Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - What is My Fuji Touring Series Worth?

Hello everyone, I am trying to sell my Fuji on craigslist but have no clue what its worth. I am not the original owner so i'm not sure what year the bike is, but i believe its a 1995 or 96. Its a fuji touring series with all original(I assume) shimano deore components and is in great riding condition. New tires, tubes, rim tape, chain and rear cassette installed last summer. Frame has some minor scuffs/scratches, couple tiny rust spots. Also the seat is not original, but seat post is. Has a good amount of accessories, blackburn rear rack, roost rear fender, two bottle holders and extra spokes on the left chain stay. Any idea what its worth? I did some research on fuji bikes and got lots of mixed results, some seem to be worth several hundred while others not much at all. Thank You. Here are some pics.

http://i693.photobucket.com/albums/vv297/gray92laser/DSCN0384.jpg

http://i693.photobucket.com/albums/vv297/gray92laser/DSCN0386.jpg

Driveside pictures are always best, non-drive side pictures are virtually worthless.

But as this is a nice "real" touring bike with cantis, bar-end shifters, triple crank, etc. and Deore components I'd say it should be worth at least $300. What is the frame tubing? I'd guess about $400 at the top end, without knowing anything else about the bike.

Thanks for the response. The frame is 4130 chromoly tubing. I will get some pics of the drive side tomorrow.

Area also is a factor-any colleges around? West coast is a high market. Nice bike-good commuter.

any colleges around?

Most college kids I know would not pay anywhere near what that bike is worth. They just want the cheapest thing they can find to get them around. One friend asked me if I could find her a "nice vintage road bike" ready to ride. After the ones I showed her on craigslist in the $75 range were deemed too expensive I gave up.

Maybe you were thinking professors? Or maybe all my friends are just really cheap.

Maybe you were thinking professors? Or maybe all my friends are just really cheap.

Cheap friends. I've sold quite a few bikes to college kids, sold one this week for $265. The key is you are not selling to most college kids (as you are right, they are cheap), rather you are selling to the one that has an adequate budget to get a decent bike.

There is certainly a segment out there that would be perfectly satisfied with an XMart bike. I don't even try with them.

On this Fuji, I would estimate lower. The Fuji touring bike from the 1990s was quite a bit more basic than the vintage one from the 1980s. More like $250 as it sits.

It's not worth near $400. It sold new for around $650, it has low end components but they worked decent enough but was clunky, and it has no vintage value. If the bike is in new, ie mint condition it may be worth $250, otherwise for an average condition one closer to $100. Obviously it just an opinion, I think sellers are trying to get too much out of their bikes these days for stuff that just isn't worth it, especially in some of the larger cities like Chicago where you can find beater Schwinn Varsity's for over $250...it's a crime for such a crappy made bike. The Fuji Tourer bike you have would be hands down a better bike then a Varsity. Regardless, I think the Fuji is over priced at $250.

Since your wanting to sell it, test the market, post it for $250 and see what happens. If you don't sell it, wait a month with no ads then repost it for $200. Make sure you clean it up and put a coat of wax on it to make it shine. Obviously don't get wax on the rims sides or stopping will suddenly become a thrill; but you can wax the spokes and the top of the rim if your careful.

If the bike is in new, ie mint condition it may be worth $250, otherwise for an average condition one closer to $100.

$100? Who do I make the check out to? Maybe my estimate was high, but if this bike actually has full Deore components $100 would be a score around here. Touring bikes, even the basic ones, are not cheap.

Another vote for Fast Jake's estimate of $300 to $400. Maybe more in a really hot market, since there just aren't that many full-blown touring bikes out there. Of course, however, you could always get a brand-new Windsor Tourist from Bikes Direct delivered to your door for a grand total of $599.

Touring bikes retain their value better than your average bike because the technology hasn't substantially changed. New touring bikes will still be all steel, with similar geometry, and similar components. A racing bike quickly drops value after a few years and then plateaus because racing technology changes so quickly (brifters, frame material, geometry, etc). Comparing this to a Varsity is also a mistake. Low end bike boom bikes maintain a minimum value because they retain basic functionality as a bicycle.

