gleapman

Purchased new in 1992 and, as best we can remember, it's been ridden TWICE. Certainly less than 100 miles on it, all on pavement. It's been hanging on the wall of our garage (in Colorado, so no rust) all that time. We have the original receipt from Wheat Ridge Cyclery; paid $419.

Purple (officially 'sour grape') 20-inch frame, 26-inch wheels.

We're ready to sell it. Don't know if this would be considered just a 20-year-old bike, or would have extra value as a 'classic.' What's it worth?

Thanks.

wrk101

$125 to $150 (tops). Not bad depreciation when you consider it is 21 years old.

No, it does not enjoy a "classic" premium. There are just a small handful of vintage mtbs that are collectible. All are high end, all are earlier models. This one is a step above entry level, well below high end for that time. Even the high end ones from Trek that year might only bring $25 more, and would have originally cost $800 to $900.

oddjob2

I have a 1996 Trek 850 that I ride frequently and it still looks showroom new. I'd suggest a listing price of $175. Also, include recommended height is about 5'9" to 6'2".

Also, this link which includes the bike's specs. Good luck!

https://vintage-trek.com/images/trek/...ikecatalog.pdf

Bianchigirll 

Nice looking Trek. Too bad it isn't close to me.

gleapman

Thanks all.

MRT2

Looks like exactly the sort of bike I would recommdend for someone "looking to get into biking but don't want to spend too much money." Worth asking a slight premium for condition.

gleapman

FOLLOW-UP - BIKE SOLD: For the record, we just sold the bike for $150. Had it listed on craigslist for the past 3+ weeks. Initially listed it for "$150 firm" and didn't get any hits, then changed it to $165 without saying the price was firm, then rolled it back to $150, again without saying 'firm.' In Denver there are about 500 bikes listed on craigslist every day. I did the 'renew' thing a couple of times and did get two or three inquiries, but in each case after I replied the buyer disappeared. But, patience paid off. I hadn't renewed the posting in a week, but in the last 24 hours I had two inquiries. The second person called when I emailed my phone number and answered a question he had about the shifters. An hour later he came by with his wife, took a short test ride and bought it. I think he's retired and he liked the rapidfire shifters on the older Treks.

Thanks again all. Without your input I likely would have listed it for much less. You had the price range just right.

oddjob2

Congratulations, a fair deal for buyer and seller. The word "firm" is rather meaningless and a turnoff IMHO.

thinktubes 

Well done on the sale. That's a pretty strong price for an 850.

You were perfect on pricing it at $165. You made your "firm" price of $150 clear without having to state it.

Agree that stating firm is useless. To me, it signals a bike that is over-priced and has probably been sitting. If you show up with cash and a solid offer, the seller will usually take it.