Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - please help evaluating this 80's frame

Hi, I'm new to the forum so I apologize if this post is inappropriate, please let me know and I can remove it. I'm looking to replace my new-ish fixed-gear bike with something older. I ran across this post on craigslist

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/3029910968.html

but don't know anything about the frame's quality and its value, other than what's said in the post. Could anyone help me appraise it? (I do like the colors!)

Thanks a lot, and I'd appreciate any advice (or any other pointers about where to find a nice bike! I wouldn't mind doing the conversion myself, if a great deal on a frame came up).

-scorpsjl

replace my new-ish fixed-gear bike with....

step away from the cinelli...don't you dare do it.

Edit: well, I see now it is already fixed, but at least nothing has been hacked off. nice bike.

There's a separate "evaluation" sub-forum, but in the interest of timeliness: if it fits you, go BUY it. Diaments are rarely seen in the US, but this looks like a fine bike and, at least by my jaded SF measure, a really good price.
I helped a friend buy a Diament several years ago and he was very pleased with his...this one looks even nicer.
Edit: I didn't read the whole ad, see now it's for frame set only with BB...not bad for $250, but not as smokin' a deal...except you don't get a load of mis-matched parts along with a really nice frame for your $250, a blessing in disguise!

excuse me? I don't quite catch your meaning here

Thanks a lot for the quick replies! I can also repost on the evaluation sub-forum. Yes, I should have pointed out that it's just for the frame and BB (and for an extra 100 the seller will throw in a wheelset (matching the rear wheel in the picture), and chain, but I agree that it's a blessing in disguise because it motivates me to choose my own components.

Sounds like I should go for it! I wonder why it's lasted so long on craiglist? (seller reported today that it was still available) edit: to clarify, the ad was there about two weeks ago, but was just reposted

I'll try to keep it simple...

Oria is a lesser known tubing, this particular variety was their higher end tubeset. Diamant is a lesser known maker, but with a solid reputation. $250 is a decent and fair price for a tubeset of this quality.

Just don't cut anything off the frame.

Just don't cut anything off the frame.... lest you reap what you sow. ;)

The build in the ad is sloppy and unfinished, I'd consider you lucky to only get the frame/fork/etc. Then at least you can build it up with some decent stuff. I wouldn't bother with the wheelset. It doesn't belong on that frame.

Seems like a fair price at $250. I really don't know anything about Diamant but if you like it, go for it.


Just don't cut anything off the frame.

+100 Whatever you do, please don't paint or otherwise ruin this rare frame.

Thanks again to everyone for the advice! I think I'll go for it, I'm checking it out on Wednesday, though I'm still curious why it's lasted so long on craiglist. any ideas from anybody?

And to everyone recommending that I don't cut, paint, or otherwise manhandle the frame: I completely agree! I never had any intention to, sorry if I made it seem that way.

I agree that the build is sloppy and unfinished, and the wheels don't go with the frame. If anyone has suggestions for stuff to put on the frame, I'd really appreciate it.

Welcome to the Bike Forums.

You can learn a bit about Vintage Bicycle Quality (http://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpeeds_1/FREE_SITE_1/FREE_SITE_6_BICYCLE_QUALITY.htm) by clicking the link and having a look through the article. You can learn How To Find Vintage Bicycles (http://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpeeds_1/FREE_SITE_1/FREE_SITE_2_FINDING_METHODS_1.htm) by clicking that link. You might want to ask yourself Should I Paint My Bike? (http://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpeeds_1/Site%20Contents/How_To_Do_It/PAINT_OR_NOT/PAINT_OR_NOT_1_Start.htm) before modifying or painting the frame set. You might even want to spend a bit of time leaning about Buying and Selling Vintage Bicycles (http://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpeeds_1/FREE_SITE_1/FREE_SITE_24_Buying_Selling_Bicycles.htm).