Thew13 

I'm trying to decide if I'm interested in a Stumpjumper that's been up on the local craigslist for a few days. Based on the pictures it appears to be a 1983 Stumpjumper Sport, in pretty good condition with some scratches but no rust, original with the exception of the tires and saddle. Any thoughts on what it might be worth?

Unfortunately I can't post images or links until I've had 10 posts, but I'd appreciate hearing what you think based on what I've described above.

EDIT: Still can't post images, but if you search "1983 Specialized Catalog" in Google Images the first result gives specs, and if you search "1983 specialized stumpjumper sport" the second result shows a more or less identical bike.

bargainguy

Welcome aboard, Thew13. If you go to the intro section and say hello to 9 of your new friends, you can post pix of the bike in question and we can give you a better response.

oddjob2

$50-$300 without photos

curbtender

Yep, being a mountain bike it would really depend on condition. Recently sold a complete unrestored one for $150.

curbtender

That what you looking at? Or this?

Thew13 

Thanks all! I'll rack up some posts then come back with pics. Curbtender, it's more like the 2nd image (bullmoose bars) but w/o the fluted seatpost and with what looks like a deerhead rear derailleur. I'm beginning to think maybe not mostly original...

Anyway, pics to come.

Thew13 

Almost there....

Thew13 

OK! Here are the pictures I have of it. Let me know if you aren't able to view the images.

bikemig 

That looks very pretty and largely unmolested. A lot depends on where you live. This bike is not likely to sell for big money where I live which is a mid sized city.

We recently valued a bike that is one model below this, a rockhopper from 1984, at $300. This is presumably worth more. But keep in mind that is the value to someone who knows what this is and appreciates a very early, non-indexing mtb. You can get a heck of a nice vintage mtb for lot less if you are looking for a rider. That said, this bike is likely worth some money to a collector given it's age and condition.

Here's the thread, https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...ockhopper.html

9volt 

Did they run it in the winter? Those look like studded tires.

oddjob2

I believe that neither the saddle, foam grips, nor rims are original. If so, $175 tops.

bikemig 

I dunno, I wouldn't pay top dollar for this bike but I think it's worth more than $175. Agreed that lack of non-original parts hurts the value to a collector.

exxongraftek

As of the 24th the referenced bike was still for sale. I don't disagree with the valuation but posit that these take time to sell for what they're worth.

bikemig 

Old MTBs are weird. Even the top dog ones typically don't go for much. The market for these things is uncertain so I agree. Still I think $175 for an early stumpie like this, even one missing a few pieces, is low. Oddjob may be right and it is missing too many pieces to command any kind of premium. Certainly $175 is about right as a rider and not as a collectible bike.

I've paid less for similar quality bikes but they were not as old as this; so a lot depends on whether someone is willing to pay for the coolness factor of an early non-indexing stumpy.

The $300 on the rockhopper may well be high.

curbtender

Looks like a nice rider. These are tough, comfortable bikes. I'm guessing you paid around $250.

Thew13 

Someone else got to it first (much to my disappointment, but to my wallet's relief)! The seller was asking $200, though--sounds like it was a fair price.

bargainguy

I couldn't agree more.

26" steel MTBs have taken a hit since the appearance of 29ers, and to a lesser extent 650b bikes. Shame really, because they are often incredibly sturdy rides.

About three or four years ago, I picked up a used Carl Strong 26" MTB with Columbus Foco tubing for $650 for my personal use (still have it). That's a bike that I couldn't have touched for double that price a few years prior.

bikemig 

$200 is near the top end for a top dog vintage mtb (other than the collectibles or custom built ones). Keep looking and you're likely to find one of similar quality for less.

I would have paid $200 for that bike though in a heartbeat even if I had to then listen to @oddjob2 tell me that I paid too much for it,

oddjob2

While a first year with biplane fork would be cool, I don't think I'd pay extra for it. I have two Stumpy's already, not to mention Trek 970, 950 (2), 930, 850 (2), a Miyata drop bar, Cannondale, Schwinn PDG 40 and Schwinn High Plains.