"What's It Worth?": Bike Value For Newcomers
05-30-08, 05:51 PM
#26
www.theheadbadge.com
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Southern Florida
Posts: 28,513
Bikes: https://www.theheadbadge.com
Mentioned: 124 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2422 Post(s)
Liked 4,395 Times
in
2,092 Posts
Incidentally, I revised the section about local bike shops.
Constructive criticism + suggestions welcome.
-Kurt
Constructive criticism + suggestions welcome.
-Kurt
__________________
Last edited by cudak888; 05-30-08 at 06:00 PM.
05-30-08, 05:58 PM
#27
Obsolete
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 58
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
05-30-08, 06:12 PM
#28
Banned
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,258
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
6 Posts
I've been on the road for a couple of days, and am just catching up. Since I'm a curmudgeon, I feel the need to chime in...
I'm really fed up with the 'what's it worth' and 'look at this cool Varsity/UO8/Grand Prix...What can I sell it for?' threads.
Yes, we were all newbies at a point, but still... when 10 million of a model were made, it's not rare or particularly valuable, beyond being able to ride it, which is why most of us are here.
Bikes are only worth what someone will give you for it. I've own bikes that are only 'worth ' a few hundred bucks, and wouldn't sell them for a thousand. I've owned thousand dollar bikes that I would take a loss on to get rid of, because they don't suit me.
I've talked with other forum members, most of whom I've never met face to face, and the sentiment is the same. Many valuable members are driven away just because of the drivel.
I think that if we collectively just choose to ignore the 'value of' threads, the forum will improve.
PS--I've PM'ed both Cudas (Kurt & Jon) on other topics, and consider them both to be trustworthy. If an individual has a particular beef with someone, take it up in person, unless that person is using his reputation to rip someone off. There's nothing wrong with buying something for $10 and selling it for $100. Because someone has the knowledge to recognize value doesn't make them a 'bad person'.
Hope this wasn't too long or unreadable, I'm still decompressing after a 32 hour drive.
John, aka OFG and zmud.
I'm really fed up with the 'what's it worth' and 'look at this cool Varsity/UO8/Grand Prix...What can I sell it for?' threads.
Yes, we were all newbies at a point, but still... when 10 million of a model were made, it's not rare or particularly valuable, beyond being able to ride it, which is why most of us are here.
Bikes are only worth what someone will give you for it. I've own bikes that are only 'worth ' a few hundred bucks, and wouldn't sell them for a thousand. I've owned thousand dollar bikes that I would take a loss on to get rid of, because they don't suit me.
I've talked with other forum members, most of whom I've never met face to face, and the sentiment is the same. Many valuable members are driven away just because of the drivel.
I think that if we collectively just choose to ignore the 'value of' threads, the forum will improve.
PS--I've PM'ed both Cudas (Kurt & Jon) on other topics, and consider them both to be trustworthy. If an individual has a particular beef with someone, take it up in person, unless that person is using his reputation to rip someone off. There's nothing wrong with buying something for $10 and selling it for $100. Because someone has the knowledge to recognize value doesn't make them a 'bad person'.
Hope this wasn't too long or unreadable, I'm still decompressing after a 32 hour drive.
John, aka OFG and zmud.
05-30-08, 06:27 PM
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 191
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
05-30-08, 07:26 PM
#32
Homey
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 13,499
Mentioned: 56 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2427 Post(s)
Liked 1,407 Times
in
901 Posts
Hello everyone.
A lot of cleaning up was done on this thread and I'd appreciate it if it was kept clean.
Please keep this civil and somewhat on topic. Please remember that everyone has an opinion and although you may or may not agree with it, let's keep things into perspective and try to stay respectful.
Thank you
Siu Blue Wind
Forum Moderator
[and Cuda2k Forum Moderator]
A lot of cleaning up was done on this thread and I'd appreciate it if it was kept clean.
Please keep this civil and somewhat on topic. Please remember that everyone has an opinion and although you may or may not agree with it, let's keep things into perspective and try to stay respectful.
Thank you
Siu Blue Wind
Forum Moderator
[and Cuda2k Forum Moderator]
__________________
Last edited by cuda2k; 05-30-08 at 07:28 PM. Reason: added my name to post.
