Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Mint condition '80s MASI GRAN Criterium

Got this from my uncle a couple years ago, he purchased it, but never rode it.

Any ideas year and where built ?
What is it worth ?

Should I ride it or sell it, or store it ?

Thanks
John

Wow. I would estimate $1500-2500. I would sell it, and buy something you won't worry about riding.

Storing it at this time of the year is a gamble. Weather has been good lately, and people are soon going to be getting their tax refunds.

Take some clear photos of the bike up against a white wall or garage door and list the bike on eBay with worldwide shipping and you will probably get $3k for that bike. It is a small size and it is in fantastic shape so collectors in asia will be very interested in this bike. Start the bidding at a buck and have a local bike shop assist you in the packing and shipping.

Take some clear photos of the bike up against a white wall or garage door and list the bike on eBay with worldwide shipping and you will probably get $3k for that bike. It is a small size and it is in fantastic shape so collectors in asia will be very interested in this bike. Start the bidding at a buck and have a local bike shop assist you in the packing and shipping.

What is the strategy behind starting bidding at a buck? Is it pure psychology?

What is the strategy behind starting bidding at a buck? Is it pure psychology?

Nice way to find the real value of a bicycle.

Very nice Masi btw.

Nice way to find the real value of a bicycle.

Very nice Masi btw.

it can get more of an emotional involvement if people start bidding while the price is low, rather than looking at a high starting bid and moving on, all you need are a couple guys whove been staring at it on their watch list all week to pop a couple good bids over each other after a couple beers on friday night! haha

Take some clear photos of the bike up against a white wall or garage door and list the bike on eBay with worldwide shipping and you will probably get $3k for that bike. It is a small size and it is in fantastic shape so collectors in asia will be very interested in this bike. Start the bidding at a buck and have a local bike shop assist you in the packing and shipping.

I think 3k would be hopeful. Kind of an eclectic Campagnolo mix. At least $1,200 on ebay, who knows above that. $2k would surprise me, but it only takes two to bid to WIN.

What is the strategy behind starting bidding at a buck? Is it pure psychology?

Starting items at a buck gets bidders hooked on the item early on. They think they are getting a super rare bike for only a dollar. As the item goes up in the bidding, some will refuse to let go: "That's my bike!!!".

While this strategy works great on popular items, it has backfired on me on obscure/low interest items. After selling a beautiful leather men's coat for $1, I have greatly reduced using this technique. Most of the stuff I sell is low interest, but fairly valuable. So I start them at a price I can accept, and 90% of the time, I just get one bid.

There are all kinds of strategies for selling on ebay. No single method works on everything. But most bidders/buyers hate reserve auctions, so using a reserve is a bid killer. In addition, you should be ready and capable of shipping the item. Local pickup only = bid killer, and a source of many of the bikes I have bought and resold locally off ebay.

I've been selling on ebay for 12 years now, and I am definitely still learning, and trying new approaches. And of course, successful buying takes a whole different approach entirely.

I would be pretty surprised to see much over about $1200, maybe $1500 max for this Masi on Ebay. It is an 80s San Marcos bike which is less valuable than the 70s Masis. I can offer 4 personal data points for Masi GCs in the past couple of years. I sold an absolute mint original condition '84 San Marcos, in black, with full Super Record, Cobalto brakes, everything NOS or like new and top end period correct, for $2200. Bigger size though. I have purchased an original condition '72 Italian Masi GC in fantastic condition for $1700, a Jim Allen repaint '78 Rancho Santa Fe in perfect condition, full Super Record, for $1800, an original condition Carlsbad '76 in very good condition, Super Record, including first gen Super Record RD, for $1500.

I would be pretty surprised to see much over about $1200, maybe $1500 max for this Masi on Ebay. It is an 80s San Marcos bike which is less valuable than the 70s Masis. I can offer 4 personal data points for Masi GCs in the past couple of years. I sold an absolute mint original condition '84 San Marcos, in black, with full Super Record, Cobalto brakes, everything NOS or like new and top end period correct, for $2200. Bigger size though. I have purchased an original condition '72 Italian Masi GC in fantastic condition for $1700, a Jim Allen repaint '78 Rancho Santa Fe in perfect condition, full Super Record, for $1800, an original condition Carlsbad '76 in very good condition, Super Record, including first gen Super Record RD, for $1500.

In "today's" market you got some great deals, assuming they are all median sized bikes. The '78 maybe just a good deal.

The San Marcos bikes have been gaining attention, maybe the 80's market shift of interest in potential buyers. I have a mid 80's bike, it rides very well, was almost perfect and they seller was happy to get $750. for it. But that was over 5 years ago.

I was happy with all the deals. I agree the '78 was just a good deal but it was originally (and was repainted to match original by the original painter!) one of the rare '78s that had only Masi on the downtube (not the flags or the Gran Criterium model name). I like the San Marcos bikes and think they are very nice. I especially like the chrome fork crowns with the Masi crest. I would buy another one. I kind of have a thing for Masi bikes. I have a 3V too.

... I would buy another one. I kind of have a thing for Masi bikes. I have a 3V too.

It does happen, I think I have 14 or is it 16. Do you count frames as bikes?

I'd keep it and ride it if it fit and if I lived in an area where theft wasn't a major concern.
Unless you need the money and as long as your uncle is okay with you selling it.

On ebay I've either started the price where I was comfortable, or I'd start it at a dollar and ensure I set a reserve at my minimum acceptable price. But it has been a few years since I've bought or sold on ebay to listen to others.

Another option is to consign it locally if you have a nice and trustworthy shop nearby.