Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - 1984 Novara Outback II??

Anyone know anything about these? I cannot find anything. It looks like pretty good knock-off of the first generation Stumpjumpers...ugly blue, TIG-welded (I have seen both lugged and TIG'ed early SJ's), biplane fork crown. The main difference is the seat-stay rack mounts are different, and I think there are some differences in the rear dropouts as well.

The derailuers and brake levers are not original. The shifters and Dia Comp canti's are (the later with a May 1983 date code...so I am assuming a 1984 model for the bike). The wheels are Specialized hubs laced to Sutrae 28 rims...which did not seem to show up on SJ's until '85 or so, so I am going to assume they are not oringinal either unless someone can convince me otherwise...though the front tire is certainly period, and toast. The seatpost dia is 26.0mm, and seems to be stuck fairly well (it is a Strong and might not be original either).

Any info on this bike would be appriciated. I have not decided whether to try to restore it, flip it, or use it as a tourer/towne bike. It will probably depend on what if any responses I get here.

Pictures:

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q184/balindamood/Novara/IMG_1132.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q184/balindamood/Novara/IMG_1135.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q184/balindamood/Novara/IMG_1136.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q184/balindamood/Novara/IMG_1137.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q184/balindamood/Novara/IMG_1138.jpg

I have the exact same bike and I've wondered what it's worth, whether to sell it or set it up as a tourer. Bought mine from the Portland, OR REI back in the early 80's and rode it a little on trails. It's still fully stock but I did put a rack and full fenders on it. They used to have an Outback displayed on the "museum wall" of the downtown Seattle REI along with vintage ice axes and crampons.

I need to thin down my bike herd and was hoping some Bike Forum people might have an idea if has any vintage status ($) or if it's just another bike to be ridden until the wheels fall off. Anyone?

Sorry, I just noticed the sub-forum "C & V appraisals and inquiries".
I'll try re-posting or moving it.

these types of bikes don't have a lot of "worth" as far as $. you can buy them cheap, so you need to sell them somewhat cheap. the people who are buying them are people like ourselves or people looking for something to commute/beat around on. as that is the case, if you plan to sell it, i would set it up as a commuter as opposed to an mtb.

Some of the parts might be worth something. I doubt the bike itself is worth much, as even Stumpjumpers from that year aren't worth a whole lot. IMO, use the frame as a townie if it fits. Biplane forks look super cool IMO.

Thanks, that sounds like a plan.
I think I'll put on some butterfly trekking bars and tour with it or set it up with some mid-rise commuter bars and sell it.
Those old fashioned "bull moose" handlebars might sell well on eBay to someone who is looking for a period specific mtn. bike restoration.

Thanks, that sounds like a plan.
I think I'll put on some butterfly trekking bars and tour with it or set it up with some mid-rise commuter bars and sell it.
Those old fashioned "bull moose" handlebars might sell well on eBay to someone who is looking for a period specific mtn. bike restoration.