Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - What should I offer for a U-08?

Theres a guy who has one in his basement, never seen it closely, but did see the old Ideal saddle and enough to ID it. It looks in decent shape.
I expressed interest in it when I saw it five years ago, but he is that kind of guy who will hem and haw but will generaly not sell anything. He was given the bike by someone who moved and paid nothing for it himself. hes near seven feet tall and it looks like a 54 centimeter, so he will never ride it. He rides(stores)an old VeloSolex that is like a scaffold.

Anyway, he just called and asked if I would work on an old mountainbike he found, so I will be over at his place, and its time to try to buy the U-08 again. What is the top you would go for one in decent condition? To be honest, I really want the seat, if its not to far gone. It looked good five years ago...

Personally I wouldn't pay more than $50, but if it's nice maybe $75-100.

If you are after the saddle adjust the price up from there. I don't know what those saddles go for.

If he wants full market for it, fine, just ask full market for your repair work. If he is expecting a discount on the repair work, then I would expect a discount on the U08. Personally, depending on the repair work needed on the MTB, I would barter for it: repairs for the bike. Win, win.
I never charge for repairs, but I have taken project bikes in return for the repairs.

I would say maybe $75 you could go $100 if the seat is in good chape and you really want the bike.

I would say maybe $75 you could go $100 if the seat is in good chape and you really want the bike.



$50 to $75 sounds about right and maybe more if the bike fits you well and is in pristine shape. Sounds like you ought to barter him your work for the bike.

$50 to $75 sounds about right and maybe more if the bike fits you well and is in pristine shape. Sounds like you ought to barter him your work for the bike.

+1

I'd trade my work for it.

Well if your in the bay area ca... 50-75 would be very very low if it's in good condition.

If the MTB is repairable (especailly if you already have the stuff you need) tell him you can fix the MTB for Pug.


Can I say Pug if I don't own one? or do I have to say Peugeot?

If the MTB is repairable (especailly if you already have the stuff you need) tell him you can fix the MTB for Pug.


Can I say Pug if I don't own one? or do I have to say Peugeot?
I give you permission as a Peugeot owner, to call them Pugs even though you don't own one :P

Well, thanks for the input. I was kind of hoping to trade labor for the bike, but this is one wierd guy. Who knows.
This is a weird area. you cannot sell an old bike all fixed up to anyone for a decent price, yet peices of junk are always "rare old bike worth hundreds". No one really rides here exept for hardcore roadys, so they don't want anything other than the latest gear.

Its not my size, which stinks. I would love a U-08 in at least a 58. As it is, if I can get it I will put a newer saddle on it and give it away. Problem with that is when you then see a nice old bike laying out in the rain at the persons house.

Well, thanks for the input. I was kind of hoping to trade labor for the bike, but this is one wierd guy. Who knows.
This is a weird area. you cannot sell an old bike all fixed up to anyone for a decent price, yet peices of junk are always "rare old bike worth hundreds". No one really rides here exept for hardcore roadys, so they don't want anything other than the latest gear.

Its not my size, which stinks. I would love a U-08 in at least a 58. As it is, if I can get it I will put a newer saddle on it and give it away. Problem with that is when you then see a nice old bike laying out in the rain at the persons house.

If this is the case, offer to leave it alone...........:D