05-30-08, 07:38 PM
#33
Cat 6
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Mountain Brook, AL
Posts: 7,482
Mentioned: 27 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 500 Post(s)
Liked 183 Times
in
118 Posts
My $.02
__________________
72 Frejus (for sale), Holdsworth Record (for sale), special CNC & Gitane Interclub / 74 Italvega NR (for sale) / c80 French / 82 Raleigh Intl MkII f&f (for sale)/ 83 Trek 620 (for sale)/ 84 Bruce Gordon Chinook (for sale)/ 85 Ron Cooper / 87 Centurion IM MV (for sale) / 03 Casati Dardo / 08 BF IRO / 09 Dogma FPX / 09 Giant TCX0 / 10 Vassago Fisticuff
72 Frejus (for sale), Holdsworth Record (for sale), special CNC & Gitane Interclub / 74 Italvega NR (for sale) / c80 French / 82 Raleigh Intl MkII f&f (for sale)/ 83 Trek 620 (for sale)/ 84 Bruce Gordon Chinook (for sale)/ 85 Ron Cooper / 87 Centurion IM MV (for sale) / 03 Casati Dardo / 08 BF IRO / 09 Dogma FPX / 09 Giant TCX0 / 10 Vassago Fisticuff
05-30-08, 07:38 PM
#34
www.theheadbadge.com
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Southern Florida
Posts: 28,513
Bikes: https://www.theheadbadge.com
Mentioned: 124 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2422 Post(s)
Liked 4,395 Times
in
2,092 Posts
Thank you, Siu, and thank you, Jon.
Well, where did we leave off? I lost track
-Kurt
Well, where did we leave off? I lost track
-Kurt
__________________
05-30-08, 08:11 PM
#35
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 441
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
please no more stickies in c&v. 1/2 the forum is already clogged with stickies. maybe integrate this into an existing sticky?
05-30-08, 08:17 PM
#36
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,218
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
...
Last edited by sciencemonster; 05-30-08 at 09:27 PM. Reason: message to moderator
05-30-08, 08:31 PM
#37
Unique Vintage Steel
I'll look into it. But could we stay on topic now? Or has everything that needs to be said here already been said?
05-30-08, 08:36 PM
#38
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Rhode Island (an obscure suburb of Connecticut)
Posts: 5,630
Bikes: one of each
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 12 Times
in
12 Posts
So should I restore my 57 crown vic, craigs list it or part it out? it sounds like it might be kind of rare.
05-30-08, 08:59 PM
#39
www.theheadbadge.com
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Southern Florida
Posts: 28,513
Bikes: https://www.theheadbadge.com
Mentioned: 124 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2422 Post(s)
Liked 4,395 Times
in
2,092 Posts
I wouldn't say that - there still remains the need for a universally accepted guide that explains the C&V forum's position, in regards to "value" threads. It need not have to be part of the discussion as to whether certain members of the forum here wish the separation of such threads or not - it should serve only as a polite and informative explanation as to why it is not generally considered good etiquette to ask about value (as I have outlined a few times earlier).
As it is now, we have the draft that I originally wrote, and have since modified about five or six times with suggestions from the members, plus my own re-readings of it. Yet, it seems as if there is still some debate as to whether it is diplomatic enough to be a suitable guide.
That said, If all has calmed down here in this thread, I sense that there remains room to improve this guide, and I would appreciate feedback towards that improvement.
This sound all right with you, Cuda?
-Kurt
As it is now, we have the draft that I originally wrote, and have since modified about five or six times with suggestions from the members, plus my own re-readings of it. Yet, it seems as if there is still some debate as to whether it is diplomatic enough to be a suitable guide.
That said, If all has calmed down here in this thread, I sense that there remains room to improve this guide, and I would appreciate feedback towards that improvement.
This sound all right with you, Cuda?
-Kurt
__________________
Last edited by cudak888; 05-30-08 at 09:07 PM.
05-30-08, 09:52 PM
#41
Señor Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Hardy, VA
Posts: 17,923
Bikes: Mostly English - predominantly Raleighs
Mentioned: 70 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1491 Post(s)
Liked 1,090 Times
in
638 Posts
I really don't think anyone here begrudges helping out someone looking to buy a vintage bike. In a lot of instances, I think many of us are amenable to help someone avoid being taken if they're trying to help Uncle Ernie's sell his old Raleigh.
That said, even the most helpful cyclist to ever grace the web, the venerable Sheldon Brown, had two rules. 1. Don't ask me the age of your bike, and 2. Don't ask me what your bike is worth. It certainly wasn't because he was a snob, or because he didn't want to be helpful, but I suspect rather because it takes a fair amount of fact-finding to get a rough idea, but even then, there's sometimes no accounting for what happens in the marketplace. Answering certain people can be a bit hazardous, because they might hold it against someone if their 1965 PX-10 only sells for $275 due to them listing it with only one blurry picture, when the "expert" on the internet said it should be worth at least $400.
I definitely identify with where Kurt is coming from, but I think the better warning to give is that there are so many variables involved, that coming up with a precise figure is quite often impossible, and many here recognize this, and don't want to get caught up in what could turn out to be a "fool's errand".
Also, give us some reason to like you, and we'll be more inclined to help you out.
