ebay maximize value question
11-23-13, 02:30 PM
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ebay maximize value question
Quick question. I picked up a 1984 Trek 520 this morning in excellent condition. It is the 22.5 inch size one. Paint looks great except for a few scratches and dings. It is original down to the tires which are barely ridden as well. The only thing not original is the saddle which the original owner no longer had. It had a cheap Bontrager saddle on it.
I plan on putting it up on ebay. The cheap saddle really detracts from the overall original look. I have a few beat up decent saddles & a leather saddle that RHM refinished for me. Should I just list it without the saddle or sell it with the leather saddle. My thoughts are that whoever buys this bike will want the original saddle and just toss whatever is on there.
Here is a quick pic with the leather saddle. I will take better pics.
I plan on putting it up on ebay. The cheap saddle really detracts from the overall original look. I have a few beat up decent saddles & a leather saddle that RHM refinished for me. Should I just list it without the saddle or sell it with the leather saddle. My thoughts are that whoever buys this bike will want the original saddle and just toss whatever is on there.
Here is a quick pic with the leather saddle. I will take better pics.
11-23-13, 02:49 PM
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I would say the cheapest saddle that looks decent. You're not going to get full money back form the saddle (and they may not like your saddle anyway), but no saddle or a tattered one will really detract.
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11-23-13, 02:49 PM
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Definitely sell without the saddle...but I'd use a photo with one for aesthetics.
11-23-13, 04:13 PM
#4
Still learning
I see a lot of ads with a large disclaimer,
BROOKS SADDLE NOT INCLUDED
BROOKS SADDLE NOT INCLUDED
11-23-13, 05:38 PM
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+1 , cheapest saddle that looks nice , preferably black . put the leather one back in the parts bin. Good luck with the sale !
11-23-13, 08:54 PM
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Agree with something cheap, but decent looking.
In the age "item not as described" claims, showing a photo of anything not included is like playing with a loaded gun.
In the age "item not as described" claims, showing a photo of anything not included is like playing with a loaded gun.
11-24-13, 02:28 AM
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Keep the original saddle installed and then report the bicycle as "in original condition". That statement is far more valuable than installing an incorrect saddle. The buyer, if you find one, will be more impressed with those three words than he/she will be with a cheap saddle. My opinion, of course.
Best price is gained through proper presentation, decent product and patience. These are my thoughts on Vintage Bicycle Value and might offer some help when preparing to market your bicycle.
Best price is gained through proper presentation, decent product and patience. These are my thoughts on Vintage Bicycle Value and might offer some help when preparing to market your bicycle.
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11-24-13, 05:18 AM
#8
Still learning
The original saddle is long gone. I believe it would be a Black Avocet Touring I.
Last edited by oddjob2; 11-24-13 at 05:23 AM.
11-24-13, 06:06 AM
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Any decent saddle is fine, it really doesn't matter what it is. But whatever you do don't put a leather Brooks style saddle on it.
When it comes to original OE spec bikes I've found that buyers don't care of 1 or 2 parts are not original. Incorrect saddle? No problem, its not going to hurt the value 1 penny. Its also important that the bike be 'ready to ride'. If the tires are original but need replacing because they're dry and hard then they should be replaced.
Just a few minor aesthetics pointers:
1. Level the rack
2. Rotate the bars back/down a tick...they should be rotated just beyond parallel with the TT.
3. Align the crankarms with the seat tube or chainstays, I've seen it done either in catalogs.
4. Hide the valve stems behind the fork and chain stays.
5. Dump the reflectors.
EDIT...I guess you need the front one.
When it comes to original OE spec bikes I've found that buyers don't care of 1 or 2 parts are not original. Incorrect saddle? No problem, its not going to hurt the value 1 penny. Its also important that the bike be 'ready to ride'. If the tires are original but need replacing because they're dry and hard then they should be replaced.
Just a few minor aesthetics pointers:
1. Level the rack
2. Rotate the bars back/down a tick...they should be rotated just beyond parallel with the TT.
3. Align the crankarms with the seat tube or chainstays, I've seen it done either in catalogs.
4. Hide the valve stems behind the fork and chain stays.
5. Dump the reflectors.
EDIT...I guess you need the front one.
11-24-13, 09:51 AM
#10
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Obviously the person that you bought the bike from didn't feel too attached to the original saddle. Put a decent black saddle you already have (one without cuts, road rash) and it will be fine. I have sold a lot of bikes and have done a lot saddle swapping. I now have a file cabinet drawer full of really nice saddles that I can use for bikes I keep.
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