glenn0374

I am new to this forum. I live in Georgia, Northeast of Atlanta. I want to get some info on these two bikes that my grandfather has had in his basement for several years. He has a white Astra/Tour de France/Belle de Paris women's bike and a green Superia/Tour de Liege. Both bikes seem to be free of any rust. They are fairly heavy steel framed bikes. I don't know anything about them. Is there anyone that can fill me in on the history of this type of bike. And maybe how much he could get if he sells them? I have included a few pics of the bikes. Thanks.

wrk101

Cottered cranks, steel rims, heavy steel frames = entry level.

The mixte should bring more, it really depends on your preparation and marketing skills. As is with minimal marketing = $50 each.

glenn0374

Thanks for the info. I'll clean them up a bit and get them in riding shape as best I can.

randyjawa 

I agree with wrk101 when he suggests the the bikes are both of entry level quality. A $50.00 value each is not far off of the mark, either, depending on your location. Determining Vintage Bicycle Value is a tricky business and, believe it or not, where the bikes are located will have a lot to do with their value.

Again, I agree with wrk101 when he suggests that the Mixte will fetch more than the other bicycle. Mixte bicycles are quite popular in many markets, while bottom of the line men's bikes rarely attract much attention.

Be careful when investing money and time, when getting the bikes road worthy. You could easily spend $50+ per bike and get nothing extra, when it comes time to sell. Clean them up, yes. Adjust what you can to get the bike shifting and stopping well, but don't start spending money to accomplish either. Doing so might prove to be a waste.

glenn0374

Thanks for the info. I think these bikes have been hanging up inside for 20+ years. I'll probably advertise them locally and see what kind of interest they generate. Not expecting any more than what you have told me. Thanks again for your input randyjawa and wrk101.

10speedterror

I think the men's bicycle could attract some attention being so small it would be a good fit for a lot of girls the full fenders and rear rack are also nice selling points I've had some luck with, the paint also looks pretty nice because who wants an ugly bike! Also the upright bars may be attractive to a young lady I think you could get 100 for either in a college town/city but it may take a little paitence

non-fixie 

Superia is a well-known Belgian brand. Even Eddy Merckx rode for Superia early on in his career. You should be able to get some mileage out of that, pricewise. Move the saddle up and back a little and the bike will look a lot better already.

dbakl

I believe Astra was a brand made by Motobecane: I've only seen low end ones. Superia, I know nothing.

juvela

dbakl spot on.

Astra is one of Motobecane's badges. Two of the others are Orly and Dynamax. They also did bikes for department store chains.

Eddie M. rode for Superia as a teenager. I have a souvenier photo of him in a Superia jersey. He looks to be about seventeen years old.