askewchan

Went to a bike shop in my town today, and test rode the Univega Gran Rally shown here:
https://www.laughingdogbicycles.com/restored-bikes/

The person there said it was $600.00 and now I'm reading old posts to this forum and haven't seen anybody sell or buy a Gran Rally for more than half that price. Is he trying to scam me? I test rode it alongside a new Surly bike and the Univega rode almost as smoothly as the new bike. Components (all original Shimano 600) all seem to be in great condition, but even assuming perfect condition, is this worth $600?

Thanks!

FastJake

This is a nice bike in very good fully rehabbed condition. But $600 buys a LOT in the vintage used bike market. For an early 80s Univega road bike with 600, the price is way too high.

What is the frame tubing? I'd be thinking $300-350 max. I wouldn't say LBS is trying to scam you, just trying to do business. LBS prices for used bikes are generally very high as they have to pay their employees per hour to overhaul the bikes, they have overhead, the bikes usually have some sort of guarantee, etc. Rather than buying the bike from some random craigslist seller that may or may not be trying to rip you off.

wrk101

No, it is not worth $600. But buying a used bike at an LBS usually means overpriced. $250 bike here in Hooterville. You are in a hotter market, so adjust it up from there.

Shops can charge more, as buyers assume they are getting a better bike, convenience, or whatever (sometimes they are, sometimes not). I have sold some bikes through shops on consignment. Even after paying the shop a 25% consignment fee, I am way ahead, as they can typically charge 2X what I can.