Dreadgerbil

So, my mother in law wants me to sell her old bike and says she saw one on 'a bike website' for $400 so she'd like to get that.
I'm not one of those who assumes that because a bike is from the 60's or 70's then it is automatically a rare vintage and worth a fortune. However, I've mostly dealt with Schwinn, Raleigh and Peugeot in my time since those are the bikes I like. This is a 78 Miyata Gran Touring. I told her between $200 and $300 with the right buyer and on a good day but that I really need to do more research.

Well, I've found that there's not as much out there on this as I'd like. I can find plenty on the 79, but little on the 78.

The bike itself is in fair condition although I need to adjust the derailleur when I have a chance. She did switch out the drop handlebars at some point so neither the handlebars nor the brake levers are original. (Currently has some mountain bike sort of handlebars on there.)

Does anyone have any idea what a fair price on this is so I can go from there? I don't want to be overcharging some poor guy who thinks he's getting an awesome, vintage bike. Nor do I want to sell something worth $1000 for $200 and find out a week later.


Any ideas for research sources would be greatly appreciated.

Chicago Al 

Miyata made great bicycles, arguably the best of the Japanese production bikes (ie made in a large scale factory). However their bikes from the 80s are much better than those from the 70s as bike technology increased at a rapid pace, and they aimed higher and higher. I had a 1982 Miyata 210 that was also labeled 'Grand Touring,' and it was a slightly-above-entry-level bike. Nothing remarkable or collectible but solid transportation. I think I got $180 when I sold it (bought it for $25 needing work) and was very happy with that.

It sounds like you can do some basic work on it, so that helps. Most people shopping for a bike want it ready-to-ride.

A major factor is your location. If you're in the SF Bay area, it appears that 'Miyata' is a magic name in selling a bike, but in say rural Missouri, you might get literally 25% of an SF price.

Also your selling skills are essential. Assuming you'll be listing the bike on Craigslist, a clear description and good detailed pics will let potential buyers know what they're getting and establishe you as someone potentially trustworthy...therefore that the bike can be trusted too.

Post some pics here (from the drive side!) and we'll let you know more.

Don't worry about it being worth $1000; even if it is mint-in-the-box it's not worth anything like that.

wrk101

Late 1970s Grand Touring is a fairly basic bike. $400, thats a pipe dream.

Fair condition, missing drop bars and levers = significant haircut on value. No pictures, and no location, so I cannot comment on value.

Dreadgerbil

Thanks, all. The location is Boise, Idaho so there's a fair sale market but nothing like SF or NY. (We have a really good bike community here but the usual dreamers and scammers with bikes worth $5000 but they can't tell you what year it is exactly or what the frame is made from.)

I'll try to get some pictures up here tomorrow. Unfortunately it doesn't seem that she kept the handlebars or brake levers so I'll just have to do the best I can for her.