Originally Posted by
Kommisar89
This argument has gone on for as long as I can remember. While there is always the lucky find for $20 or even for free, I kept records of the sale prices of Bottecchias on eBay from Spring of 2008 to Summer of 2010. The prices for the Special model vary significantly with complete bikes going anywhere from $100 - $330 depending on condition with $125 about average. Frame are harder to say because most people don't bother striping a Special frame for sale separately. The one's I did see went for $50 - $125 or so. The purchase of some of these lower end to mid-range bikes is often driven by found memories of what the purchaser rode as a teenager or young adult more than it functional capabilities which is, I suspect, why they often go for higher prices than what some of the knowledgeable folks on the forum believe they should fetch.
That's why being patient and looking at local craigslist is the way to go. Ebay isn't cost-effective, unless you have your heart set on one particular bike. If all you want is a nice low to mid range vintage 10 speed, you'll find complete bikes in much better condition on most craigslist sites for $50-$150 on a regular basis. I'd rather buy a turnkey bike at that price
Plus, I don't sense that the OP has a particular affinity for Bottecchia, or that this purchase is based on nostaligia. Bottecchia is not a particularly highly-sought after brand to begin with. And to restate the obvious, the bike in the original post doesn't even have wheels or a rear D, and is in so so condition.