Put it for sale on Craigslist for $250 and got literally 12 emails about it overnight and like 4 or 5 phone calls. I sold it yesterday for $300 after a bidding war started between 2 buyers. First time I ever sold something and got more money than I listed it for. Probably could have gotten even more for it, but i'm happy with $300. The buyer even happened to live where i was driving my girlfriend that day because she had a job interview and he met me right there, so i didn't even have to go out of my way to sell it.

Way to go! 18 year old bike (its a 1994 from what I can tell), brought 50% of original MSRP. Well done.

Thanks everyone for the advice! This is a great forum! Now I have more questions...


When I met the seller, he had an interesting proposal for me. He has a 1997 LeMond Alpe D'Huez that he was willing to trade plus $200 cash on my part.
This bike has an aluminum frame, aftermarket carbon fiber fork, and some other upgrades/extras like a better stem, sks xtra-dry fender, decent set of clipless pedals and he mentioned some other things but can't remember all of it. I think it had all shimano 105 components with integrated shifter/brake lever and when i took it for a test ride it seemed that it was well tuned and didn't need anything.

The only downside is that he removed all the original decals and wrapped the top tube with some kind of cloth tape and coated it with resin almost like carbon fiber but really ugly and will never come off without some serious sanding/drastic measures. The paint seemed decent otherwise, though.

I was very interested because it happened to be the perfect size for me and although it is very personalized, I liked it a lot. I passed on the deal because i felt trading my bike which I wanted $300 for plus another $200 was too much, all things considered. I only offered to do an even trade for my bike, but he didn't go for it and just paid me the $300 i wanted for mine. Does anyone know what it might be worth? I still have his number and may still throw him an offer. I can't figure out if its really even a 1997 or not because according to bikepedia it seems they didn't even offer an aluminum frame until 1999 and the sizes were odd numbered(55, 57, 59cm etc.) and he says his is a 58cm which it looks like they started doing even number sizes in 1999 as well...

Heres the thing if it has legit 105 components and rides nice is your size for $200 it ain't a bad deal. Ex specially if the wheels and tires are good. This does not seem a bad deal.

Agreed. For FULL 105 (not just a couple bits and pieces) $200 is a good price on a generic Al frame/carbon fork road bike. Which is what the bike is, unless you can verify that it's actually a Lemond Whatever.

Edit: wait, nevermind. Guess I read your post wrong (it's late...) In that case, $500 would be too much. You should be able to do much better than 15 year old 105 and a cosmetically ruined frame for that kind of money.

Heres the thing if it has legit 105 components and rides nice is your size for $200 it ain't a bad deal. Ex specially if the wheels and tires are good. This does not seem a bad deal.

But like I said, I would have been paying him $200 PLUS my bike which i wanted $300 for, so essentially he wanted $500 for the bike not $200.

But like I said, I would have been paying him $200 PLUS my bike which i wanted $300 for, so essentially he wanted $500 for the bike not $200.

You sold you bike... AWESOME!

It's a '99... older Alpe d'Huez's were steel, and were Campy equipped. The '99 was full 105,
was aluminum and had a Time carbon fork.

If you can live with the 'color' of the frame, it fits you, and is in good shape then go for it.

If you even entertain the slightest thought of restoring the frame then look elsewhere.

Alan :speedy:

I guess all I can ask is, what would you pay for this bike considering it has some upgraded parts, but also removed decals, ugly wrap on the top tube. Very rough ball park estimates a fine, i know this info is pretty useless. Here is the only pic on the web i can find that looks close to it. Non drive side of course so not too helpful i know. I believe it has the same set of components as this one though.

http://i693.photobucket.com/albums/vv297/gray92laser/lemond.jpg

I would not pay $500 for that bike. $500 would be a strong to realistic price if it were pristine. With the modifications, cosmetically, he has ruined the frame, and dropped an atom bomb on its value. Cosmetics sell bikes, and boogered up cosmetics kill value.

And you really have no idea what is under that carbon fiber/resin mess. What if the top tube has serious damage?

NO THANKS!

Realize that it is 13 years old, and older STI shifters can be very, very sketchy (and replacement is very expensive).

Frankly, I would not have traded even with him.

As far as the size, unless it has the original size sticker on it, I would ignore the seller's comment on the bike's size. Sellers rarely/never get size right.

