Originally Posted by
BengeBoy
My rough rule of thumb is that a moderately used, custom-made complete steel or Ti bike ought to cost right around the price of a brand new custom frameset.
A brand-new Indy Fab frame + fork is around $2,200. In my opinion, that's what the bike you've described is worth, give or take a few hundred dollars. Just to clarify, I'm saying a used "complete" bike is usually obtainable for the price of a new frameset *only.*
In fact, last fall I was going back and forth w/a local guy here in Seattle who had an Indy Fab my size -- about 5 years old -- for $1600 (complete bike). Frame was in great shape -- some of the components were great; some were tired. In other words, typical for a nicely cared for custom bike w/some miles on it. I've seen others in that price range as well.
$4500 for a 3-year-old Indy Fab with "battle scars" from "racing" is way overpriced, IMHO.
This is basically what I believed. To clarify, the frame and fork on this model is a little over 3000. The seller is obviously putting a substantial value on the wheels, but the way I ride, the wheels are really of limited value to me, and in fact, would not be on a build which I did.
I've decided not to go with the purchase. It's a bit of a leap for me to pay 4500 for a scratched up 3 year old bike. I'll go for a custom build later.
Thanks for everyone's comments.