Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - de Rosa frame, rust

Ok what do the de Rosa experts think? worth a shot or pass? and best guess at dollars

The frame is slightly big (my miyata 1400 is 58).

there are the rust issues which are a concern. it probably needs full repaint and decals, and the crome on the chain stay will never be 100%

thanks

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/bik/2239142269.html

Some thoughts, and more photos: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/712572-How-much-can-i-get-for-this-De-Rosa-frame

I’m no De Rosa expert, but their esteem is obvious. Even though this frame is in my area, I wouldn’t want to tackle this restoration for 300. The reason being that because it is ‘such’ a desirable bike, I personally would want to have the frame restored back to original condition, and ‘that’ is going to be expensive. The TT cable guides appear borderline toast, although I suppose a good frame builder like Paul Sadoff in Santa Cruz or Ed Litton in Richmond could replace them. Also, I don’t think there is much you could do about the chrome that has flaked off the chainstay other than paint over it or have it rechromed. If you were to have the frame professionally refinished, it could easily cost 600 or more.

The other way to go, of course, is to DIY with an OA bath and touch-up paint. I just wouldn’t feel right doing that to this level of bike. If you can talk the seller down to something more reasonable, or if the seller would throw in some of those STI components, it might be worth a go IMHO.

(Disclaimer: I'm still a rank amateur, so take my advice with grains of salt please.):)

I wouldn’t want to tackle this restoration for 300. The reason being that because it is ‘such’ a desirable bike, I personally would want to have the frame restored back to original condition, and ‘that’ is going to be expensive.

I think this is good advice. Personally, if this were local and I wanted another road bike frame, I'd buy it and have it powder coated. I could care less about how it looks or what people think or know I'm riding. I'm more concerned with how it rides. However, if I were in your shoes, squirtdad, because the size is a question for you, I'd think seriously about what it would take to resell it. You can always build it up as is to see if it fits well, and then decide on a refinish if it works. And you can probably resell it for your cost if it doesn't - though the fact that it hasn't sold yet might give me pause.

i recently sold a very similar frame (same age, model, and condition) for $200 locally in NYC. it sold very quickly.

at $300 it's worth doing a complete restoration but only if you intend to keep the bike. You probably won't recoup the restoration costs if you decide to sell it later.

it would be a shame, IMO, if you blast and powder-coat it though. The original paint is mostly intact. Powder-coating is too heavy-handed for such a nice frame. i would suggest treating the rust with oxalic acid and then applying clear nail polish or a similar sealant to the areas of bare metal. then give the whole frame a nice wax n' polish and ride it with pride.