Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Value of a 1989 Bridgestone MB-4 Trailblazer in good condition.

I ran across a neglected but unabused '89 Bridgestone MB-4 at a local thrift store, still with the original Ritchey Force stem and bar and a barely-used Mountain LX group. It's too small for me, but since it was priced as an absolutely steal, and could be sold whole or used as a donor bike, I scooped it up.

http://i.imgur.com/Z00dX.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/S5Bru.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/DSjVX.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/sSyar.jpg

Any thoughts on value or desirability? I'm familiar with Bridgestone MB's (I have an early-90's MB-1 in my garage), but not with the Mountain LX group. Would this bike be worth restoring for a sale, or should I just sell it as is, or part it out?

Also, any thoughts on the Ritchey Force stem and bars? My MB-1 was bought as a frame only, so it doesn't have the original Ritchey setup, so I've thought about switching those over to my MB-1. But I don't really have any idea on value on those either.

Nice looking MTB. I am not sure what you paid for it but I am sure with a little elbow grease and a good tuning it would be worth reselling, especially out there in Arizona.

the LX group was a (I believe) a short lived upper end group that after a year or two became Deore LX (so there was Deore XT {topdog** Deore DX and Deore LX) it was pretty good stuff. I would certainly snatch up a used MTB in that condition with LX on it.

I can speak with too much certainty about the bar and stem but I would imagine that was just Ritchey branded product and other than his name being put on it he had little to do with it. (like Ted Williams golf clubs)

what is on your MB-1? if the MB-1 feels good I would not get hung up on swapping the parts just because it says Ritchey

These are quite serviceable bikes, and I would leave this one intact.

We have four "Craiglist brand" mountain bikes up at our cabin for guests to enjoy.

We usually spend about $100 a piece on them and I would think this one is in the same category.

A new chain, a quick servicing, some air in the tires and this one would go for many commuters here in the Twin Cities as well.

I'm actually in the process of tearing down an 88 MB-4 (Not nearly as nicely preserved as yours). It was rideable right from the salvage yard, and they are definitely enjoyable if HEAVY bikes, I'm not sure about the ability to make any money off one though... then again with the way your pic looks I don't think you'd need to do any work for it to be flippable? I'm just assuming you'd have to find someone who wants a bridgestone and doesn't care that it's close to a bottom of the barrel one... Nice score though!

I'm actually in the process of tearing down an 88 MB-4 (Not nearly as nicely preserved as yours). It was rideable right from the salvage yard, and they are definitely enjoyable if HEAVY bikes, I'm not sure about the ability to make any money off one though... then again with the way your pic looks I don't think you'd need to do any work for it to be flippable? I'm just assuming you'd have to find someone who wants a bridgestone and doesn't care that it's close to a bottom of the barrel one... Nice score though!

Around here, there is some minor work and expense before flipping this bike. First, it needs a new chain, polishing compound on frame, general cleanup, new cables. Can't tell if the tires look good, if they look fine, just keep them. After that work, might bring $125.

I've pretty much given up trying to make money on MTBs, but occasionally I will grab one if it is super cheap (last one I picked up was $11).

+1 To below, they make a great recreational bike to have in the family fleet, very versatile, cheap, rugged, reliable, etc. What's not to like.

Around here, there is some minor work and expense before flipping this bike. First, it needs a new chain, polishing compound on frame, general cleanup, new cables. Can't tell if the tires look good, if they look fine, just keep them. After that work, might bring $125.

I've pretty much given up trying to make money on MTBs, but occasionally I will grab one if it is super cheap (last one I picked up was $11).

Yeah they're definitely a losing battle with profit around here... I buy MTB's though as I'm trying to get up to having 2 full ones for my own use that I truly enjoy.