Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,639
Likes: 1,106
From: Mans of NC & SW UT Desert
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
Step 1: Check out bike shops and qualify one where they have interest (and parts) for vintage bikes. Most shops around here don't want to mess with them.
I don't randomly visit shops if I am looking for something in particular. Now I will stop in a a shop if it is convenient, see if they have anything laying around, odd parts or whatever.
If that shop was a Performance Bicycle shop, I am surprised, as Performance stocks and sells a couple of different versions of 27 inch tires. Sounds like the sales person was a nitwit.
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Please don't confuse ebay "asking" prices with "selling" prices. Many sellers never get their ask price. some are far from it. Value is determined once an item actually SELLS. Its easy enough to check SOLD prices.