That said, even the most helpful cyclist to ever grace the web, the venerable Sheldon Brown, had two rules. 1. Don't ask me the age of your bike, and 2. Don't ask me what your bike is worth. It certainly wasn't because he was a snob, or because he didn't want to be helpful, but I suspect rather because it takes a fair amount of fact-finding to get a rough idea, but even then, there's sometimes no accounting for what happens in the marketplace. Answering certain people can be a bit hazardous, because they might hold it against someone if their 1965 PX-10 only sells for $275 due to them listing it with only one blurry picture, when the "expert" on the internet said it should be worth at least $400.
I definitely identify with where Kurt is coming from, but I think the better warning to give is that there are so many variables involved, that coming up with a precise figure is quite often impossible, and many here recognize this, and don't want to get caught up in what could turn out to be a "fool's errand".
Also, give us some reason to like you, and we'll be more inclined to help you out.
I don't understand why the people in the CV forum aren't more flattered at the request for their opinions on bike values. You can go to ebay and cl for values; but they could be less accurate. A guy like me might spend several hundred dollars for a worthless bike that is identical to the one he learned to ride on.
If you don't want to participate in a "what's it worth" thread; then don't. Could it be any simpler? I can understand annoyance at op's with no pics and vague requests; but they are probably newbies. I don't understand the rude and arrogant comments. If it was a conversation; it could be excused (occasionally) as not thinking before you speak. But a composed and typed comment that is rude and demeaning, points to a character flaw and "lack of raisin' " as we say down here.
What about a "WHAT'S IT WORTH?" forum?? I'm not a "computer" guy and if that's asking for the moon; I apologize..........
my two cents............
If you don't want to participate in a "what's it worth" thread; then don't. Could it be any simpler? I can understand annoyance at op's with no pics and vague requests; but they are probably newbies. I don't understand the rude and arrogant comments. If it was a conversation; it could be excused (occasionally) as not thinking before you speak. But a composed and typed comment that is rude and demeaning, points to a character flaw and "lack of raisin' " as we say down here.
What about a "WHAT'S IT WORTH?" forum?? I'm not a "computer" guy and if that's asking for the moon; I apologize..........
my two cents............
__________________
In search of what to search for.
In search of what to search for.
05-30-08, 10:13 PM
#42
www.theheadbadge.com
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Southern Florida
Posts: 28,513
Bikes: https://www.theheadbadge.com
Mentioned: 124 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2422 Post(s)
Liked 4,395 Times
in
2,092 Posts
...but I suspect rather because it takes a fair amount of fact-finding to get a rough idea, but even then, there's sometimes no accounting for what happens in the marketplace. Answering certain people can be a bit hazardous, because they might hold it against someone if their 1965 PX-10 only sells for $275 due to them listing it with only one blurry picture, when the "expert" on the internet said it should be worth at least $400.
-Kurt
__________________
05-30-08, 10:28 PM
#43
Disraeli Gears
A. People who pop in for a quickie aren't going to read an essay-manifesto about the whys and wherefores of bike valuation, the proper attitude to have toward C&V, etc. -- especially those who don't bring pictures or even care to find out (by lurking a bit) what sorts of information might be important.
B. "What's it Worth" threads are like troll postings -- if people rise to the bait (including finger-wagging remonstrance, no matter how gentle or constructive) it just encourages similar activity. Better to give a simple answer, as unsatisfying as that may be to both poster and respondent, or simply ignore. The latter is what I think I do.
C. The real question is how to distinguish the people with real bike addiction potential from the hoi polloi, and stimulate the former while ignoring the latter.
D. Please, no more stickies.
B. "What's it Worth" threads are like troll postings -- if people rise to the bait (including finger-wagging remonstrance, no matter how gentle or constructive) it just encourages similar activity. Better to give a simple answer, as unsatisfying as that may be to both poster and respondent, or simply ignore. The latter is what I think I do.
C. The real question is how to distinguish the people with real bike addiction potential from the hoi polloi, and stimulate the former while ignoring the latter.
D. Please, no more stickies.
05-30-08, 10:52 PM
#44
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,114
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
The value threads do bother me, that is why I don't read them. The ones I do look over, I do like the $3.50 answer. Maybe a C&V scale could be used. 1 being a Huffy and a 10 being a ... (insert dream bike here.)
asker: What is my mint condition 55cm red Fuji Sagres worth?
C&Ver: That bike is about a 3.4 on the C&V scale. It is a good quality mid-level bike from that era. Decent components, good double butted Cro-Mo frame.
asker: Ok, but what's it worth?
C&Ver: It is a 3.4 on the C&V scale.
asker: What should I list for on Craigslist?
C&Ver: It is a 3.4 on the C&V scale.
C&Ver: That bike is about a 3.4 on the C&V scale. It is a good quality mid-level bike from that era. Decent components, good double butted Cro-Mo frame.
asker: Ok, but what's it worth?
