Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - I think I did ok.....Miele & Schwinn...........

It's 1988 Miele Cicli; based on the date code on the crank. It's in dirty but good condition. The other is a 1994 Schwinn Criss Cross; same shape. I got them for $40 each. They are smaller bikes and should flip well/quick. Can anyone tell me what the approximate retail would have been on the Miele in 1988?? Info is hard to come buy.

http://s246.photobucket.com/albums/gg84/thumpick/1988%20Miele%20Cicli/

http://s246.photobucket.com/albums/gg84/thumpick/1994%20Schwinn%20Criss%20Cross/

Thanks for your help and opinions.

way more than $40 for this one. what parts are on this?

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=222023&d=1318104719

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=222024&d=1318104735

Based on the component grade and the frame tubing, I would say that Miele was upper low/lower mid range. Small size is a plus for sure. Should do well.

I've sold a few Criss Cross's over the years, those go well also.

Thanks!! The Miele has all Shimano 500EX Exage components. It rides great but is waaaay too small for me. I'm thinking about swapping the group onto a Bianchi Sport SX which does fit me. However I don't know enough about the Miele value to see if that makes $$ sense. Any thoughts as to the value of the Miele??

what year is the Sport SX and what parts are on it? unless the Miele is close to NOS it may not be worth the time. the Exage and Sport LX stuff on the '88+89 was about the same level as the 500EX

Value as is or cleaned up? As is, you would take a major haircut value wise (but you bought them cheap, so you will still do quite well). Bike needs a thorough cleaning to present well, new cables, new bar tape. And what market?

I was just wondering if anyone knew the 1988 retail price range.

what year is the Sport SX and what parts are on it? unless the Miele is close to NOS it may not be worth the time. the Exage and Sport LX stuff on the '88+89 was about the same level as the 500EX

My issue is the small size of the Miele. The Miele's components are in great shape and the Bianchi's are pretty rough. If they are about the same quality bikes; a swap is a no brainer; but if one is a far better quality bike overall; I don't want to lose that value. That's why I'm just wondering what the original ballpark price might have been back in the late 80's.

Bianchi pics..

http://s246.photobucket.com/albums/gg84/thumpick/Bianchi%20Sport%20SX/

IMHO, the Bianchi is in awful shape. Not something I'd want to keep unless it was going to be repainted. Lots of paint issues and the rims don't look very spiffy either. Needs new brakes hoods and all new cables, housings. I'd pass. The Miele should bring enough to invest into a better condition Bianchi if that is what you are after.

I owned a Miele Latina briefly. It was a little too small so I sold it. Made good money on it. I was told by the original owner that it was an expensive bike. Don't remember, but he said it was around $800.00 I think. It had Campy athena 7 speed components on it.

+1 Sell the Miele and Schwinn and use the funds to buy a bike your size. That Bianchi is a major project, I don't see much value there. Everything I can see is shot, I would assume what I can't see is in similar condition (bottom bracket, wheel hubs, head set). While I love a good project, mine start with a frame with good paint, as quality repaints can exceed the value of the finished product. And finding and installing reproduction decals is a PITA. And then of course, the bike is no longer original.

If I was going to put my time into a project, I would target the Miele and Schwinn. Both appear to have pretty good paint, should clean up nicely and give you a nice $ return for your efforts.

I really love a good project, so I disagree with the above. I've turned worse bikes into good riders. As long as you don't mind some cosmetic defects.

I would not bother swapping components onto the Bianchi. You'll be left with a bare frame (not much value) and another ok bike that isn't worth a whole lot. Your best bet financially would be to sell the Schwinn and Miele and put that money into the Bianchi. Or sell everything and start from square one.

If you have the tools and knowledge to repair the Bianchi I say go for it. You'll definitely need new cables, housing, chain, bar tape, and whatever problems you run into. The rest is really optional. I bet the bearings can be salvaged with fresh grease and new ball bearings.

I'm only a casual rider; but an eternal tinkerer. This hobby is the only one that supports itself (and dare I say it) and sometimes turns a profit. I've got plenty of riders that fit me like a glove; but I cannot pass up a respectable bike that has a chance of rolling again. I just didn't want to pick the wrong donor and put perfume on a pig so to speak. I posted on the non-appraisal thread and it's been ID'd as a 1993 Miele Svelto.

Thanks again for the advice and opinions!!

Ride safe...