Mindcrime

I've been tasked with getting an old Fuji Mixte bike back out on the road.

General specs:

27 inch wheels
SuntourAR derailleurs
6 speed
Double with 50/40 rings, nice looking Sugino crank
Dia Comp brakes/turkey levers
Sansin rims/hubs/bars/stem

The bike was purchased new in 1986, and ridden a handful of times before being attic/garage stored. It has zero rust, and other than a thick coating of dust, looks nearly factory new. The temperature fluctuations have caused the wheels to come out of true, and there is a bit of an issue with the rear derailleur stem shifter (I think its actually just in need of some new housing/lube on the cable, shifter is very stiff.) I will be replacing the tires and tubes, and replacing the crumbling foam bar covers with some cork bar tape. I will also try and re-true the wheels as best as I can, they probably will be rideable but not perfect. My guess is I will probably put 50-70 bucks into her to get her road worthy.

My friend then wants to see what it might bring for sale. I told her that I wouldn't get her hopes up for much, as it's single butted, Fuji Valaite 414 tubing (basically Hi Ten), stem friction shifters, and a mixte instead of a standard frame. My guess was around $150 at the top end.

Anyone else have an opinion on what I should post it for once I get her rolling again? Trying to make sure there's anything here before I go putting the cash into a lost cause. Bike is nice enough, and I could see it having some 'hipster' ish value for city dwellers.

cb400bill

In my area, mixte frame bikes tend to have a higher value than a "women's" frame bike. Tuned up, with new comsumables and fresh grease on the bearings, that is a $175-200 bike in my area.

oddjob2

Houston appears to be a market that doesn't have a big following for vintage bikes. Maybe it's the weather or the traffic?

In the better bike markets, a Fuji Palisades Mixte, all pimped out, can bring $250 +/- 10%. I sold this Royale to a friend for $225 in 2010. On the open market, I am sure I could have done better.



What most of the GUYS on this site don't seem to understand is that with a mixte sale to a woman, 90% of the time it's all about the appearance, not whether it is single butted, double butted, Reynolds, Columbus, etc. Women want comfort, reliability, and appearance.

Velocivixen

In the Portland Metro area it would sell for $250 or so. We have a very active "hot" bike market.

Mindcrime

Interesting thought about how to market it as opposed to how I would usually stress the steel/components. I'll make sure she's polished up and looking sharp! Good insight. Houston's vintage market is actually heating up, at least IMHO. Not where places like Portland or Chicago or NYC are for sure, but getting better. I think based on the input above, I'll start her at $200! (I just finished ordering parts, came in at 58 bucks. Assuming I am able to sell it, I get to split the profits with my friend, and recoup the parts cost. at 125 or so, I wasn't sure it was worth the time I will have to put in to the refurb, but 200, definitely!) Thanks all!

plonz 

As a fellow Houstonian you'll have to keep us posted. For being the 4th largest city in the US, I think our vintage bike market (and general bike culture) is incredibly weak. Tis a real shame given we can ride 365 days a year, albeit a little sweaty on some.

My opinion is $150 tops for a rideable mixte but hopefully you'll get what you want.

Mindcrime

Yeah, $150 is what I was originally going to post for. I usually assume that I'll haggle down 10-20%. I'll give it a shot at $200 for a week or so and see if I get any bites. I probably wont have it road worthy for a few weeks, I'll try and remember to come back in and update if/when I get any results.

Our vintage market here in Houston is definitely not as good as some other places. But, that said, I sold a hi ten Gazelle with 9indexed downtube shifting for $250 with minimal work, a late 80s Raleigh for $200 with friction DT shifters, both of which I was surprised by. Neither sale took longer than a week from initial posting, and I live well north of downtown in Spring. Both buyers came from downtown. My thought is there's a scarcity there, and good supply in the burbs, so I've been looking in the Woodlands and Katy (I ride out that way a lot) and pick up fixer uppers there, posting the finished product on Houston craigslist and boards. I don't do huge volume or anything, I just like tinkering on old bikes, and if I can make a few bucks to sink into the next project while I do, hey, groovy! I've never handled a mixte or a 'womans' bike before, so pricing was a little bit of a mystery, as I also haven't SEEN many show up for sale either.

oddjob2

And given the weak price of oil, it will be a regional recession right through the entire oil patch, so no toys for the unemployed.

Mindcrime

Heh... I work in the energy sector. Aint that the truth. Scary times for sure.