Originally Posted by
T-Mar
My experience indicate resale value would probably be poor. Value in the bicycle market seems to be driven by drive by prestige, quality and rarity, in that order. Very few people have heard of Cambio Rino and consequently there is little prestige associated with them. This is compounded by the fact that they used their own components rather than Campagnolo. Generally, cyclists associate the quality of the frame with the tubing and/or level of components on it. Since the components have no readily associated reputation, they draw down the value. Now rarity is the one thing Cambio Rino does have, but it's not enough. It may interest a former owner of one or collector of oddballs, but most people will pass them over.
Sadly you are right. However, I own an original from Italy Cambio Rino track bike. With the increasing popularity of singlespeeds, I think this ride's value has nowhere to go but up.
It is in mint condition (has only seen a velodrome, little mileage, never seen dirt or rain), paint is red and original with almost no scratches. Components are all original (a mix of Gipiemme, 3ttt, Vittoria, and Cambio Rino). Tubing is the strongest and stiffest that came out of a Columbus factory back then (Zeta, not their thinnest but stiff as hell - what a strong rider loves), and it has a nice chromed fork with Columbus cast semi-sloping fork crown, Columbus fork blades. Quite a ride, I can tell you. I valuate it at $2000, because it's in mint condition and is one of the italian originals, not a fake canadian knock-off. Of course, you can get a brand new track bike for the same price... but I prefer to look at it the other way around: for the same price as a new bike, you can get an original, hand crafted, italian bike, that is in new condition. The choice for me is easy.