CharlesTBetz

I have recently inherited 6 bikes, 5 vintage and 1 modern. I need assistance in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area with appraising and selling. There are:

2 Chris Kvales (year unknown) - Shimano
1 Schwinn Paramount, 1974, all original I think (Campy)
1 Super-Mondia (Campy)
1 Fuji CCR1
1 unknown custom frame of apparently high quality.

All have seen real road time, but were well maintained. For what it's worth, they were owned by my late stepfather Jim Johnson, the original tool designer for Park Tool and inventor of the ubiquitous Park Tool clamping bike stand. (Some were my mom's.) So there is a small historical notability angle.

Any advice on what to do with a lot of this nature & size much appreciated. I am conscious of the money value of my time, but don't just want to liquidate them at wholesale prices either. Would like to know they are going to people who will love them. Am willing to invest reasonable time in cleaning them and taking more detailed pictures and measurements, and am willing to ship them.

Feel free also to contact me privately if you think you could help. (I think I set up my account correctly.) Especially interested in working with anyone local to the east metro of the Twin Cities.

I hope this inquiry is in keeping with guidelines for this forum. This is not an offer.

Respectfully,

Charles Betz

daf1009

Charles

Hi...and welcome to the Bike Forums...

You have a nice collection there...I would advise taking your time with this...do not hurry...gather information and then make the deals.

To get the most from this forum (and it will be a lot!)...take really good pictures of each bike individually...and...be sure to show details (i.e. take pictures from the drive side...where the gearing is...)...include pictures of the components (i.e. the cranks, derailleurs, etc).

Also...I would probably, instead of having this one "big" thread...do an individual thread for each bike...it would keep your information where you can easily access it and you could add pictures for each bike.

While working with someone in the local market is a good idea...I would also utilize this forum...you get a broader array of opinions and information. Then you can decide for yourself, maybe with the help of the local expert.

I look forward to seeing the pictures and watching as you work through this...good luck!

xiaoman1 

OP,
I would post pics and not do any cleaning or adjusting until you get better advice on what you have...cleaning no matter how well meaning can hurt the value of the bikes to those that like to tinker.
You mentioned they all have seen road time so I assume they are not trailer queens and will need work..pics required.
Best. Ben

nesteel 

Disagree. A good sympathetic cleaning is essential to getting any decent money.

oddjob2

It's well worth the $12 or so for subscription here, no ads and a forum for selling too.

CharlesTBetz

Thanks all. I realize that cleaning certain kinds of collectibles like coins is disastrous but my gut feel is that bikes are different, it's not like I'm going to scrub them with a Brillo pad or something. That said, recommendations/pointers for safe cleaning would be appreciated.

tmh657

Simple Green for components. And what size are the Kvales? I REALLY need one.

oddjob2

NOT Simple Green, it can discolor aluminum and then you are SOL.

Dawn Detergent.

xiaoman1 

The operative word is "sympathetic"...I have seen many well-meaning cleanings go awry with the use of steel wool on chrome (I would never use SW on chrome), wiping down a dirty bike dry and leaving a more marred finish than the bike had before it was "prepped" for sale.

So, I agree if cleaning is done the right way it is fine.....

Wash/rinse bike first to remove debris then Dawn dish washing soap and if needed by HS and BB infants toothbrush or natural bristle paint brush with Dawn to help remove any built-up grease. Steel is harder than chrome plating so I would not recommend the use of steel wool (no matter how fine or what lubricant is used) on the chrome if the is any rust.
As mentioned some cleaners will remove anodizing from aluminum and render an uneven finish.

Otherwise, my preference is to clean it myself.
Regards, Ben

Kevindale

Agree with everything daf1009 said. Also agree that a gentle cleaning is worthwhile. There are lots of threads here on cleaning; click on the 'search' button to get the full search page, and select 'show results as posts' and 'search in fourms: Classic & Vintage' and you'll get hours of reading.
@gomango is, I think, local to you, and has owned Kvales and many other amazing bikes, and might be able to help you sort things out. That's a cool list of bikes, and a great history.

gomango

Hi Charles.

Welcome to the forum.

Happy to help.

I've owned four alternate examples of brands on your list including Chris Kvales.

I currently have a CK frameset that I am also putting up for sale and a super nice sport tourer that will be refinished one of these days.

Just let me know. I'm in St. Paul btw.

Mac-Groveland area if that makes it easier.

ramzilla

Charles, start with dish soap + water & a sponge. Easy does it. Auto body wax polish on paint & chrome. I think it's easier if you just strip the whole bike down, clean & lube all the parts, & put it back together again. Base price for Paramounts in fine condition is around $1000.

tmh657

Hmmm. Never had any issues but good to know. I am not usually cleaning vintage Super Record brakes, something WAY down the line from that.

toavii

I've sent you my email if any help is needed. Also in the metro.

StarBiker

Depends if it's cut, or not.

Soap, and water.

xiaoman1 

So Far a lot of chatting....no response from the OP.....when will you post some pics (it would be nice to see what you need help with) or have you been inundated with so many PM'S you don't have time to share what you have or are asking about?
Regards, Ben

gomango

I think Cole/Toavii is going to help him.

xiaoman1 

gomango,
Thanks for the update...too often folks start threads and we never hear back from them, it would still be nice to see some pics of the OP's bikes...perhaps after others have helped him he will post some.
Best, Ben

rjhammett

I will give you $375 for the five vintage bikes. Just kidding. I too am in St.Paul. Grady (Gomango) is the expert in this area. I would love to see pictures of them.

gomango

Heh, that's my line.

Think I saw you riding that sweet Centurion the other day. I was at GP distracting the mechanics when you went by.

But I agree, I want photos pronto.

rjhammett

That would have been me. I don't know what it is with the Ironman. It is the least valuable of all my bikes but is one of my favorite rides. I love that bike.

toavii

I've spoke to the OP. We're getting together to discuss what he has and the best way to approach the collection moving forward.

For what it's worth, I wouldn't be comfortable posting photos outside of directing someone to eventual ads which is why I haven't responded.

xiaoman1 

**********, Maybe I am missing something, what's wrong with posting pics...I am not interested in buying or contacting the OP.
Perhaps after all is complete it would be nice to post before and after pics.
Might be nice to have multiple opinions/information etc. posting of photos along with discussion, this could help us all learn a little more from the experts.
Best, Ben