Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Corky Bike Frame

Hi, I joined the forum to find out some information about this bike frame I picked up today. It is marked with the name CORKY on one of the bars and has a decal "Built with Reynolds 531 Tubing". I did some research and found that Corky frames were built by Harold ‘Corky’ Gulbransen. Was wondering if this was built by him and what its value might be. I am not a biker so I don't know much about this sort of thing. It has Shimano harware and fittings. The rims are also Shimano 600 Mavic. Any help would be appreciated. Here are some pics I took.235241235242235243235244235245235246235247235248235249

Nice frame. Value on one of these is very variable, not many made, this one in a smaller size. I am not sure if Cyclart did the paint originally. You might contact them and they might advise you. Of course, they may charge you for the info... just how it is. There are a number of small American builders from the past who have a following but rarely does it appear that this translates into high value. Cecil Behringer comes to mind as a now deceased builder whose frames often do not get much attention dollar wise. If it fits, build it up and enjoy it. If it does not I would reduce it to a frame set with headset, bottom bracket and seat post, clean it up and see what the market might offer. I doubt $300. could be obtained, but hopefully $200.

Thanks repechage. My goal would be to sell it as I wouldn't use it or have the time to build it. I thought I might strip off all the Shimano parts and sell them as well so your advise fits my plan without making me feel bad about parting it out. Thanks again for taking the time to educate me. I'm sure someone would appreciate it more than me and restore it.

If this helps at all the Shimano 600 group is from the early 80s, maybe 83 or 84. Frame appears to be older though judging by the 531 sticker.

A forum member restored one of these a few years ago, there is probably a lot of info in these threads:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/474475-Corky?highlight=corky

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/214832-Another-identification-thread.?highlight=Corky

I'd say that if you cleaned it up real good you could get an easy $300 for the frame/fork on eBay. Just mention the history of the builder, small American builders of prestige bikes like this one are very sought after. Not to mention, that paint job looks pristine under the grime and Cyclart jobs are expensive for a reason, they do excellent work.

Lastly, I wouldn't be surprised if you could sell it on these forums quite easily, should you be so inclined.

There is some rust I saw but don't recall where. I'll have another look when I go out. I'm a little under the weather today.

I am interested in selling the frame and fork and parting out the rest. I'll probably put them all on Ebay unless someone here is interested.

The other Corky threads were interesting. The restoration he performed was beautiful.

I think the Reynolds decal dates to the 1960-70s according to info I found at classicrendezvous.com. Is there a date stamp somewhere on this?

Thanks to everyone who replied for your help.

As it is a Cyclart paint job, do not use the 531 transfer design to date the frame.

I know this is a dead thread but.... the frame was clearly repainted at the time of update. Corky resides in California I think and may have provided the original DT transfers as he did for mine. My understanding is he ceased to build in the early to mid 1970s. This bike shares all the same lugs, fork crown and stay treatment as mine and only lacks cut-outs. The 531 decal is an older variety than the frame. The tire clearance will speak volumes about the age. My guess is around 1970 give or take a couple years.