Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - The Frame is Trash, but for $55, how did I do? Fuji Royale II

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bikemanbob
02-23-11, 01:50 PM
Fuji Royale II. The frame is trash (see downtube), but to part it out, did I make a good purchase? The seller's description was off, but the Brook's saddle motivated me to buy (He wanted $100, I gave him $55). I'm no authority on Brook's saddle so your help is appreciated. Also, are the gold rims desireable? Unfortunately, the gold sidewalls are worn away. Any feedback would be helpful. Thanks!
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I'd have easily bought it at the same price, I would venture you could get near 50 dollars for the saddle alone. Can't comment on the value of gold rims but they've gotta be a little more valuable than non-coloured ones. Also what pedals are those, they look like awfully similar Campy Record...
ScottRyder
02-23-11, 03:09 PM
Too bad about the frame!!!! However, it's got some good things going for it. First, the freewheel should be gold under the gunk, I really like gold freewheels. Rims ... I've heard two stories; one that the rim walls were sanded prior to sale to give it a unique look, another account disputes this and the anodization just wore off. If your's just look worn, I'd see if they can be clean up using the fine sandpaper trick. The saddle is great, that's most likely worth the sale price alone. The pedals are MKS Sylvan Road in black. Quite nice.
If I'd have seen that in my area, I would have grabbed it.
Scott
4Rings6Stars
02-23-11, 07:33 PM
You did well at $55.
That exact bike (minus the dt dent and Brooks) is sitting in my brother-in-law's parents' shed rotting away. They REFUSE to sell or give it to me, insisting that they are still going to ride it some day. I'm tempted to sneak in at night and replace it with one of the french clunkers from my barn. I doubt they would ever notice....
The saddle covers the cost. The rest of the build is pretty basic, but lots of solid, usable parts there. I have one myself right now, same year (1983), in blue, with the gold rims. I like the look of them.
Assuming the fork is OK, it will have some value as well, with the nice chrome crown.
bikemanbob
02-24-11, 07:05 AM
Thanks so much for everyone's evaluation. Special thanks to Scott Ryder for his help. I messaged him asking if I should pursue it. He said I should. The C&V Forum members are great!
I wonder if you can roll out the frame dent. Worth a try, anyway, don't you think? I realize the water bottle mount is in the way; but you can file that flush first. What have you got to lose?
bikemanbob
02-24-11, 01:48 PM
I wonder if you can roll out the frame dent. Worth a try, anyway, don't you think? I realize the water bottle mount is in the way; but you can file that flush first. What have you got to lose?
Unfortunately, the other side of the downtube looks similiar. It is as if it was placed in a vise and tightened. I'm confident that it is beyond repair and unsafe. Thanks for the suggestion.
Iowegian
02-24-11, 05:07 PM
+1 on a good deal. I have a similar bike and around here you could easily get your $55 back for the wheelset alone. Or the saddle alone. You get the idea.
AngelGendy
02-24-11, 05:22 PM
I'll give you your money back on the saddle!
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