Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - 1990 Serotta Columbus SLX bike - value?

I've been riding a Serotta Nova Special X, with Columbus SLX tubes and a matching Columbus fork. It's got mostly new SRAM on it, with vintage Campy seatpost and headset. I'm not really in the mood to sell it, as I doubt I'll be able to find another Serotta. But, if the price is right, who knows.

Here's a pic with complete specs:

http://www.pedalroom.com/p/1990-serotta-nova-special-x-4710_23.jpg
Frame:
Columbus SLX 56cm
Fork/Headset:
Columbus / Campagnolo Chorus
Crankset/Bottom Bracket:
SRAM Rival OCT / GXP
SRAM Force 53/39 chainrings / SRAM PG-1050 11-28 cassette / SRAM PC-1051 chain
Derailleurs/Shifters:
SRAM Apex FD / SRAM Rival RD / Shimano 105 SL-1055 downtube shifters
Handlebars/Stem:
Modolo Anatomic bars / Ene Ciclo Gran Compe 120mm
Saddle/Seatpost:
Fizik Aliante team replica / Campagnolo Chorus aero
Brakes:
SRAM Apex w/ SwissStop pads
Front Wheel/Hub/Tire:
Rolf Prima Aspin SL / Vittoria Rubino Pro
Rear Wheel/Hub/Tire:
Rolf Prima Aspin SL / Vittoria Rubino Pro
Tires have less than 20 miles, wheels have been handbuilt and have less than 200 miles.

Whaddya think?

Minimum $600 but only because it is a mish-mash of parts. The frame looks to be in great shape, I would say that the value of the frame/fork would be a minimum of $400, probably more on eBay because it is such nice shape.

That's about what I figured.

I think I am going to keep this around. Rival shifters and a threadless hs/stem/fork should up the value considerably, when I'm ready to spring for the spendies. Right?

That's about what I figured.

I think I am going to keep this around. Rival shifters and a threadless hs/stem/fork should up the value considerably, when I'm ready to spring for the spendies. Right?

No.

That's about what I figured.

I think I am going to keep this around. Rival shifters and a threadless hs/stem/fork should up the value considerably, when I'm ready to spring for the spendies. Right?

+10 Nope.

That's about what I figured.

I think I am going to keep this around. Rival shifters and a threadless hs/stem/fork should up the value considerably, when I'm ready to spring for the spendies. Right?

+ 1 million nope. Millstone around the neck.

Why all the negative response? What's so bad about updating a classic bike with modern parts?

Ayyyy...absolutely nothing, but it probably isn't financially advantageous. Where it IS advantageous is as a rider. My opinion is that your bike would likely sell for less than its worth as a rider. This bike screams keeper, not investment. I wouldn't worry about its value and I'd just enjoy riding it.

I say go for the shifters but don't screw around with the fork. You'll have a tough time finding a decent 1" threadless fork and the likely scenario is that you won't improve the way the bike rides/handles. A cheap carbon fork also won't weigh considerably less than the Serotta fork and definitely won't look as nice.

I have an Alpha Q fork on my Serotta and it handles VERY well. The bike is quite light, and I'm sure some of that is the fork.

FYI - if you do replace your fork, keep it. I wish i had the original around to restore it if I ever do sell it down the road. If you want to part with your fork, let me know...I'd purchase it ;)

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad205/aolk67/Photo0564-1.jpg

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad205/aolk67/Photo0578.jpg

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad205/aolk67/Photo0579.jpg

Why all the negative response? What's so bad about updating a classic bike with modern parts?

Nope was not to the upgrade, nope is to the "should up the value considerably".

Nope was not to the upgrade, nope is to the "should up the value considerably".

I see, thanks for your advice. I figure a Ritchey fork wouldn't look bad, and if I decide to go the threadless route I would definitely keep the fork.

Shifters arrived last Friday:
http://www.pedalroom.com/p/1990-serotta-nova-special-x-4710_30.jpg

maintain the classic and lively ride of steel and ride the bike with the intended original steel fork!

I agree keep it original steel. If you do get a carbon fork dont lose the original

I agree keep it original steel. If you do get a carbon fork dont lose the original

Its your bike, modify as you see fit. As long as you do not paint, grind, or drill on that beautiful frame, and keep the original parts, I say go for it.

It's hard to improve on an original! The quill stems are far more elegant.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/102899028/DSC_1160.JPG

Why all the negative response? What's so bad about updating a classic bike with modern parts?

You could probably get similar price for the bike with parts that match the year of the bike, because I have found most people don't really know much about bikes and just want something cool looking to ride.... and the people that do appreciate the value of the bike probably would be looking to customize their own, or on the other side of it, buy something completely original. It's not just a bike thing but imo new parts on vintage is the best way to not make money. Of course you just need the right buyer, but speaking in general terms I think that is accurate to say.