Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - '82 Ritchey MountainBikes inquiry

I was out of town this past weekend for a crit race and decided to stop at a co-op that I've wanted to check out for awhile. I was walking around and found a Ritchy "MountainBike" in the back that was recently donated. It's totally complete and ridable but needs a good cleaning. Overall though it was all period correct and the original parts look to be all there...TA cranks, Avocet saddle, Magura levers, simplex derailleurs. The decals and paint were all in great condition. After looking over the Ritchey catalogs. It appears to be a 82 model from what I can tell. I didn't have a anything to take a picture of it so no pics.

I looked around on eBay but didn't see barely any to judge on what a good price would be. He said it wouldn't be a $50 bike but probably between 150-250. I recently got laid off and any money is good money for something to flip. There was 60's upper model Bottecchia frame/fork/head/stem just laying in a pile of frames also. Campy dropouts, chromed stays and fork legs. I'm just debating if the four hour round trip drive is worth it. Is there a demand for vintage mtb like there is for vintage road stuff right now? I was hoping to pick up the TR bike and Bottecchia frame/fork for between 2-300 and get between 6-900 or am I dreaming? As for attending the race and just being unemployeed. I paid for the race two months ago before expecting the unexpecting so why lose out on my registration and it was something positive.

I was out of town this past weekend for a crit race and decided to stop at a co-op that I've wanted to check out for awhile. I was walking around and found a Ritchy "MountainBike" in the back that was recently donated. It's totally complete and ridable but needs a good cleaning. Overall though it was all period correct and the original parts look to be all there...TA cranks, Avocet saddle, Magura levers, simplex derailleurs. The decals and paint were all in great condition. After looking over the Ritchey catalogs. It appears to be a 82 model from what I can tell. I didn't have a anything to take a picture of it so no pics.

I looked around on eBay but didn't see barely any to judge on what a good price would be. He said it wouldn't be a $50 bike but probably between 150-250. I recently got laid off and any money is good money for something to flip. There was 60's upper model Bottecchia frame/fork/head/stem just laying in a pile of frames also. Campy dropouts, chromed stays and fork legs. I'm just debating if the four hour round trip drive is worth it. Is there a demand for vintage mtb like there is for vintage road stuff right now? I was hoping to pick up the TR bike and Bottecchia frame/fork for between 2-300 and get between 6-900 or am I dreaming? As for attending the race and just being unemployeed. I paid for the race two months ago before expecting the unexpecting so why lose out on my registration and it was something positive.

Depends on the sizes. I would consider the Ritchey worth the trip. if the other is over 58 cm or really small that becomes a consideration.

The Ritchey looked like 19/20" while the Bottecchia between 56-60cm. I would of picked it up right away if it was my size(52/54) but things are going to get tight so no new toys for me.

I think the Ritchey is a pretty safe bet. Here's a good thread to read: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/651944-Handmade-Ritchey-Mountain-Bike-with-original-components/page2

Yours sounds like an early one, given the components, which might mean it's even more valuable than the one that sold in that thread. I guess one thing to check for is if has the decal "Handmade by Tom Ritchey" rather than "Handcrafted for Tom Ritchey." His frames will be fillet brazed vs. TIG'd.

Actually, I'll be surprised if it's still at that CO-OP, or if they haven't figured out its value.

It seems like vintage mountain bikes don't hold the same value, or appeal to a wide audience like vintage road bikes do. I sold a near perfect 1984 Stumpjumper for $500 recently, and it was not a quick sale either. The TR is earlier, and most likely would have more appeal and be worth more as well. Tough to say though, in this economy. Prices seem down these days with fewer interested (and qualified) buyers out there.....

They just received it in a donation and they know it's a TR bike. I don't think any bikes were TIG'd back in 82 and it's fillet brazed as it was the thing that caught my eye. I'm going to call them as they said it won't be ready for another week or two. He said the manager was riding it around and knew what it was but after looking over their older stuff they had priced out. This won't be that much either. Man I love coops!

MountainBikes were built by Ritchey until about 84-85 (and changed the name to Gary Fisher about that time) and were all fillet brazed. They started importing the Montare in '83 which were the first of the TIG welded ones. Here is mine:

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q184/balindamood/Fisher/IMG_0165.jpg

Their frames were sold both as bikes (most of them) or just frames (some of them), so OEM equipment is hard to identify. However, the TA crank is worth alot all by itself. If the bike is in fairly good consition, similar bikes (Ritchey's) have been going from $700 to well over $1000 depending upon model, size, and condition. Pictures would help.

Coops selling these bikes usually is a hassel. Most people bike shopping at a coop are not looking for something like that. Ebay will take a bite out of shipping and has some uncertainty associated with it. Likewize, the members themselves usually covet them which can make things difficult. The coop to which I belong has a means to basically sell these kind of bikes to our members, and I think that is the best way.

Nice MTB.

I agree with the above...there is meat on that bone.

Go get it, no question