C&Ver: It is a 3.4 on the C&V scale.
asker: What should I list for on Craigslist?
C&Ver: It is a 3.4 on the C&V scale.
05-30-08, 11:01 PM
#45
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 444
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
it's surprising to me the topic of bicycle value would cause people to lose their composure and be unfriendly to one another. who would've thunk it?
05-30-08, 11:01 PM
#46
www.theheadbadge.com
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Southern Florida
Posts: 28,513
Bikes: https://www.theheadbadge.com
Mentioned: 124 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2422 Post(s)
Liked 4,395 Times
in
2,092 Posts
Time to tell XE.com to update their currency conversion tables for the new CVSV (Classic & Vintage Scale-Based Value) monetary denomination
-Kurt
-Kurt
__________________
05-31-08, 12:31 AM
#47
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 173
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
What about those of us who have a bike they don't need, have done research to find out what their bike is worth, and can't find anything?
What should we do?
Price high and hope for the best?
I mean, no disrespect, I can see how it can get irritating, but what else should we do? We search on the internet for a spot where we can get good information from knowledgeable people, and we find it (BF) and then we get turned away and scoffed at for asking questions.
What other option is there?
Personally, I'm not going to get turned away, I love old bikes too much! I made one of those threads myself too!
I'm just saying that maybe this is a little harsh.
What should we do?
Price high and hope for the best?
I mean, no disrespect, I can see how it can get irritating, but what else should we do? We search on the internet for a spot where we can get good information from knowledgeable people, and we find it (BF) and then we get turned away and scoffed at for asking questions.
What other option is there?
Personally, I'm not going to get turned away, I love old bikes too much! I made one of those threads myself too!
I'm just saying that maybe this is a little harsh.
Last edited by thadcombs; 05-31-08 at 12:35 AM.
05-31-08, 02:47 AM
#48
SNARKY MEMBER
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: South Austin
Posts: 2,829
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
What about those of us who have a bike they don't need, have done research to find out what their bike is worth, and can't find anything?
What should we do?
Price high and hope for the best?
I mean, no disrespect, I can see how it can get irritating, but what else should we do? We search on the internet for a spot where we can get good information from knowledgeable people, and we find it (BF) and then we get turned away and scoffed at for asking questions.
What other option is there?
Personally, I'm not going to get turned away, I love old bikes too much! I made one of those threads myself too!
I'm just saying that maybe this is a little harsh.
What should we do?
Price high and hope for the best?
I mean, no disrespect, I can see how it can get irritating, but what else should we do? We search on the internet for a spot where we can get good information from knowledgeable people, and we find it (BF) and then we get turned away and scoffed at for asking questions.
What other option is there?
Personally, I'm not going to get turned away, I love old bikes too much! I made one of those threads myself too!
I'm just saying that maybe this is a little harsh.
05-31-08, 05:34 AM
#49
Unique Vintage Steel
Oh, for the record, no more C&V stickies will be added. We have more than enough at the moment. I'm going to talk to Lotek and see how best to try to combine a couple we have to try to slim it some. Off for my Saturday ride.
05-31-08, 05:42 AM
#50
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 601
Bikes: 1982 Schwinn Super Sport S/P, 1984 Miyata 610, 1985 Panasonic LX 1000, Centurion Pro Tour 15 1983
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
2 Posts
What about those of us who have a bike they don't need, have done research to find out what their bike is worth, and can't find anything?
What should we do?
Price high and hope for the best?
I mean, no disrespect, I can see how it can get irritating, but what else should we do? We search on the internet for a spot where we can get good information from knowledgeable people, and we find it (BF) and then we get turned away and scoffed at for asking questions.
What other option is there?
Personally, I'm not going to get turned away, I love old bikes too much! I made one of those threads myself too!
I'm just saying that maybe this is a little harsh.
What should we do?
Price high and hope for the best?
I mean, no disrespect, I can see how it can get irritating, but what else should we do? We search on the internet for a spot where we can get good information from knowledgeable people, and we find it (BF) and then we get turned away and scoffed at for asking questions.
What other option is there?
Personally, I'm not going to get turned away, I love old bikes too much! I made one of those threads myself too!
I'm just saying that maybe this is a little harsh.
It might look like this...
'I came by this bike...'
'But because..........It's now time to sell'
'Because my garage is already too full with these other bikes I love even more....pix...pix....pix.'
'It's in perfect shape....pix...except for...pix...and...more pix'
'I found these past sales on eBay...pix...links...pix....prices.'
'And I found these original catalog pages by googling bikeforums.net. here are the links...'
'Anyway--I would guess I could expect about....on ebay. Any opinions?'
'But I prefer to sell on CL here in ...home town....Any opinions on value?'
'Many thanks!'