Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Trek 400 for $275, Should I buy?

Hi. I'm new to road cycling and don't know much about prices. The Trek 400 road bike seems to be in good condition and I'm just looking for something to get into entry racing (Little 500). Is $275 a good price for this bike?

Also, I'm 5'5 so is a 48cm frame too small? Thanks!

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/bik/1779308364.html

naturefreak:

we (C&V) sell to people like yourself. this is a retail price.

it looks to be in great condition, so $275 is a fair price. however, most people here would never pay that price for that particular bike. still, it is waaaay better than a new $275 bike.

+1 A fair price provided it is mechanically sound and the wheels a true. A 48cm might be a bit on the small side for you though.

You really need to know your size first, then be ready to pounce when a bike your size pops up. The great deals do not last long.

I have sold similar steel Treks in the last year, none for this much. But vintage steel Treks continue to go up in value. Small sizes are hard to find, and sell at a premium.

I would not make my sizing decision based on discussions on an internet forum. If you want information on sizing (there are endless opinions out there), spend some time at a good shop, google it, etc.

Bike is very likely too small for you. Since you are paying full market, I would get a bike that is a great fit.


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4291551320_d92d55b4f1_o.jpg

Unless the proportions of your body or that particular bike model are a little outside average range, it will likely be a little too small. Combined with the price--not outside the realm of common sense and reason, but hardly a great deal... little on the high side I think--I'd pass, though it never hurts to go ahead and take a test ride.

I would put the bike's value closer to $200... maybe $250 since it looks very clean and ready to ride. Nothing really "special" about it, but likely a well-made, fine riding bike.

Depending on the location, this might or might not be a good deal. This looks like a 1988, with DB True Temper main triangle (instead of 531 as in the '87 and '86 models) and shimano non-group Light Action shifters and derailleurs and SLR brakeset. Nothing wrong with it, but I think that it is about $75-100 overpriced if in top condition. These components in 1988 were lower level than the Shimano Exage Motion group, which was the Shimano entry group. Great brakes though...

Also, if you are looking to get into racing, you can get a lot of bike with $275. This probably weights about 24 pounds in this size and the geometry is more sports touring than racing. A suggestion for a racing bike with $275 would be to look into a Columbus Tenax Schwinn (Super Sport or Tempo - no Prelude or the Le Tour varieties) which will have better components, weigh about 21 lbs in this size and will be within the $275 price range likely.

+1 EjustE is right, lousy choice for racing. At that price point, you should be able to get something more race oriented.

+1 The Tenax Schwinns are a good choice: Tempo is particularly nice.

That market is not particularly high. I've seen several Ironman bikes come out of there for $250 or less.

Since you're going to be setting up that bike for the Little 500, you must be an archrival from IU. ;) OK,l when you strip that bike down to a Fixed Gear per requirements of the race, don't grind off the derailleur hangar or cable guides. That way you can put whatever bike you get back together....or you could just buy a used track bike or already converted bike and not have to spend money on conversions.

For the uninitiated, the Little 500 is a bike race on a cinder track with single speed/coaster brake setup. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_500#Little_500_bikes