Question about selling high end vintage bike
11-20-14, 05:19 PM
#26
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I like when a guy shows up and ask for a test ride and then leaves his girlfriend with me... Usually it's the money side that has trust issues.
11-20-14, 05:24 PM
#27
Banned.
I think things usually sell for fair market on eBay, given the fees, unless you spell something wrong. If it's in good enough condition and the seller communicates freely, feedback isn't really an issue.
11-20-14, 05:30 PM
#28
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I haven't sold anything on ebay for many, many years.
I am going to try my hand after going through the normal outlets first.
11-20-14, 07:07 PM
#29
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One issue with ebay - and I'm a very knowledgeable ebay seller - but admittedly NOT in bicycles and related bicycle accessories - is that in many product categories, and I certainly expect bicycles to be such a category - the buyers are often more knowledgeable than the sellers ON AVERAGE. And many of these knowledgeable buyers spend a lot of time looking for buried treasure being unwittingly sold by these less knowledgeable sellers. There is also, of course, a bunch of buyers looking for accurately described high value items being sold by knowledgeable sellers - but that is, I believe, less common than the former - and the only reason the buyers are buying on ebay is that nowadays, they have to to get those rare and highly desired valuable but scarce items, because ebay has basically replaced most other secondary market venues that used to exist.
11-20-14, 07:11 PM
#30
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You can take a look at some pics HERE. I have to say that I have toyed with selling it for over five years and am not really sure I can go through with it. I bought it new from Mimi Milano at his shop in Naples so it has some provenance (Mimi's father was active in the cycling scene in Campania way back in the 30's, and his sons still operate the shop). It also has a lot of nostalgic value to me. I covered many miles in southern Italy on it.
In any case, it's a 56 cm frame, Saronni red, with 50th anniversary Campy Gruppo. How much would you think it could sell for?
I am hesitant about Ebay because of the horror stories about dealing with flaky of dishonest buyers. But I may consider it. I figured that I would try CL because this area (NC Triangle area) is quite active and it is free.
Thanks for the advice on test rides. The idea made me uncomfortable but I was thinking that it was too arrogant to not let a buyer ride.
Thanks
In any case, it's a 56 cm frame, Saronni red, with 50th anniversary Campy Gruppo. How much would you think it could sell for?
I am hesitant about Ebay because of the horror stories about dealing with flaky of dishonest buyers. But I may consider it. I figured that I would try CL because this area (NC Triangle area) is quite active and it is free.
Thanks for the advice on test rides. The idea made me uncomfortable but I was thinking that it was too arrogant to not let a buyer ride.
Thanks
Last edited by Matariki; 11-21-14 at 06:15 AM. Reason: Fix link
11-21-14, 07:15 AM
#34
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You can take a look at some pics HERE. I have to say that I have toyed with selling it for over five years and am not really sure I can go through with it. I bought it new from Mimi Milano at his shop in Naples so it has some provenance (Mimi's father was active in the cycling scene in Campania way back in the 30's, and his sons still operate the shop). It also has a lot of nostalgic value to me. I covered many miles in southern Italy on it.
In any case, it's a 56 cm frame, Saronni red, with 50th anniversary Campy Gruppo. How much would you think it could sell for?
I am hesitant about Ebay because of the horror stories about dealing with flaky of dishonest buyers. But I may consider it. I figured that I would try CL because this area (NC Triangle area) is quite active and it is free.
Thanks for the advice on test rides. The idea made me uncomfortable but I was thinking that it was too arrogant to not let a buyer ride.
Thanks
In any case, it's a 56 cm frame, Saronni red, with 50th anniversary Campy Gruppo. How much would you think it could sell for?
I am hesitant about Ebay because of the horror stories about dealing with flaky of dishonest buyers. But I may consider it. I figured that I would try CL because this area (NC Triangle area) is quite active and it is free.
Thanks for the advice on test rides. The idea made me uncomfortable but I was thinking that it was too arrogant to not let a buyer ride.
Thanks
I can't remember selling a single bike on CL that wasn't test ridden, but I usually have placed the higher priced stuff on eBay. Were it mine, I'd have let them test ride it if they were a serious buyer. I don't think it's a weird request at any rate.
50th groups can sell for a fair bit of coin, but they usually have more value off of the bike. The parts value is probably about the same as the complete value. A 50th group in good shape, ridden, is probably worth around 2000ish. I would guess that's about the value of the bike whole as well. I've seen similar bikes on eBay at higher numbers, but they sit. Maybe top of the market at $3,000. You'll need better photos, and more of them.
I wouldn't even waste my time trying to sell this on CL; people buying high zoot stuff on CL want it at deep discount. We know there's far less demand and we aren't getting eBay protection with the buy. If you don't want to do eBay, try the a classic vintage auction site...or the c/r list.
11-21-14, 07:47 AM
#35
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I agree with KonAaron Snake, the 50th group does change the calculus. Forget CL. You could try eBay whole but the sad truth is the group will be worth more than the whole bike built up. John Baron of velostuf lamented this truth long ago but that is very often how it goes. There are exceptions, but they are few. Also, shipping parts and a frame is always easier than a complete bike, less worry too.
