What can I expect to pay for a vintage set of randonneur bars?
12-23-16, 02:16 PM
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What can I expect to pay for a vintage set of randonneur bars?
Hi everyone,
Looking for a set of randonneur bars to put on my Elite GT 15 which has slightly bent original bars. What should I be expecting to pay?
New ones on EBay are approx $40. I feel like a set of vintage ones should pop up for cheaper than that right? Just not seeing any on Ebay and my local bike co-op didn't have any and said they don't see them that often. Are these harder to come by than I think?
Thanks for any info!
Looking for a set of randonneur bars to put on my Elite GT 15 which has slightly bent original bars. What should I be expecting to pay?
New ones on EBay are approx $40. I feel like a set of vintage ones should pop up for cheaper than that right? Just not seeing any on Ebay and my local bike co-op didn't have any and said they don't see them that often. Are these harder to come by than I think?
Thanks for any info!
12-23-16, 02:30 PM
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That does seem a bit pricey unless they are in pristine condition. Velo Orange sells their Grand Cru randos for $50.
12-23-16, 02:35 PM
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I don't think you're going to find them easily in the used market. Judging from what I see at bike swaps, I just don't see them that often.
I've outfitted at least four or five personal bikes with Nitto B-135's. I bought a whole bunch of them in bulk a few years ago, don't remember what I paid. I especially like them with brifters or barcons and on my folding bikes.
If you're patient, you can wait for a 70's bike that came with them standard - a bunch of Schwinns fall into this category like the LeTour - and then strip and replace with something else. But if your target is to spend less than $40, you might have a long wait.
I've outfitted at least four or five personal bikes with Nitto B-135's. I bought a whole bunch of them in bulk a few years ago, don't remember what I paid. I especially like them with brifters or barcons and on my folding bikes.
If you're patient, you can wait for a 70's bike that came with them standard - a bunch of Schwinns fall into this category like the LeTour - and then strip and replace with something else. But if your target is to spend less than $40, you might have a long wait.
12-23-16, 02:36 PM
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Nitto bars are so good, I'd just buy one. This is not a piece of gear that you want to fail on you; buy a new one.
12-23-16, 04:05 PM
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I feel like a set of vintage ones should pop up for cheaper than that right?
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12-23-16, 04:08 PM
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I'm not sure if I've seen randonneur bars at the local co-op. Are those with the wide flattened drops?
I did snag a couple of flat top aero drop bars at the co-op a couple of days ago, and they seem to show up from time to time.
I did snag a couple of flat top aero drop bars at the co-op a couple of days ago, and they seem to show up from time to time.
12-23-16, 04:48 PM
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do you have a picture of these bars?
I have some Schwinns with bent frames which I bought them for parts.
Maybe I can help you.
I have some Schwinns with bent frames which I bought them for parts.
Maybe I can help you.
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12-23-16, 04:50 PM
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I have a couple sets I could let go. I'll get some pics in the morning.
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12-23-16, 04:57 PM
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They look like these pics.
As for price a nice vintage steel set will run you around $35-50 shipped the shipping on bars just kills the price if you get them from an individual off Ebay or here on forums, you can get the new Nittos or Somas for $40-60 shipped.
As for price a nice vintage steel set will run you around $35-50 shipped the shipping on bars just kills the price if you get them from an individual off Ebay or here on forums, you can get the new Nittos or Somas for $40-60 shipped.
12-23-16, 05:08 PM
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Rando bars were never terribly popular, and those that were bought were more likely to have been 'rode to death'. I never buy used bars; too risky.
12-23-16, 05:15 PM
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Thanks.
They are on the Le Tour, but I think those are not steel, but aluminum something.
I have some laying around.
Should be SR brand?
They are on the Le Tour, but I think those are not steel, but aluminum something.
I have some laying around.
Should be SR brand?
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12-24-16, 02:36 AM
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All my local co-ops and used stores have stacks of the old SR Rando bars, and usually a couple Nittos for $5-10 each. I love em but they are often very narrow, which can be a little weird before you get used to them.
12-26-16, 04:21 PM
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First off, I wanted to thank everyone for their responses to my inquiry. You've been informative and helpful as always. I was out of town for the holidays so just reading them for the first time now. If anyone does have a set that they're willing to let go of please message me and maybe we could work something out. If not, no worries!
If I don't hear from anyone in the next week or so I'll most likely pull the trigger on a set of Nitto B135's based off of the recommendations I've heard here. Thanks again for all the info!
Best,
If I don't hear from anyone in the next week or so I'll most likely pull the trigger on a set of Nitto B135's based off of the recommendations I've heard here. Thanks again for all the info!
