Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - 1997 LeMond Alpe d'Huez

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/bik/2373387703.html

I'm a bit confused because the seller says that they're 5'6 1/2" (51cm frame?)but the crossbar is at 31" (56cm frame?). I'm also weary about the full price 'deposit' for a test ride.

I'm in the Chicago area - does $350 seem fair? What's with the sizing?

Thanks again!

350 seems like alot for a Lemond with entry level Campy..If one like that went for 750 on ebay then my reaction would be put it there.

MSRP of $1100. My general guideline is a maximum of 25-30% of MSRP so your looking at $275-325.

Full price deposit to test ride? Its in Chicago not Detroit.

if you're looking for a excellent ridin bike, of good quality, steel
this is nice.
Campy Mirage was pretty good stuff, and held up well.
for $300 ish, in good shape, this certainly blows a way a lot of gaspipe you see listed for $50-$100 less.
True Temper of that vintage was da kine, a great frame with very serviceable stuff on the Shimano 105 level.
And this does look like a 51...
"20 inch" TT, prolly measure from lugend to lugend, is about right, that's 51 ish cm, likely the actual TT length will be closer to 52.5 cm, slightly over square which would be expected for a small frame.
If it's in good shape, go haggle, but do reach a deal - I would...

EDIT - but do check the DT and fork... bad pic on CL, but the space between the wheel and DT looks mighty tight, especially considerin the small frame size which usually has a slightly slacker headtube angle. Again, prolly a bad pic, but good to check
sight down the headtube and fork for straight alignment - check for uneven 'binding' on the headset when you turn the bars/fork as far as it will go (but that could just be a bad/binding headset) - look for any paint cracks or slight paint wrinkle on the lower side of DT, just below the HT/DT lug to about 4 inches further down...

Seems fair to me for a rider. No room to flip, but it should be an excellent reliable bike.

i like the orange! i would consider buying it if it looks real clean. good luck.