I have a number of bikes that fall into this category. One has the first release Campagnolo "no name" side pulls, just how things are it would be mo re money to sell it apart.
I have a number of bikes that fall into this category. One has the first release Campagnolo "no name" side pulls, just how things are it would be mo re money to sell it apart.
11-21-14, 09:43 AM
#36
Senior Member
the 50th group does change the calculus
11-21-14, 10:08 AM
#37
The Left Coast, USA
I am thinking about selling my 83 Colnago Super. It is nicely cleaned up and on display in my home shop. I haven't ridden it in a while, primarily because I know if I do, I will end up putting a lot of more miles on it and then have to go through the cleanup process over again (not that I won't enjoy both endeavors). In any case, I'd like to put an advert on CL for a local sale. My question to the group is how to arrange for a prospective buyer to take a test ride. My preference would be that a knowledgeable collector would come over, take a look, and then fork over the cash. I expect, however, that they will want to go for a spin and I have a few reservations. First, the tires are original to the bike and are not reasonably serviceable. I could glue on a pair of older cheap training tires I have laying around; however that would mean more work for the buyer who would most likely replace them. The other worry is the potential for damage during the test ride or worse, a outright theft. Assuming I allow a test ride, what should I do to ensure that I am protected against loss? Ask for a deposit?
I am sure there is some experience here and will be thankful for any advice.
I am sure there is some experience here and will be thankful for any advice.
11-21-14, 10:19 AM
#38
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I've done very well in the mid-range, quality commuter niche on craigslist. I'm talking about the $300 - $600 quality Japanese/Trek bike that is usually being bought by someone who understands bikes and why they want what you're selling. It's the person who might prefer steel and lugs, or who wants quality, but doesn't want to pay new prices at the LBS. Such people show up on time, are usually respectful and are quite easy to deal with. I'd even say that part of the appeal in flipping the occasional bike is meeting people like that - they're usually high quality people who I enjoy spending a half hour with. Often I see them riding in town afterwards, and I have a riding partner for a few miles, or maybe just blocks.
It's the $125 World Sport buyers that flake - and they do so because they are only after price and they cast out their tentacles. They want to see your Varsity, but their uncle also just told them they saw Next on sale at Target. That's the demographic I won't deal with.
It's the $125 World Sport buyers that flake - and they do so because they are only after price and they cast out their tentacles. They want to see your Varsity, but their uncle also just told them they saw Next on sale at Target. That's the demographic I won't deal with.
11-21-14, 11:17 AM
#39
Banned.
FWIW, I was in negotiations for a bike I really wanted that had 50th Anniv. I did not want the 50th stuff and the deal never came to fruition. I believe the owner still has the bike, and cannot get what he wants out of it. If you have the case for the 50th, and it is a low serial number, you may get fair value, otherwise it is worth more parted out.
JMO
JMO
11-21-14, 11:36 AM
#40
Senior Member
There was a Colnago Super with the 50th group on it that sat on the Boston cl for months at $3000, I don't know if it eventually sold, however. I thought about putting in an offer but only because it was my size.
11-21-14, 06:26 PM
#41
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$3,999 'Buy Now' w/ FREE shipping to the Continental U.S. If it doesn't sell in 30 days re-list it. And keep re-listing until the first nice weekend after Easter.
11-21-14, 06:54 PM
#42
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I'm quite blown away by the idea of getting more out of it by parting out the gruppo separately. I think the anniversary gruppo is neat, but I was never really awed by it - it's what the bike came with and it did not add much to the price, if anything. I think part of the hesitancy to ride the bike was my growing awareness of the collectability of the gruppo. I didn't want to add wear or other damage and so the bike hung on the wall. So I can part it out and keep the frame and fork, then build it into a more usable vintage bike. What's not to like here?
If I do put the 50th anniversary set on eBay, would it work out more profitable to offer as a complete set, or individual pieces? I saw some completed listings for the crank dust caps for a few hundred - crazy!
I really appreciate all the advice.
If I do put the 50th anniversary set on eBay, would it work out more profitable to offer as a complete set, or individual pieces? I saw some completed listings for the crank dust caps for a few hundred - crazy!
I really appreciate all the advice.
11-21-14, 07:13 PM
#44
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I'm quite blown away by the idea of getting more out of it by parting out the gruppo separately. I think the anniversary gruppo is neat, but I was never really awed by it - it's what the bike came with and it did not add much to the price, if anything. I think part of the hesitancy to ride the bike was my growing awareness of the collectability of the gruppo. I didn't want to add wear or other damage and so the bike hung on the wall. So I can part it out and keep the frame and fork, then build it into a more usable vintage bike. What's not to like here?
If I do put the 50th anniversary set on eBay, would it work out more profitable to offer as a complete set, or individual pieces? I saw some completed listings for the crank dust caps for a few hundred - crazy!
I really appreciate all the advice.
If I do put the 50th anniversary set on eBay, would it work out more profitable to offer as a complete set, or individual pieces? I saw some completed listings for the crank dust caps for a few hundred - crazy!
I really appreciate all the advice.
11-21-14, 09:58 PM
#45
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I always try to sell my groups complete first. 1 ad, 1 box.
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