Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - 1987 Fuji palisade

Hi i have an opportunity to buy a 1986 Fuji palisade 54cm. The seller says it has never been ridden and is in excellent condition. He is asking 225 floor this bike. Does this sounds like a good deal? Quality bike?

entry level bike. $225 is a bit high unless it really has never been ridden and looks like new.

Ok from pics it looks very nice. He says price is negotiable. By entry level, will this bike be good for my purpose. Which is a commuter, riding around college campus and some paved trail riding? I really want the best for my money.

Yep, pretty entry level. Catalog page link: http://www.classicfuji.com/1986_18_Palisade&PalisadeMixte_Page.htm

Would serve your purposes, but there are quite a few better models than that out there for your $225 (depending on regional market, but "seek and you shall find") . The tires might be dry rotted, brake pads dried out, and everything may need to be regreased. That's OK, but not for $225 from an "educated consumer". It does have eyelets for mounting fenders and a rear rack, which is something to look for in a commuter bike.

umm, could you perhaps give me some examples of some models that would be better? im going to look at this bike tommorow, he said price is negotiable, what should i offer? would 150 be more fair?

would i be better with? a Raleigh super grand prix for 180. a fuji sagres for160?

would i be better with? a Raleigh super grand prix for 180. a fuji sagres for160?

patience.

spend a little time looking at bikes here and in the valuation forum. this should give you an idea or what you like/need and the going rate. then you just need to be patient until one presents itself.

i have an oppotunity to go and buy one of these tomorow, and maybe not for a while. I would really like some opinions.

I wouldn't pay a penny over $125.

for a never used bike? it seems to be in good condition. how can i get the seller to drop down from so high?

How to drop the price? Take it for a ride...

lol, should i offer him 150? sound fair?

for a never used bike? it seems to be in good condition. how can i get the seller to drop down from so high?

The seller's asking price is very optimistic. The actual price is what someone is will to pay based on supply and demand. The supply of "never ridden" entry level ten speeds is high and the demand for them is low.

I'm sure that if you show up with $125 cash, you'll walk out with the bike.

hmm whats the max i should go? this is a good quality bike you think? worth getting new tires and stuff...

$125 max (period) This is an entry level bike. Instead of spending on upgrades and parts get a mid-level bike. Worth it in the long run.

well whats a mid level bike you recommend? any of these http://cnj.craigslist.org/bik/2897141737.html http://cnj.craigslist.org/bik/2900052861.html http://cnj.craigslist.org/bik/2885828963.html http://cnj.craigslist.org/bik/2907113528.html http://cnj.craigslist.org/bik/2875316927.html
http://cnj.craigslist.org/bik/2909280917.html

If you can get that Centurion down, it would be your best bet.

really? down to what do you think??

You see quite a few high priced bikes make appearances on NY CL, and they do many repeat performances. Check the tires (OK, about $20 a pair online, $8 for brake pads). If everything is OK, it's clean (and that's what you want versus a little "scruffy") and ya gotsta have it ... $150 cash, a smile and a friendly, but firm presentation...and you're done with it. You can get a brand-new road bike from Bikes Direct (Motobecane Super Mirage) delivered to your door for $299. Murphy's Law says...after you buy an entry-level road bike on CL for $225+ you will stumble across a better quality one at a garage sale for $50. Murphy was an optimist (i.e, you will probably catch one for $25). The Palisades has Araya alloy rims and quick-release hubs (+1), eyelets for mounting fenders and rear rack (+1), stem-mounted friction shifters & turkey levers on the brakes (-1). Also, the crank set seems to be only partially alloy. Weight is around 27 lbs, which is so-so.

so you are saying go for the palisade? good first road bike? and stay firm at 150? I like to value people opinions, but with such variance idk who to trust. But it says you are a senior member lol so...

