Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - How much to offer for 2005 Pista w/ dented down tube?

Hi, all. I've been wanting to get a cheap fixed gear to fool with and learn on. Seller is asking $200 for this Pista (see attached pix) but it's got a pretty gnarly dent in the down tube. What's a fair price for this thing? Should I just avoid it altogether?

Thanks for any input.

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this looks pretty nasty how did it happen? it doesn't look like the bike just fell on something, it almost looks twisted. I am not sure I would pay $50 bucks for that.

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=199171&d=1303663000

Forget it....

I'd pass.

Looking at it, I'd guess the bike was a theft target and a "U" lock on the DT was uncooperative.

Thanks for the replies. Could this be a safety hazard, or is it a matter of longevity or resale value?

Having a downtube buckle when you hit a pothole going down hill could be painful. Pass.

If you do buy it, consider the frame to be worth 0 dollars, or -10 to haul it to the dump. You are paying for second hand components.

Thanks for the replies. Could this be a safety hazard, or is it a matter of longevity or resale value?

When riding, the down tube is in tension, so it's very unlikely the dent could cause the tube to fail. EDIT - It's not in tension under the circumstance Dan describes, going downhill and hitting an obstacle. In that circumstance, the tube could buckle.

The dent does compromise the rigidity of the frame, so the effect of the dent might be noticeable in terms of ride quality - especially when climbing out of the saddle - and could affect the longevity of the frame because of increased flexing. It clearly reduces resale value.

$200 plus another $400 to $500 in dentist's bills. Walk.

Didn't Bianchi do some special shaping on the downtubes of the 2005's, a la the Colnago Master?

I think they just use the Mega Pro oversized and ovalized one.

Thanks again for all the replies - I passed.