Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - 196X Cinelli Speciale Corsa

Local seller contacted me about this bike. It looks like it is in fair condition for it's age. However, I'm not very keen on how to value it given its age and rarity.

Any thoughts?

Looks nice, it's bigger, so the market divides a bit. 59 or a 60? Unusual color. In a competitive market, could fetch quite a bit. $3K?

Depending on buying for flipping or for personal use. For flipping $800 for personal use $1000

This is great looking for $1000 I would certainly be real tempted

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=237866&d=1329588517

Is this your garage? Is that one of those $69 Harbour Freight compressors? how do you like it?

It's a 59. Not my garage.

Is the value in this bike more competitive as a complete or parted-out?

Some bikes, I have found, actually fair better as completes.

In this case I would go complete. And ditch that rear tire.

Wow! Nice bike!

It's at least a 1968 which is the year Cinelli started the drilled lugs. What is the patent date on the rear derailleur and the date stamp on the crank arms?

It looks really nice and mostly original. A disassembly, clean, polish, wax, and rebuild/regrease of all of the important stuff would do wonders for the bike.

$1000 would be a steal! The market on it is probably closer to $2500 and yes, this is one of those bikes that the sum is worth more than the parts.

Texbike

More likely 70-72: aluminum badge, Campy brakes suggest it is a little newer. Should have no impact on its value, though.

My sense is the market is high right now for minty original bikes and soft for bikes in this condition, even though original. I agree with texbike about the value of a careful clean up. The chrome looks really nice.

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=237864&d=1329588509

OH I didn't realize it has those cheap bolted on stays ;)

It would be terrible to part it out. Keep it together.
Put new tires on it, preferably retro looking gum wall.

The bike is mine! I also got a few interesting bits with it:

-Pair of NOS Campy High-flange hubs, 36h
-2 Campy Pedal dust-cap wrenches and 1 brake nut wrench, NOS
-Couple of Suntour freewheels
-Couple of Suntour 4-sprong freewheel removers

I'm probably going to sell all of the above since I have no use for it and then just focus on making this bike shine again.

Cool, I am glad it worked out for you. You mention that the seller contacted you, did you have an ad up looking for bikes? I ask because I've always wondered if those types of ads work. Not that I need any more bikes....

Beauty! If you decide to sell, let me know!

Oh, and, more photos please :)

So now I'm debating whether to clean it and touch it up myself or have a place like Cyclart restore it for me.

What are your thoughts? Would a paint restoration be worth it or could potentially harm its value?

The paint is fairly discolored in placed, there are chips and alot of markings form chain slap.

Hey, Don't repaint the Cinelli! Loosing it's original patina and reproduction decals lowers it's value. Even if you intend on keeping the Cinelli, try going to your local hobby store with the bike to match the paint(won't be perfect) but at least it won't be a repaint. Another place is a cosmetic store with a variety of nail polish, might find a closer match, but again bring the bike inside the store(if they allow you too).

Gotcha. Now what about removing dirt and grime that doesn't come off with just a moist towel?

Any tips on cleaning up the frame?

Try some polishing compound.

So now I'm debating whether to clean it and touch it up myself or have a place like Cyclart restore it for me.

What are your thoughts?

The paint is fairly discolored in placed, there are chips and alot of markings form chain slap.

Surely you are joking. Chain slap is typical, do was was typical at the time and place a section of cloth tape along the stay.

Of course I'm joking...hehe

I'll do what you said. Also, I'm going to get some Mother's Cleaner Wax and go over the bike very finely. Hopefully I can get it looking pretty good.