Doesn't look like a 54cm-offer 150 and haggle from there.

so you are saying go for the palisade? good first road bike? and stay firm at 150? I like to value people opinions, but with such variance idk who to trust. But it says you are a senior member lol so...
Sounds OK if you don't mind spending that much, but if it is something you want...you'll survive if you overspend a little. Should be a good, functional type bike. Fujis are pretty decent, BTW. If you see something better later, catch a great deal, upgrade. Focus on the tires and brake pads, which might need to be replaced. If you do your own work, no problem. If you rely on a shop, plan on spending lots of cash if you aren't careful. Check to make sure wheels spin true, gears shift and brakes work...check for cable stretch (easy adjustment) and it might need a good oiling. Ask for the owner's manual and any other stuff that might have come with it..."Gee, do you still have the owner's manual..."

well im not sure if its what i want, i know nothing about bikes, my friend is helping me and he said that was the best. hes going to look at it with me.

Hey, I went this morning, My friend said it was in excellent condition. Needs new cables, bar tape, tires and brake pads as expected. Haggled down the price to 150 dollars from his asking price of 225. Fits me well and im happy with my purchase, now i just need some helping choosing the components to fix it up with. I would like to spend 75 more to fix it.

Nice Haggling, If your going to replace the cables, i would suggest replace the stem shifters with some clamp on suntour downtube shifters, to keep w/ your ST Motif. Look on ebay, they should be pretty inexpensive. Stem shifters get annoying very quickly.

Are these downtube shifters friction shifters?? I would like to spend only 75 to 100 to fix it up, im very open for suggestions on anything.

pictures are here
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0Bw4MDifR-DodekRDSDZYR05UbW1yX2pmbEx5ZjFsdw
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0Bw4MDifR-DodS2FBRzBtUTRSUW14VEM5ck5VWTRydw
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0Bw4MDifR-DodM3Z6eVBnVXRUa21BY042TXExWDM2dw
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0Bw4MDifR-DodV0ZuQnkzQ2VTc0tYV3c2MlYxdTR1UQ

I had my doubts yeaterday when I saw this but I thought a more knowledgable member would point this out. The bike in question is not a '87 Palisades but a few years older. An '87 is a much nicer bike.

OK I don't know whay I can' post a link but go to Classicfuji.com and look at the '87 catalog.

of the bikes you posted at one point the Diamondback Centurion was the best of the bunch.

pictures are here
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0Bw4MDifR-DodekRDSDZYR05UbW1yX2pmbEx5ZjFsdw
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0Bw4MDifR-DodS2FBRzBtUTRSUW14VEM5ck5VWTRydw
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0Bw4MDifR-DodM3Z6eVBnVXRUa21BY042TXExWDM2dw
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0Bw4MDifR-DodV0ZuQnkzQ2VTc0tYV3c2MlYxdTR1UQ

This appears to be an '86 Classicfuji.com

Oh wow, that was a typo, i realize this is an 86 the whole time. Did i get ripped off paying 150? I would like to fix it up to make this bike amazing.

I think you did fine. In the NYC metro area $150 for a decent vintage bike is a good deal, and that Fuji will be a fun ride. Search other posts on the forum about cleaning and polishing, and I second the suggestion of adding downtube shifters. Enjoy the bike!

now can you help with figuring out what i need for the downtube shifters? plus everything i need to fix it up? I really need some help, and cant spend more than 100.

Just went to the LBS to have a guy look at it. The guy at the store said it was worth 20 dollars at a garage sale. I am very dissapointed by this, and may try to contact the seller to return this. I barely have any money to spend, and i trusted the seller and my friend and got ripped off. I dont have much money to fix it ups, but its probably not even worth fixing if it is a 20 dollar bike. Thanks for the help though.

Good luck...

Are you saying this is true?? only worth 20 dollars? I was hoping for someone to say it was worth what i paid.

Just went to the LBS to have a guy look at it. The guy at the store said it was worth 20 dollars at a garage sale. I am very dissapointed by this, and may try to contact the seller to return this. I barely have any money to spend, and i trusted the seller and my friend and got ripped off. I dont have much money to fix it ups, but its probably not even worth fixing if it is a 20 dollar bike. Thanks for the help though.

