Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Atala Bike

Hi. I'm new to the forum and, as such, unfamiliar with the etiquette for making these inquiries. If I'm "doing it wrong" please let me know.

With that said, on to my question. I was wondering what a reasonable price for the bike in this link is.

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/2029232036.html

The seller is asking $550. Is that too much? If that is what the bike should be going for, then it is out of my price range :(.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Actually, one more question... If I was looking for information on more than one bike, should it be one thread per bike or can they be combined?

Cheers.

-pham

The seller doesn't provide enough information about the Atala to give a really good idea of what it's worth. But my first impression is that price is pretty optimistic.

If you browse the older threads, I think you'll see quite a few with titles something like "help me pick the right bike off Craigslist!" where someone posts a bunch of links to bikes s/he's seen on CL and we reply which we think is the best deal... and no one has complained about the etiquette of that. So, if that's what you're planning, go for it. I'm not promising useful replies, of course... but worth a try. Good luck!

Spend a little time educating yourself (read some of the threads on this forum for example). The best deals don't last long enough to post the question: "Is this a good deal?" I think the price is optimistic as well, but the pictures are so lousy it is really hard to tell.

Also realize that many people search this forum and will scoop up deals while you are pondering them. Not really kosher, but it has happened around here several times.

Hard to tell for sure, but that looks like a Campagnolo Super Record group with Look pedals and 105 brakes. It appears to have double bottle bosses which would place it circa 1985-1987. fThe frame is probably Columbus SL, maybe even SLX. If I'm right, orignal price would be $1300 - $1700. Isn't that region pretty high priced? If so, price may be fair, depending on actual condition. The very small frame restricts the market, so the seller may be willing to barter. I think this one is worth a look or at least a phone call to clarify the component group and tubing.

Thanks all for the input. Yeah the prices in my area do seem to run a bit on the higher side. I'll try contacting the seller to see if I can check out the bike and get more info.