. I'm curious; how do you know by looking at a photo quickly that this is a low end bike? I'm trying to learn more about this sort of thing. I'm impressed that you can assess this so easily. Are there some key features that you're noticing that help you make this decision?

Yes, there are some things that normally point to a lower end bike. I say normally because it seems there are always exceptions.

1. Shift levers on the stem
2. The safety brake lever extensions.
3. The crank has a small chain guard bolted to the large chain ring.
4. Cheap saddle, you will start to recognize those pretty easy.
5. Very shiny rims can sometimes indicate chromed steel instead of aluminum.
6. Stamped rear dropouts
7. The rear derailleur has a claw hanger instead of attaching directly to the frame.

Thanks for that explanation. So, I guess this is a 1970's version of a Walmart bike.

Thanks for that explanation. So, I guess this is a 1970's version of a Walmart bike.

Sort of...Walmart has taken bicycles to a new low IMHO.

The bike you have pictured can be a serviceable bike and would get you from point A to B. The price is a bit high in my opinion, but might be what the market bears in your area. If it fits you and everything works, maybe. It can be upgraded but the cost most likely would not be worth it. You can get a better quality bike for the same or a bit more money.

Aaron:)

I agree with Aaron, Walmart, target, etc bikes are much worse. I have worked on a few walmart bikes and many of the critical working parts are cheap plastic.

I would rather have this KHS bike over any modern dept. store bike.

Its worth the $85 and it doesnt appear to be much of a 'project'.

Its worth the $85 and it doesnt appear to be much of a 'project'.

Are you saying that it's not a project because it's junk to begin with or because there isn't much work to do on the bike?

Replacing the saddle, bar tape, tires, tubes and possibly cables and housing is going to cost at least $100. So I'd like to start with a frame and components that are worth more than that.

I already have a bike that gets me from point A to point B. I don't have a road bike, so I was hoping for something to take on longer rides on weekends.

Are you saying that it's not a project because it's junk to begin with or because there isn't much work to do on the bike?

Replacing the saddle, bar tape, tires, tubes and possibly cables and housing is going to cost at least $100. So I'd like to start with a frame and components that are worth more than that.

I already have a bike that gets me from point A to point B. I don't have a road bike, so I was hoping for something to take on longer rides on weekends.

I'm saying its not much of a project because its in relatively good condition and doesnt need much. In my opinion a project bike needs much more than normal wear items like tires and cables.

Tires: $20 for 2
Cables: $5 for unlined WalMart or $12 for better lined cables from Dicks Sporting Goods.
Bar Tape: $10
Seat: $20?