If it wasn't ridden, and is in like new condition ... except for the drying of the rubber bits ... don't sweat it. Doesn't pay to get upset with the guy who sold it to you, since he is just selling something at what he believes to be the going rate. The prices around you right now on CL seem to be on the high side, but they may or may not sell at those prices... you got a third of the price knocked off. Yea, you could stumble across a better one for $20 at a garage sale...and spend 2 years searching for it at a garage sale...spending many hours, wasting lots of gas, and spending hundreds of dollars on junk you come across (and don't need) in the process. If you stumble across a deal, buy it. In the meantime ride the one you bought. Bike shop "guys" often don't like anything older than last year's model, and nothing less than an upper-mid-level bike at that. A $5,000 carbon fiber bike would probably get their approval. There is alot of how-to bike repair and maintenance information and videos online to show you how to change tires, cables and pads. If you are going to do any real riding, basic bike mechanics 101 is fairly essential anyway. Here's the cheapest place (on an "everday low price" basis) to find the stuff you need... Niagara Cycle Works ... ordering as much as possible at one time to spread out the s&h charge...probably $35 altogether (with S&H) for the basics you need...look at what they have, though, so you don't miss out on anything that may come in handy...like extra inner tubes, patch kit, and their 56 cent tire irons.

http://www.niagaracycle.com/

If you overspent a little...by $25? Don't worry, you will survive it. BTW, if the bike fits you correctly that is worth it right there. Like shoes and clothing, not a bargain if they don't fit right. Don't forget to at least get some oil onto the chain, bearings and pivot points of moving parts.


Put some mileage on it! :thumb:

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/xpEKjCVK_hIdKYYKlzLVWZKrsOjjSjuzEhUfNROe-0PQCTTn21CFDygj7DOdTrgqQi5-fLjCDQDTwyg2HUwCLMvxvCYGlPI

just want this bike for commuting, riding around for fun, and on a college campus. You think this would make an excellent bike for my purposes? what would i need to get it up and running in terms of cleaning? the gears and chains seem to have a bunch of greasy crud on them. I think i also need new housing/cables, tires and brake pads, in addition to some bar tape. Is this all stuff i can do myslelf? Is anyone willing to help me through the process? If you are please post here or pm me. This might be easier to do through email or another source.

Sounds like all the uses this type of bike was meant for.

Check out this stuff...you can google your way to a PhD in bike maintenance...stuff every cyclist should know..good luck.,.

http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-change-a-bicycle-brake-cable

http://www.ehow.com/how_117901_change-bicycle-tire.html

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=how+to+wrap+handlebars&qpvt=how+to+wrap+handlebars&FORM=VDRE

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=oiling+a+bicycle&qpvt=oiling+a+bicycle&FORM=VDRE#x0y0

http://www.bikewebsite.com/bicycle-bra.htm

http://www.ehow.com/how_14170_true-bike-wheel.html

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=how+to+true+a+bicycle+wheel&qpvt=how+to+true+a+bicycle+wheel&FORM=VDRE#x0y0

Just went to the LBS to have a guy look at it. The guy at the store said it was worth 20 dollars at a garage sale. I am very dissapointed by this, and may try to contact the seller to return this. I barely have any money to spend, and i trusted the seller and my friend and got ripped off. I dont have much money to fix it ups, but its probably not even worth fixing if it is a 20 dollar bike. Thanks for the help though.

This is complete nonsense from your LBS.

What you need:
- tires ($20 for pair if you're a careful shopper)
- cables ($15, get lined housings)
- bar tape ($6, look for sales)
- downtube shifters ($25, eBay - suntour is better, sunrace are acceptable)
- brake pads ($15, grey matter blocks will be okay for you)
- brake hoods ($11, eBay DiaCompe Cane Creek repros in gum)


Get your friend to help you.
- remove all cables
- remove bar tape
- remove and clean derailleurs
- remove/replace brake pads
- remove/clean/relubricate chain
- remove wheels, check hubs, remove tires, replace tires
- remove brake lever, disassemble, cut pivot posts to be flush with inner side - throw away safety levers)
- reinstall brake levers, install hoods
- re-install chain
- install new cables (cut housings to match old ones
- re-install derailleurs
- adjust cables
- ride.

You've done fine. The bike will be terrific for you. Don't listen to that ape at the bike store.

PG

Not a bad bike if you do the upgrades. You might be able to find a bike for $20 at a garagesale, but would it be right for you? Not always. Find a bike kitchen in your area. You'll get access to tools and some hands-on help...

Check out this timely B.F. thread...

