Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - 1985 Sekai 2400 Touring Series

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go_jake
05-01-12, 01:17 AM
Yesterday I picked up a really pretty 1985 Sekai 2400 Touring bike. I gave St. Vincent de Paul $150 for it without flinching. It's in fantastic condition for its age. My guess is that some kind soul bought this bike, threw some nice accessories on it, rode it four times and then hung it up in his garage for twenty years. I just fixed its flat and took it for a short ride.

Here's a quick rundown of its assets and components:

Tange 900 cro-mo tubes
Nitto stem and bars
Norco headset
Dia Compe brakes and levers
Suntour drive
Sugino GT three piece triple crank
Suzue hubs
27" Araya aluminum rims
...and it came with a nice Vetta rack, a side mirror and a crazy solar-powered Cat Eye bike computer that looks like an old ColecoVision controller. I'd love it if someone could tell me more about this bike computer.

And here are some pictures:

https://plus.google.com/photos/109363613082044080681/albums/5737447729219234705?authkey=CM3dub-Rrai3pAE

Now I have to decide whether to keep it in its current (probably stock) condition (making it prettier but much less comfortable to ride), or give it some minor updating (stem, handlebars, brake levers and maybe move the shifters). Keeping it stock probably means selling it in six months since I don't keep bikes to look at them. But I'm a little reluctant to monkey with such a pretty bike.

So what do y'all think it's worth and how much do you think I should alter it to suit my riding needs?

wrk101
05-01-12, 05:09 AM
Modify away, as long as it does not involve a rattlecan, a drill, or a grinder. Myself, as a keeper, I would install a nice set of Suntour barcons. Second upgrade would be aero brake levers. I see you have brake levers and shifters on your list.

Before you do anything, make sure the bike is the right size.

Nice bike for sure in great condition, but most of the Japanese bike brands made similar models in the 1980s, so they are relatively common. $300 as it sits, you are in a hot market, so maybe more.
Bianchigirll
05-01-12, 06:06 AM
Great looking tourer. what kind of handle bars are thinking of? If your going to put flat bars on it I would consider cleaning it and list it on CL in a few weeks. I am sure somebody would love tht beautiful bike as is and you could likely get enough to shop for a decent hybrid.

Now if you simply intend to put a tall stem like I use so you can sit upright that is another story and I say go for it!

http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HzV5RUk36UU/T5-CT6Fks0I/AAAAAAAAnPQ/IC2hZ-XbM0A/s496/IMG_0392.JPG

bikemig
05-01-12, 06:29 AM
The bike is in great shape; nice score. I'd modify and ride it. You can keep the old parts and put them back if you decide to sell it. I think this bike is a keeper.
go_jake
05-01-12, 02:22 PM
Thanks, everyone. I figured that if this bike didn't fit me, I'd be able to double my investment on CraigsList. But I'm hoping it does—I'm planning to put it to work as a commuter/day-tripper.

And Bianchigirll, I'd probably put a tall stem and maybe some northroad-style bars on. I hope that's not too sacrilegious for a mid-level japanese steel rig like this.

Step 1.) Replace that gel seat.