I would not pay $500 for that bike. $500 would be a strong to realistic price if it were pristine. With the modifications, cosmetically, he has ruined the frame, and dropped an atom bomb on its value. Cosmetics sell bikes, and boogered up cosmetics kill value.

And you really have no idea what is under that carbon fiber/resin mess. What if the top tube has serious damage?

NO THANKS!

Realize that it is 13 years old, and older STI shifters can be very, very sketchy (and replacement is very expensive).

Frankly, I would not have traded even with him.

As far as the size, unless it has the original size sticker on it, I would ignore the seller's comment on the bike's size. Sellers rarely/never get size right.

Very true, Bill. I think i made the right choice. Very good point about the wrap on the top tube, the frame could be cracked or something underneath.

I have my eye on this bike though. Do you think this is worth $225?

http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bik/2981680590.html

In a regular market, that Univega would not be worth it. In a hotter market like Boston, probably.

I have my eye on this bike though. Do you think this is worth $225?

http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bik/2981680590.html

I'm confused. Why did you sell the fuji?

I'm confused. Why did you sell the fuji?

I was just about to ask that too. The Fuji was a better bike than that Univega.

I was just about to ask that too. The Fuji was a better bike than that Univega.

It was too small for me. I absolutely loved that bike and if it were just a bit bigger i never would have sold it. I actually pulled a tendon while riding it last month and thats when i knew it was time to stop kidding myself and get something else. So now i'm in the market for a bike that actually fits me and is preferably the same or less money than what i sold the fuji for because i really need to save cash right now. I would like to get something for around $250

Also interested in this specialized allez although its a little out of my budget. Being a "frankenstein" bike as he describes it, do you think its worth 400? this bike would be the perfect size for me. Sorry to bombard with questons.

http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bik/2992264736.html (http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bik/2992264736.html)

I'm a fan of bar-end shifters, but this bike is just too "frankened" at $400. Doesn't even have the original fork, that is a big disappointment.

I don't think I could go over $250 for that bike.

... this bike would be the perfect size for me.

http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bik/2992264736.html (http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bik/2992264736.html)

Now you know your size. I agree with Jake... kinda spendy at 4 bills.

Keep looking, but don't get impatient; the right one will come along.

Also interested in this specialized allez although its a little out of my budget. Being a "frankenstein" bike as he describes it, do you think its worth 400? this bike would be the perfect size for me. Sorry to bombard with questons.

http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bik/2992264736.html (http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bik/2992264736.html)

Seller describes the fork: *unknown make Aluninum fork.
That's a deal killer IMO. I wouldn't know if I could trust it or not. If you have a source for a replacement, that's good. Also, why would you purchase a bike from someone that can't spell aluminum?

Also, why would you purchase a bike from someone that can't spell aluminum?

The very best (and very worst) deals usually come from people that have no idea what they're talking about. The guy with the Specialized obviously does know some, cause he built the bike.

But with the real yahoos out there on C/L, you either get someone dumping a gem for $50 or some idiot that thinks their bottom barrel Peugeot is worth $1500.

The very best (and very worst) deals usually come from people that have no idea what they're talking about. The guy with the Specialized obviously does know some, cause he built the bike.

But with the real yahoos out there on C/L, you either get someone dumping a gem for $50 or some idiot that thinks their bottom barrel Peugeot is worth $1500.

True dat, bro

Seller describes the fork: *unknown make Aluninum fork.
That's a deal killer IMO. I wouldn't know if I could trust it or not. If you have a source for a replacement, that's good. Also, why would you purchase a bike from someone that can't spell aluminum?

Yeah i think the seller's spelling/grammar is the biggest turn-off. I sent him an email asking if he has had any interest in the bike and this is what i got.

"Hi nike,
I still have to bike, I'll be around tomorrow after noon 2 pm - 6 pm if you wanna. Check out the bike. Call text or email..."

My name is not nike. And apparently he still has to bike.

After doing more searching, this one is looking much better for $400 I think. I have seen one or two of these in Boston and I always thought it was an awesome looking bike. http://boston.craigslist.org/bmw/bik/2991619833.html

oldskoolwrench - You are right, I just need to be patient and do lots more research/learning before i make a purchase. I think I am just going through biking withdrawal already hahaha.

