Chriscraft760 

So I went to purchase a $50 mid 70's complete bike just for the Jim Blackburn front rack. Figured I could keep the much needed front rack and sell off the whole bike for purchase price. The seller had purchased 15 bikes in various condition at an estate sale and he still had a few unlisted road bikes available. I couldn't take my eyes off this Blue/Hi-Vis yellow Team FUJI that was way too small for me. He was asking $125 for it and before I could begin to negotiate he lowered the price to an even $100. Now, I'm not into selling used bikes but at this price condition, it just seemed like a no brainer.
So do I put time and money into tuning this bike up to resale along with a new set of rubber or just part it out?
Frame size is 52 cm C-TT and my opinion of overall condition is 9/10. No damage to tubing, no stuck stem or seat post. Serial number places this built on Dec. 1985. Has all stock Suntour Sprint components.


BTW, I sold the other bike for $50 the next day. I got a great deal on that bare aluminum Jim Blackburn front rack.

zukahn1 

In that nice of condition I would leave it whole and fix it up a bit. Nicely presented ready to ride in a month or so when the spring buying season starts I think you could get $300-400 depending on market. I don't think you would get much more parting it.

DMC707

if your willing to sit on it for a bit you might sell it for $400 due to its very nice condition- Id think it would sell for closer to $250 though

Kind of a small size .
I purchased a similarly sized 531 framed Raleigh with 600 tri color in similar condition for $125 . It had been listed for $325 for months with no takers, - the day he dropped the price is the day i took it home.

Small bikes can be like that -- OR, the perfect 5'5" person will come along and love it and pay asking price without a quibble

Chriscraft760 

Yeah I guess this caliber of bike will never fetch close to the $400 mark. I have a new set of Continental Gatorskin tires that will look good on this bike.

WolfRyder

Nice bike and underated. Well this one had a lot of watchers, before it was relisted and looks NOS fabulouso, but Seller is very optimistic, that or trying to draw attention to rest of his items, dunno.

1985 56cm Fuji Team frame in Victory Blue MINT VINTAGE NOS NEW | eBay

I will pay more for something in better condition, but not that much. $500 Buyer net cost would be ceiling on that active market. That bike looks like a blast, and if somebody dropped a Five spot on it, for personal use, I could see a lot of value in that.

tmh657

I have sold 6 or 7 bikes in this size to shorter guys or women that say, "I have been looking for a quality vintage bike in my size." Most often a college student going back to school with money to spend on a bike and appreciate the value of vintage steel as opposed to buying some junk from Target, Walmart etc. I always tell them to get a REALLY good lock.

DMC707

I didn't mean to "pooh-pooh" the machine or anything -- it is a beautiful example --

My market (Oklahoma) is a poor cyclist's market in general . I have joked before that I am probably "THE" C&V market in my area , but I have since found out there are 3 or 4 more of us -- LOL

I know if I had a prize like that, I would want to get in the $400 neighborhood at least, but may have to go to ebay to do it -- (again- my market )

Chriscraft760 

Don't worry its a realistic appraisal even in a bad market area. The reason why I posted this here is to get a realistic price range. At my initial investment cost, I'm in no hurry to sell this bike especially in this condition. I installed new tubes/tires I had from a previous build I ended up trading away. I also had this Fuji Fujita saddle I had picked up at a garage sale for only $1. Although not original to this Team FUJI, it doesn't add more value but doesn't hurt it either.
I don't want to sink anymore cash into it as we all know I may not be able to get it back. Sure looks like a fast little bike..

oddjob2

Where are you located? It would make a huge difference?

I have sold a fully overhauled pristine smoke Ironman Expert with GPX for $450 in Ann Arbor, a close comparable, but better riding bike IMHO. I also sold an early 1980's overhauled Team Fuji in the taupe metallic for $215 in my noob days, but only paid $15 for it. Both sales in Ann Arbor.

The later Swedish flag colored Team Fuji is the preferred color combo.

Chriscraft760 

I'm in Milwaukee, WI. Plenty of cyclist in my area. I'll see how this bike does here. It's the right color.

oddjob2

List in Chicago North Shore as well.

ramzilla

yep

Chriscraft760 

Funny thing is, That's where this bike is originally from.

Chriscraft760 

Wow that didn't take long. Just SOLD it for $599 shipping included. Now time to box it up. Geez I didn't expect this but it's a beautiful bike. Hope she (buyer) enjoys it for many years to come.

oddjob2

Congratulations and outstanding result. Great photos, good copy with the needed info and no BS.

Use bikeflights.com, which is fedex ground. It may save you a few bucks.

Ex Pres 

That's a great selling price. I had the same bike, avg size frame, really nice shape and sold it for $275 (IIRC) in my area. Only one looker - no one else contacted me, but at least they bought it.

OldsCOOL

A friend out west is dealing on the same bike in lesser condition for 250.00, very nice bike originally equipped. In that area It's a good deal.

OP, that's a bike I would love to have in my size!

OldsCOOL

Nice flip.

Chriscraft760 

Just started using bikeflights.com, great prices. My local bike shop was out of free bike boxes. Had to purchase a bike box (54"x8"x28") from Fedex for $15.50, not bad. $10 in packaging materials and $16.99 for a six pack.
FedEx ground (bikeflights.com) was $46 with $600 insurance. Not that I'll need it or get anything back, it's like a seatbelt on an airplane.. Just Makes you feel better.

I'm not a bike mechanic and I'm slow at packaging a bike. Took me 2hrs and two Bell's Hopslam Ales. Hope I didn't accidentally package some tools inside the large box. Lol