I've got two road bikes, both old Raleighs, one of which I put over $1000 in new parts into, and the other I put about $700 in new parts on. If I were to have put either on Craigslist the very day I finished fixing them up, I doubt I could get half of my investment out of either.

Some bike shops seem to thrive fixing up old bikes. How do they do it? Do they cut corners in some way? I know they get better prices as dealers, but still... I don't see it.