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/807144-I-Felt-Sorry-for-This-Fuji!-Now-I-Like-Like-It-(Before-and-After)

Hey, can anyone help me out and post some recommended tires, brake pads, inline cables and brake hoods. I am not really sure what i am looking for so this would be of grat help. Oh and also chain lube and grease for the bike. oh and how can i get rid of those "suicide brakes"?

Can someone please try and assist me. I am really getting stressed and frustrated because i dont know what to order or where to find it. I really do want the downtube shifters and maybe some new brake levers. Ina ddition to tires, brakepads, tape, cables, lube grease.

http://communitycycles.org/links/bike-collectives.html

will these work as good downtube shifters?http://www.niagaracycle.com/product_info.php?products_id=503821

Makes no sense to start spending $$. The cables and jackets look fine-may just need sugging up. Tires-tubes-barwrap and brake pads are a diy thing. Go to a DIFFERENT LBS and get the bb, hubs and headset regreased. Doing it yourself will entail buying tools-learning how to use them etc etc etc. Not really a walk through via internet job anyone would feel confident with. (Least I don't) Get it rideable=see if you like it-then change shifters/components/whatnot. The most bang for your buck would be to buy a bike for the parts you're looking for. You can even get practice taking it apart!

It deffinately needs new cables and housing, its all rusted out. I really want to try and save money, What tools would be required, i have a vast basic tool collection.
I think i will hold off on the shifters and brakes for now. just to make sure, i wont have to replace the cables again if i want to chnge the shifters right? and the bar tape if I change the brakes? Is park tools poly lube good for bearings and shifter greasing, and white lightning for chain and derailliers?
I will got to another lbs shop to buy most the stuff if the prices are good.

If you change the shifters you will only need to shorten the cables (if going to dt.) The bar tape will have to be removed if you change brake levers (just do so carefully) The turkey wings come right off-you can cut off the protrusion or just put the screw back in. Just light oil for the shifters and dr's. You will need a crank puller and depending on cups-a matching tool for the crank/cone wrenches for the headset. I use marine grease in the bb, hs and hubs. (cheaper and just as good as bike specific.) Oh also coneset wrench (smaller) for hubs. If it has a freewheel-you'll need appropriate extractor (Turned by a lg wrench) Tool sizes can be specific-you need to look up the parts you have to purchase the right tool. Unless you're going to be doing this all the time-your budget of 75-100 is shot. Hence my suggestion to have the major stuff (tool specific) done at a shop. IMO those jackets nor cables look shot to me. Bigger concern would be to have the bearings redone (since its been sitting Unridden) and ride the bike to get the feel for it. Patience and priorities to sift thru. You can get opinions here on specific probs/but not full toutoring. Sheldon Brown's website is great for learning what you need to know. Lots of good advice has already been offered.

Check out this timely B.F. thread...

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/807144-I-Felt-Sorry-for-This-Fuji!-Now-I-Like-Like-It-(Before-and-After)

Hey, that bike looks familiar to me!

Sounds like you are getting some good help! I don't know your market, but I don't think you overpaid. As a bikeshop mechanic, bike mechanics can be snobs.

As someone who owns that model, it is a very nice frame. Make some of the recommended modificiations, and you will have a very nice bike.

I would start by disassembling the bike. You will learn more about what you need by starting the process. Take it slow and do it right. You don't have to have it all figured out now. You will learn as you go. In the end, you will have a very nice bike.

http://i941.photobucket.com/albums/ad253/bikemanbob/Trek%20560%20Fuli%20Pal%20Giant%20Boulder/DSC06597.jpg
http://i941.photobucket.com/albums/ad253/bikemanbob/Trek%20560%20Fuli%20Pal%20Giant%20Boulder/DSC06604.jpg

So guys i went to the lbs today, another one lol. And got everything i needed. I got cables and housing, tires, new brake levers, bar tape, grease lube all for 100 dollars. The guy at the store cut me a good deal on it :). And I also got some great advice. So do you guys think iu should regrease the bb myself in the hubs? How do i get the crank off the bike to regrease without a crank puller? And how do i true the wheel with regular toolbox tools. If someone would be kind enough to list everything i need to do that would be wonderfull. TYhe guy at the shop said my brake pads were in great shape, so i didnt get those.