Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - 1985 Trek 500

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/bik/1438621251.html

Well, I have been looking for a Reynolds bike with similar group to this one. My main deal was Index DT shifting. This one is decent, but to me, not worth 300 at the time. It has a bunch of really small chips on the right chainstay, having looked like it was dumped over or wrecked. It also has some large scratches on the TT on the same side.

It is SunTour Cyclone stuff. This is index, right. I would probably be looking to buy it, ride it after I completely rebuild it, and then try and make profit on it.

What do you think his bike would go for with everything cleaned and re-packed and new cables, adjusting, tape, etc.?

THanks guys!

It is NOT indexed. I have the exact same bike (1985 Trek 500 in the 24 inch size).

$300 is a high price for such a bike around here. And the condition you describe is less than inspiring.

But Portland has its own value equation. A quick look at the Portland C/L shows cheap junk going for about $200. Against that competition, $300 is probably a reasonable/good price.

Make sure that seat post is not stuck.

There also is a nice Cannondale on Portland C/L for $375. That is the only other reasonable deal I saw.

Not index. '87 is the first year of indexing for Treks. $300 is too much for this bike. I picked an '87 400T with a 531 main triangle and indexed shimano shifting for $90. All original, fresh lube, true wheels, but a bit frankened with a flat bar, the fix was about $25. I'd say $150 max is what you want to spend for a 501 bike in a competitive market like Portland (You are probably better off looking for something lighter in a lesser known or disregarded brand - the Schwinn Tempo -85-89- is a perfect example of such a bike)

Not index. '87 is the first year of indexing for Treks.
Minor quibble: we had the first Dura-Ace indexed drive trains imported to North America on the Trek 2000 in late 1985.

Not index. '87 is the first year of indexing for Treks. $300 is too much for this bike. I picked an '87 400T with a 531 main triangle and indexed shimano shifting for $90. All original, fresh lube, true wheels, but a bit frankened with a flat bar, the fix was about $25. I'd say $150 max is what you want to spend for a 501 bike in a competitive market like Portland (You are probably better off looking for something lighter in a lesser known or disregarded brand - the Schwinn Tempo -85-89- is a perfect example of such a bike)

I doubt you will be able to find a 501 bike in Portland for $150. The bikes in that price range I saw in the Portland C/L had steel rims, cottered cranks, and Xmart brands.

As far as a 87 400T for $90, that is a smokin hot deal, well below market. Pretty much any steel Trek in ready to ride condition has a value of about $200 around here. Portland prices tend to be significantly higher than where I live. And I would consider a Trek 500 to be a mid grade Trek.

Check out the 1983 Nishiki Olympic 12 valuation thread. Its a bike with less value IMHO. Several posters put its value at the $300 mark. Its really a local market thing.

From what I have seen of Portland prices, I don't know that you will find a good brand, mid grade, indexed shifting bike at that price. Such bikes sell for $250 and higher here (market price).

Thanks for the responses everyone. I offered 150 over email confidently expecting that she doesnt take it. Now that i know it is not index shifting, I will not buy it. If it was in better shape for that price, I would definitely consider. That bike in near mint would go for upwards of 500 in Portland. i just sold a couple a single speeds in very nice shape a few days ago. A 76 Nishiki International for 330 and an 86 Bridgestone 400 for 380.

Thanks for the responses everyone. I offered 150 over email confidently expecting that she doesnt take it. Now that i know it is not index shifting, I will not buy it. If it was in better shape for that price, I would definitely consider. That bike in near mint would go for upwards of 500 in Portland. i just sold a couple a single speeds in very nice shape a few days ago. A 76 Nishiki International for 330 and an 86 Bridgestone 400 for 380.

so, this one probably evaporated by now...

http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/bik/1440063093.html

Hard to tell what it is by the picture, but I'd check it out, if in the market for a trek