1953 Follis
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
1953 Follis
This bike was featured in a recent thread detailing its rehab. It was a fun project, and always enjoyable to learn more about this brand and vintage from knowledgeable Forum members.
Its clear that I’ve taken it as far as I’m interested; and my wife isn’t interested in riding it.
In short: all bearings rebuilt ( headset, bb, pedals, hubs), new Newbaums handlebar tape, new brake pads.
Any ideas about the value of a bike like this?

Lots of “patina”


Berceau style frame

Front Simplex suicide shifter
Its clear that I’ve taken it as far as I’m interested; and my wife isn’t interested in riding it.
In short: all bearings rebuilt ( headset, bb, pedals, hubs), new Newbaums handlebar tape, new brake pads.
Any ideas about the value of a bike like this?

Lots of “patina”


Berceau style frame

Front Simplex suicide shifter

Likes For orcas island:
#2
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Thanks very much for posting - great to see it again.
Notice it now shows mixed wheels, is that "as found"?
Would expect front might be original...
When do you next become an islander?
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Thanks very much for posting - great to see it again.

Notice it now shows mixed wheels, is that "as found"?
Would expect front might be original...
When do you next become an islander?
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#3
Senior Member
This is one of those bikes that to the vast majority is not worth much.
To the few who would appreciate it, a reasonable amount.
Matching rims would be best, but you know that.
$200-250 to the RIGHT person.
Half that to the unwashed masses.
Possibly worth more parted out? of course.
To the few who would appreciate it, a reasonable amount.
Matching rims would be best, but you know that.
$200-250 to the RIGHT person.
Half that to the unwashed masses.
Possibly worth more parted out? of course.
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
It actually does have a set of the original matched wheels. These photos were taken when I was changing between a set I had on it to ride and the original set. Didn’t realize I had one of each on it for photos.
Back up to Orcas at some point early in April to start the spring clean up and repairs
Back up to Orcas at some point early in April to start the spring clean up and repairs
#5
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I’d love to send this bike along to a Forum member who’d like to finish up the restoration; (paint and chrome). Anyone interested?
I have a membership, and could move this to the sales thread if need be...
I have a membership, and could move this to the sales thread if need be...
#6
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I'm not your buyer but I love the widows back step though frame set which looks to be well done. Very good chance there is buyer here on the forums if you go $150 plus shipping Not your dream price but good chance you will sell it in a couple of days.
#7
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This is one of those bikes that to the vast majority is not worth much.
To the few who would appreciate it, a reasonable amount.
Matching rims would be best, but you know that.
$200-250 to the RIGHT person.
Half that to the unwashed masses.
Possibly worth more parted out? of course.
To the few who would appreciate it, a reasonable amount.
Matching rims would be best, but you know that.
$200-250 to the RIGHT person.
Half that to the unwashed masses.
Possibly worth more parted out? of course.
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...would think that the Juy Randonneur model manual front mech is worth that on its lonesome...and especially if seller were willing to ship to Honshu...


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Last edited by juvela; 03-09-20 at 04:32 PM. Reason: addition on images
#8
Senior Member
The rear mech would probably do well too... it's the way of things.
It is too big for my wife, and my daughter would not use it.
I like it.
#9
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Maybe sell the mech's the crank set, pedals,, bars stem levers and then build it up as classic 3speed with upright bars, fenders and a nice rack? Then there's a good chance your wife or daughter would use the bike if not ride it yourself. I road a similar dorky looking larger step though setup as a 3 speed for daily rider for about a year one of the nicest riding bikes I have owned.
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You don't see bikes that old pop up that often on BF. It is likely worth more as a part out but I hate to see that. I think it must be worth some coin on the 'Bay to the right buyer but you will likely need to be patient. This bike has style and patina.
There's no real market price for something like this which is why it is hard to value but I think it's worth in the neighborhood of $400 to the right buyer. That's a serious price but it's not crazy money.
There's no real market price for something like this which is why it is hard to value but I think it's worth in the neighborhood of $400 to the right buyer. That's a serious price but it's not crazy money.
#12
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#13
Thrifty Bill
+100 To the right buyer, that bike could be $500 to $750. Its all about finding that right buyer. Its a beauty! Part out would be sad, as it would be nearly impossible to rebuild with the right parts later.
I am not opposed to part outs in general. But they tend to be high volume bikes with common (but desirable) parts. Or they are incomplete bikes where obtaining the missing parts would be cost prohibitive. Yours is neither.
The patina is a PLUS to me. Love everything about that bike (except the rear skewer).
I am not opposed to part outs in general. But they tend to be high volume bikes with common (but desirable) parts. Or they are incomplete bikes where obtaining the missing parts would be cost prohibitive. Yours is neither.
The patina is a PLUS to me. Love everything about that bike (except the rear skewer).