Originally Posted by
rsterman
This is a bike that was just given to me by a friend. It has probably not been ridden more than 100 hours. It has all original equipment, and everything is in working order. All I have done is clean, shine, and lubricate he bike. I am now stockpiling parts that may or may never need replacing. I plan to ride this bike for a long time. I will never sell this bike, but I need a reasonable idea of its value so I can determine how much to sink into inventory to keep it running smoothly over the years. I think it probably cost around $150-160 originally. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Rsterman
It appears to be a low end bike in excellent condition... Stockpile nothing.
The steel handlebars, steel DEA or Rigida SuperChromix rims, plastic Simplex gear levers, and what appear to be stamped mild steel rear drops are a give-away. Steel cottered Nervar cranks... Decent enough stuff but heavy.
Seriously: The Mafac brake
pads will have lost their ability to grip after all these years and should be replaced. You will put fresh grease into the wheel and crank bearings, throw on a set of new tires (or not) and ride it. The lack of paint fade indicates that it has obviously been stored indoors - so the Kenda Super HP tires should still be more or less OK. Don't over-inflate the front or you will get a real buzz up through the front forks.
Keep it running smoothly over the years ?? Decades you should say.
The bike has what appear to be nice Normandy alloy hubs and unless the bearings have been maladjusted they should require nothing but fresh grease every 5 to 10 years of moderate biking. Even if they are steel, if properly maintained and not abused they will outlast your need of them.
If the bike has been used as little as you say, and stored well, it is probably as good now as it was when it was made - and, with a modicum of maintenance (and a new seat) will likely give good service for anywhere from 3 to 5 more decades if you don't lend it and don't let you kids use it.
Binky