Best,
12-26-16, 09:41 PM
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First off, I wanted to thank everyone for their responses to my inquiry. You've been informative and helpful as always. I was out of town for the holidays so just reading them for the first time now. If anyone does have a set that they're willing to let go of please message me and maybe we could work something out. If not, no worries!
If I don't hear from anyone in the next week or so I'll most likely pull the trigger on a set of Nitto B135's based off of the recommendations I've heard here. Thanks again for all the info!
Best,
If I don't hear from anyone in the next week or so I'll most likely pull the trigger on a set of Nitto B135's based off of the recommendations I've heard here. Thanks again for all the info!
Best,
A 44cm rando bar is effectively 38.5cm wide from ramo to ramp.
...the only brand which doesnt measure this way is salsa, at least thst i know of.
12-27-16, 05:23 AM
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Highly recommend the Nitto B-135's. If your patient on ebay you can usually find them lightly used in the $35-$45 range
12-27-16, 07:36 AM
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If you're going to ride the bike, don't buy a used bar, unless it's steel.
Another nice new bar that randonneurs were fond of is the Cinelli 64 - rando riders called it The Dream Bar back in the day.
Another nice new bar that randonneurs were fond of is the Cinelli 64 - rando riders called it The Dream Bar back in the day.
12-27-16, 11:08 AM
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Temporarily out of lurk mode on this one
Have you sold much on eBay? Do you understand their fee structure? For those that might not, when you sell stuff on eBay, the fees are not only charged on the selling price, but the same fees apply to shipping. On an item with relatively high shipping as a percentage of sales price, sellers get squeezed, really squeezed.
On a $25 set of handlebars, I might end up paying $7 or more in fees. Add the risk that the buyers wins all complaints, time spent packing, yadda, yadda, and its not worth the trouble IMHO. So I either price them higher, or sell through other means. Marking up shipping doesn't work in my case, as I risk getting flamed on the detailed seller ratings, costing me top rated seller status.
As far as the dangers or used bars, check the number of WTB and for sale threads on this forum of used Cinelli bars. Myself, I only use used bars. Sure, I inspect them closely first and put the damaged one in the recycle bin. Realize that most bikes are rarely ridden. So a 40 year old bike may have limited to little wear.
Find a co-op, around here, bars can be had for $10 or less.
Have you sold much on eBay? Do you understand their fee structure? For those that might not, when you sell stuff on eBay, the fees are not only charged on the selling price, but the same fees apply to shipping. On an item with relatively high shipping as a percentage of sales price, sellers get squeezed, really squeezed.
On a $25 set of handlebars, I might end up paying $7 or more in fees. Add the risk that the buyers wins all complaints, time spent packing, yadda, yadda, and its not worth the trouble IMHO. So I either price them higher, or sell through other means. Marking up shipping doesn't work in my case, as I risk getting flamed on the detailed seller ratings, costing me top rated seller status.
As far as the dangers or used bars, check the number of WTB and for sale threads on this forum of used Cinelli bars. Myself, I only use used bars. Sure, I inspect them closely first and put the damaged one in the recycle bin. Realize that most bikes are rarely ridden. So a 40 year old bike may have limited to little wear.
Find a co-op, around here, bars can be had for $10 or less.
12-27-16, 01:28 PM
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Used bars can be completely safe and to make a blanket statement that they arent is irresponsible. Handlebars, like every other component, should be looked at before and periodically after use.
12-27-16, 02:00 PM
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Unless you know the specific history of a used aluminum handlebar, it's a lot smarter to buy new.
If a rando is really ridden, the bars can get a lot of stress.
An unknown vintage bar should be right out.
I rode a few miles on a TA crank that broke the left arm - purchased on ebay.
Irresponsible is the opening premise of this thread - can I get a vintage randonneur bar cheaper than a $40 new one?
Buying a new $40 handlebar for a bike you're going to ride is a no-brainer.
If a rando is really ridden, the bars can get a lot of stress.
An unknown vintage bar should be right out.
I rode a few miles on a TA crank that broke the left arm - purchased on ebay.
Irresponsible is the opening premise of this thread - can I get a vintage randonneur bar cheaper than a $40 new one?
Buying a new $40 handlebar for a bike you're going to ride is a no-brainer.
Last edited by bulldog1935; 12-27-16 at 02:05 PM.
12-27-16, 02:09 PM
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12-27-16, 05:29 PM
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Here's a GB Randonneur bar for $20 including shipping: OEM Circa 1970 Vintage Schwinn Alloy 10 Speed Drop Handlebar Continental Varsity | eBay
12-28-16, 01:00 AM
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I am truly sorry for posting such an irresponsible thread. I hope everyone will be okay
