kc7814545

Hello. I was given an incomplete bicycle from a neighbor and have been trying to research it for quite some time. I am interested in putting money into it to get it rideable. I cannot find any distinguishable brand markings for the frame, the only thing I can find are a stamped serial number on the bottom that reads "R149", with the digits being stamped vertically. There are also decals placed on the downtube spelling "EILLEEN", which I am assuming was the last owner??? The handlebars are 3ttt and there are some BCA lugs on it too, along with Dia-compe brakes. For all you experts out there, please take a look at the pictures and let me know your thoughts on whether this bike is worth putting time into. Thanks.

Tim_Iowa

I can't tell you specifics, but this looks to be a mid-level 70s bike.
The cable routing around the BB, and the general components, make me think 70s, maybe European.
The Suntour bar-ends, Sugino crank, stem, and some other components make me think it's not quite a bottom-end model. But it would have Campy if it were a high-end bike.
The stamped dropouts mean it's not a top-end frame. Sometimes the seatpost size can give you an idea of the tubing quality. Lower quality steel is thicker-walled, needing a narrower seat post.

If it fits you or someone you love, then it may be worth finishing up. The frame is in good shape, and I bet the components would work fine with cleaning, lube, and new cables. You can probably find old 27" wheels for next to nothing, and Pasela tires are $25 apiece. This could be a pretty town/path bike.

However, I don't think you'd be able to make any money by flipping it. Too little info, too many needs. You may be able to sell it as-is; mixte frames are in demand and this one is pretty.

dailycommute

Looks like it could be anywhere from late 70s to early 80s. The sugino gt crank looks later era vs rd (suntour vx?) or stem. Reminds me of a rebranded fuji, nishiki or other japanese built mixte. Seems in good shape to me and is interesting on name and low SN sequence-- finding a wheelset is biggest issue/budget item I see. If you can secure that it looks ready to ride post minor adjusments.

kc7814545

Thanks "Tim_Iowa" and "dailycommute" for all this information, I really appreciate it. I think I am going to go ahead and get this bike in running condition. Hopefully this won't turn into an ongoing project but I think it will be fun and hopefully not too expensive.

jyl

It doesn't need restoration. Just a used wheelset (probably 27" but brakes might fit 700C too) and a cleaning/tuneup. It'll be a fine and attractive getting-around-town bike.

oddjob2

That mixte frame would appeal to a lot of big city women! My guess it is an Atala, lots of chrome on an otherwise mid range bike. If rehabbed nicely, without any repainting, you could probably fetch $250 +/- 10%.



While @Tim_Iowa observations are generally correct, he comes at it as a guy's point of view, not the likely female buyer. Mixtes command a premium to the equivalent diamond frame men's bike, but it is all about the aesthetics. The target fashionista woman buyer doesn't care so much about forged dropouts or Campagnolo components, they want a smooth riding, smooth shifting, elegant looking ride.

It looks like Eileen got creative with foil contact paper and decorative tape, I like that idea. If so, you might offer in your ad to personalize the bike for the next buyer in the same way.

I would do the following:
Switch out the drop handlebars and barcon shifters for a northroads bar, dia-compe city brake levers, Falcon thumb shifters, real cork grips or white rubber. The barcons are worth $50 net on ebay and will easily pay for the new handlebars, levers, shifters.

Get a pair of Sunlite / Kenda K841 whitewalls, assuming 27" tires, $8.50 each at Niagaracycle.com. Use white cable housing. Go to town with the overhaul, cleaning, and polishing, photograph it well and go for it.

Below is a before and after on a Peugeot I ultimately sold in NYC area to the director of marketing of a major international cosmetics company. Wheelset was swapped due to extreme rust.

oddjob2

Red and white

kc7814545

Thank you very much oddjob2 for all the information and suggestions supplied --- I especially like your take on the female point-of-view. I am unfamiliar with the Atala brand but will definitely research it more and the rehab pics supplied set a nice example for me. Thanks again.

Lascauxcaveman 

In a hot market, yes. In my town it'd be $100 +/- 20% So whether or not it's worth fixing up specifically to sell - it depends a lot on where you live. So don't go crazy on parts, if profit is the intention.

likebike23

I personally think that's one of the nicest looking mixtes I've ever seen. I have a thing for chrome bikes and would be all over that. From what I can see, You are going to have to put a fair amount of money into it with it needing wheels/tires/tubes/freewheel/cables/housing/bar tape/brake pads. If I were fixing it up, I would estimate around $130 for the parts online. My estimate assumes you are keeping the handlebars and shifters (which are nice BTW). If you are having a bike shop source the parts and install them, it will be significantly more (maybe double?). So, you need to ask yourself if you would spend $130-$260 for that bike. In my opinion, it wouldn't be a terrible investment. You would have a unique bike that would last a lifetime if properly cared for.

kc7814545

Thanks for the input likebike23, much appreciated. I like the look of the bike too, I think it has a lot of character with lots of potential.