After doing more searching, this one is looking much better for $400 I think. I have seen one or two of these in Boston and I always thought it was an awesome looking bike. http://boston.craigslist.org/bmw/bik/2991619833.html


Sport LX crankset? Is that a 105 rear derailer? I suspect someone may have "downgraded" the components on this bike. If that's the case, $400 is too much IMO. But if it has a nice matching group on there, then the price may not be too out of line.

Still, $400 is more than I'd personally pay for any carbon tubed bike. I had a similar Specialized Epic, and while mine was not in great shape I bought it for $240 and later sold it for around $260.

Hi nike


:lol: I wish my name was Nike. That would be cool.

Sport LX crankset? Is that a 105 rear derailer? I suspect someone may have "downgraded" the components on this bike. If that's the case, $400 is too much IMO. But if it has a nice matching group on there, then the price may not be too out of line.

Still, $400 is more than I'd personally pay for any carbon tubed bike. I had a similar Specialized Epic, and while mine was not in great shape I bought it for $240 and later sold it for around $260.


:lol: I wish my name was Nike. That would be cool.


Yeah i wasn't sure about the components. I looked at some other ones for sale and it looks like they all had shimano 105 equipment originally, but i also saw another with all dura ace components for quite a bit more money. I assume the 105 components came stock on this bike and the one with the dura ace stuff was upgraded?

Yeah i think the seller's spelling/grammar is the biggest turn-off. I sent him an email asking if he has had any interest in the bike and this is what i got.

"Hi nike,
I still have to bike, I'll be around tomorrow after noon 2 pm - 6 pm if you wanna. Check out the bike. Call text or email..."

My name is not nike. And apparently he still has to bike.

After doing more searching, this one is looking much better for $400 I think. I have seen one or two of these in Boston and I always thought it was an awesome looking bike. http://boston.craigslist.org/bmw/bik/2991619833.html

oldskoolwrench - You are right, I just need to be patient and do lots more research/learning before i make a purchase. I think I am just going through biking withdrawal already hahaha.

26 inch rims? What's up with that? CF also is a minus. I would see what's out there in a steel bike, preferably a chro-molly, welded or lugged, doesn't matter that much at this price point. A lot of Bianchis out there seem to work great, lugged or welded. I believe that weird stuff should be avoided, not worth the bother!

http://boston.craigslist.org/nos/bik/2994422351.html

http://boston.craigslist.org/nos/bik/2994422351.html

That is a sweet bike. Way better deal than anything I've seen posted here yet.

As long as you're fine with friction DT shifters. But really, who could resist Arabesque 600?

That is a sweet bike. Way better deal than anything I've seen posted here yet.

As long as you're fine with friction DT shifters. But really, who could resist Arabesque 600?

I looked at that listing too. That is a really nice bike. Probably will take a look at that one. Its in my price range too. I guess i didn't think much of it because i'm really not familiar with lotus, but if you guys think its a fair price then it sounds good to me. As far as the shifters go, i can't really say that i like or don't like DT shifters because i have never owned or even ridden a bike that had them. I think I will miss my bar end shifters but i can overlook that small detail. I don't typically mess around with different gears when i ride anyway. I usually find a gear i like and stick to it unless i'm going up a steep hill.

Also the person selling it has a well-written ad and doesn't sound like a dope. Another plus.

That Lotus is a nice bike, and I too like the Arabesque 600 group, hopefully all the original Arabesque components are on the bike still. It used a decent frame set made up of Tange Champion, then they fully wrapped the seat stays around the seat tube which gives it a really cool and unusual look and beefed up the rear end a bit. I would buy that bike.

The Specialized Allez is a nice bike too, problem is that unless your really schooled in checking carbon fiber frames for damage I would pass. But they were very unique looking.

Personally I would buy the Lotus only because of it's vintage look and vintage components...and it doesn't hurt that's it's less expensive!

