Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Trek 520 63 cm Should I trade or sell

ARGGH. Its actually a 510. Wondering what I should do with this trek. I really like it, but it is a bit big for me. I don't need another bike right away, but I just don't want to let this one go. I especially like the dia-compe components and the indexed shifting. I ride a 56-58 cm typically.

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Too big for you, I would get rid of it. I've owned lots of bikes that weren't my size and they always end up sold because they just aren't as fun when they don't fit.

Clean it up and get rid of the rusty bits first or you will take a huge hit in value.

Trading usually makes no sense for a couple of reasons. First, you need to find someone who wants your bike, in your size. Then they also need to have a comparable bike, in your size, that they are willing to trade. Doubtful at best.

+1 Condition needs to be pristine, whether you are trading or selling. Left in needs TLC condition = huge haircut on value.

Keep the components and sell/trade the frame, next time you find a bare frame you like, you can buy it and have yourself a bike.

Thanks for the feedback. I'll probably try to sell it for $200-$250. Not sure how to clean it up much more without replacing.

$150 max in that condition. Rusty components, needs bar tape and I would assume all bearings need grease and adjustment. $150 might be a stretch....

+1

Needs a complete overhaul. $200-250 would make sense in pristine ready-to-ride shape but this bike is certainly not. Rusty chainring bolts, front derailer, cables, etc. all look really bad when selling a bike.

As is, $100-150.

Trading usually makes no sense for a couple of reasons. First, you need to find someone who wants your bike, in your size. Then they also need to have a comparable bike, in your size, that they are willing to trade. Doubtful at best.

+1 Condition needs to be pristine, whether you are trading or selling. Left in needs TLC condition = huge haircut on value.

I agree with this, having tried a couple of trade-outs. You get offered some ridiculous stuff. Like I was offered a Murray for a celeste, campy equipped Bianchi. And people figure you don't know what you have, so they send you lowball offers. Like 150$ for a Merckx MX leader. It's worth a try if you want to wade through a lot of email, and something might show.

It's best to put a reasonable market value on the bike, and mention in your ad (assuming it is a CL ad) that you will swap for a like bike in x size. No rule against it. You may get an offer, who knows. With a 63, I'm doubtful, hard to move anyways.You can't trade on the bay, though.

63cm just my size

63 my size too. I just got rid of a sweet Nishiki Prestige 58.

Thanks for all your help. I rode it for a few more weeks and ended up selling it for $180.