Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Univega Safari Mixte w/ Suntour Components: $200?

Hi all,

I was interested in purchasing this bike, and was wondering if it's worth the $200 quoted price. He said it's a mid 90's model. If not, what price should I bargain for? I would be using it for a longer commute to work (around 20 miles) each way, so I am looking for a dependable & faster bike. Thank you for helping me out!

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/bik/2753046162.html

I would say $100 would be a good deal on this bike, and don't plan to flip it. First off, if it is actually only ten speeds, it is either older than mid nineties, or a very low end Uni. It has stem shifters, a chain guard on the crankset and the brake attachments that you can reach from the top bar (don't know what these are called, but I actually like them on a commuter). Because of all of these factors, it probably also has stamped dropouts. These things don't make it a bad bike, but a lower end, recreational consumer model. It is not one of the "Italivega" models made in Italy, but is rather an Asian model. Suntour components unfortunately doesn't tell us much as suntour made very low end as well as high end components. Find out the models of the derailleurs and search Velobase.com for info and reviews. This will also help you know what years the components were made and you can pinpoint the year of the bike more acurately. If it is in pristine condition, doesn't need tires, cables or a chain, I might pay upwards of $125 for a daily rider, but if you hold out you can find a much better deal for that price.

He said it's a mid 90's model.

Mid 80s is more like it. Friction stem shifters, turkey brake levers, probably a heavy frame, pass at $200.

+1 $100 would be a good deal, $200 is too much. But if you can't find anything in your size you might not have many options.

+1, it appears to be mid-1980s. The $200 price would be very high in my area, but mixtes are hot and so is that market, so the price may not be as far off as indicated.

$200 is about right for San Fran. A mixte is a niche bike, they sell for more than a comparable bike due to the styling and relative rarity. Commuting 20 miles each way on this bike? And you want a fast bike? This one does not meet either of those requirements. A reliable, fast commuter bike for that type of service is going to take quite a bit larger budget I am afraid.

Early to mid 1980s. Really bottom of the line, which was common on mixtes (really hard to find a higher end mixte, and when you do, they go for more).

For budget commuters, many of us recommend rigid frame mountain bikes. Not fast (but not any slower than this mixte), designed for racks, fenders, much better components, cantilever brakes, endless tire choices. Just add narrow/slick tires and it would be good to go. Realize that a budget road bike is going to be heavy, have obsolete components, marginal brakes, etc.

thank you all for your advice! i knew that i didn't know much about bikes...but sure didn't realize how much i didn't know!
since i'm not too concerned about the style of the bike, as long as it can get me efficiently to work, i think i will wait on it and shop around at the local bike shops for the the time being. i'm hoping to ride along the CA coast one day, but looks like i have a lot to learn before then!

thanks again everyone, and happy new year!!!