I think you might start looking at chainstay length and clearance of the rear wheel. A lot of race geometry frames, like the Allez, will not allow for fenders or even a larger tired size than 700x25. My cousin has a late 80s steel allez and a 700x25 tire actually hits the brake bridge! So keep in mind what type of riding you will be doing, most likely not racing criteriums. Check out the top tube length, chainstay length and overall frame geometry before buying something that will not be suitable for your riding. Road "racing" bikes from the late 70s thru early 80s usually make better all arouind bikes than early to mid 90s on bikes(especially those like the Allez). +1 on the lotus, nice bike for what seems like a fair price. Do you know what the lotus frame tubes are? Might also check the gear ratios, a 53/42 chainring and 23/13 cassette/freewheel isn't exactly ideal gearing for a general use bike.

good luck and good hunting,

Brian

did you read my previous post? the lotus is tange champion. The lotus has a touring, or maybe a sport geometry, either way it has eyelets in the front and rear for fenders and will accept larger tires probably at least 28's and probably 32's but not sure if fenders will clear 32's, and LBS could determine that, but fenders will at least clear 28's on that bike

But the age of that bike would probably dictate the frame using 27 inch wheels, the largest would be 1 1/4 wide, usually touring bikes back then allowed room for fenders with 1 1/4 wide tires.

i found this site today: http://www.vintagelotusbicycles.com/Legend.html

I think i'm definitely gonna buy the Lotus. I emailed the seller about it a few days ago and it seems like he has had it posted for quite some time with no luck so i think he will let it go for even less than he posted it for. It really is a beautiful and unique bike. Seems like my style. Just have to make sure it is a good fit.

I think i'm definitely gonna buy the Lotus. I emailed the seller about it a few days ago and it seems like he has had it posted for quite some time with no luck so i think he will let it go for even less than he posted it for. It really is a beautiful and unique bike. Seems like my style. Just have to make sure it is a good fit.

Excellent! I'm glad that I was able to help. Hope it fits!

I emailed the seller about it a few days ago......

If you want the bike you might want to be proactive, i.e. contact the seller asap and make an appointment. Someone may be thinking about the bike as you are, get there first, "if you snooze you lose", probably happened to more than a few prospective buyers.

Redmeyata, yep, read your most, I'm claiming senior moment as an excuse for inattentiveness. BTW, do you know what models Lotus use the Tange tubesets on? I have a Lotus Eclair, touring specific model, without any tube stickers, also Tange?

Brian

If you want the bike you might want to be proactive, i.e. contact the seller asap and make an appointment. Someone may be thinking about the bike as you are, get there first, "if you snooze you lose", probably happened to more than a few prospective buyers.

Brian

I think I will get in touch with him tomorrow. Definitely can't pass it up without at least going to look at it.

If you want the bike you might want to be proactive, i.e. contact the seller asap and make an appointment. Someone may be thinking about the bike as you are, get there first, "if you snooze you lose", probably happened to more than a few prospective buyers.

Redmeyata, yep, read your most, I'm claiming senior moment as an excuse for inattentiveness. BTW, do you know what models Lotus use the Tange tubesets on? I have a Lotus Eclair, touring specific model, without any tube stickers, also Tange?

Brian

They used various tubesets on their bikes, but that particular one being questioned about here used Tange Champion #2, Champion #1 was the lightest and was a racing only frameset designed for lightweight riders, whereas the #2 was used in touring and sport bikes. The difference in tube thickness was Tange Champion #1 was 0.8/0.5/0.8mm double-butted; and Champion Tange #2 was 0.9/0.6/0.9mm not butted. There was also just Tange without the Champion and were numerically in order too. The difference between Champion #2 and Tange #2 was only about 4 ounces in weight with the Tange 2 being heavier then Champion 2. Later Tange came out with Prestige line of tubing and all that was was Champion tubing heat treated so the racing frame (Champion #1 renamed Prestige after the heating) would be a bit more stiffer for the racing crowd.

So i bought the Lotus today. Ended up getting it for $200. I think I did pretty well. I will post pics tomorrow after i have a chance to finish cleaning it up a bit.

So i bought the Lotus today. Ended up getting it for $200. I think I did pretty well. I will post pics tomorrow after i have a chance to finish cleaning it up a bit.

Congrats, that's a nice bike and I would have paid $200 for it as well. I'm surprise the bike stayed for sale for so long. I have a bike that has the same color as the Lotus but I wish mine had the chrome fork and stays because that looks really nice on the Lotus.

I use to own a Lotus but it was an older 73, the model was Europa John Player Special or simply JPS.