Vintage bike advice please?
03-09-23, 03:28 PM
#26
Thrifty Bill
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In a similar vein, I picked up a vintage stereo system. Included in the set up was a broken reel to reel tape deck. I just got an estimate to repair the tape deck: $450. This for a deck once repaired, would be worth $150, $200 max. I wasn't counting on the deck working, I bought the stereo for its other parts. So I am happy with the purchase, but no way will I get that deck repaired. Now I will not put it in the garbage, I will sell it not working/parts only, and someone handy may be able to use it for parts or whatever.
I might pay $50 for this bike. But I have the time/tools/pile of parts to refresh it. When I was done, I would lose money on it, no doubt, despite having many of the parts in hand. I will occasionally take on projects like this just for fun. But as a financial decision, they have all been losers. I have started to be more selective on my "fun" projects. Did this recently with a Frejus, in deplorable shape, missing some key parts, but still pretty interesting.
As far as project choice, I find the 1980s to be the sweet spot, a lot of nice bikes that used common sized parts. Japan made millions of nice bikes, plenty are still out there at reasonable prices.
Last edited by wrk101; 03-09-23 at 06:27 PM.
03-09-23, 06:41 PM
#27
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Buying a vintage bike is kind of like taking a vacation, you do it for the experience and never expect a financial return.
03-09-23, 08:39 PM
#28
señor miembro
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True ... unless you're really into cost accounting and compare vintage cycling to other recreational opportunities: golf, women, sailing, art, race cars, ...
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03-09-23, 09:39 PM
#29
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vintage bicycles would be the lesser of those evils
03-10-23, 08:03 PM
#30
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If you are getting a financial return from your recreational opportunities with women, my hat is off you.
03-10-23, 08:13 PM
#31
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