Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 538
Bikes: Trek 400 Elance, Losa Winner, 1994 Schwinn Paramount, Specialized Tarmac Pro, Miele SLX, Ibis Ripley, Colnago Oval CX, 84 Masi GC, 1986 Schwinn Voyageur, 1988 Schwinn Tempo, 1998 Schwinn Peloton, 1991 Paramount Ser3
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The 80's Panasonic, Trek, Univega, Specialized, etc.. early MTB are very nice bikes. I would put slick treads on one and take off on a long tour in a second, but would not consider doing that on ANY walmart bike. They are sometimes beautifully built frames with very nice parts by Suntour and Shimano, like Dearhead or Mountech stuff. I get what you mean by how technology moves on, but really to say a vintage 1985 Bridgestone MB1 doesn't stack up to a walmart mongoose is like saying a 1985 Bridgstone RB1 doesn't stack up to one of those crappy GMC "roadbikes" you see around.
On the original question, I think two things are going on here. We want them because they ARE really nice, beautiful, simple bikes that ride great, and some of these prices are over inflated. If I wanted that Panasonic, I'd consider up to about 200.00. I only rated a 5 speed Hunter 26" wheel cruiser in 85, but I mountain biked with a guy who had a Stumpjumper. If I saw a bike like that pop up on CL I'd have to want it!