Robvolz 

I have a 1968 cinelli in well-loved/ridden (rough) condition.

It's built up with all the vintage components, Campy + universal brakes. I believe as it sits, it would command $1200 because size 68 CTC 1968 Cinellis don't grow on trees.

I could have it painted; (dipped ($100), headset and forks rechromed ($300) then repainted (+800) which is a 8 month process.

-or-

I could have the whole damn thing chromed at Franklin Family Metal Finishers in STL ($260) two months time.

The goal, to get as much $$ for my elderly neighbor as possible. While at the same time, not destroying an important vintage frame.

What do the good people here think?

Thanks

Robert

wrk101

Getting the most net = sell as is, via the online channel of your choice. People who collect stuff prefer original with patina (wear) versus refreshed. Add the cost of refreshing, and the return goes down.

Not sure where you can get a quality paint job for $100. Not happening here.

Buyers of 68cm bikes aren't growing on trees either. XXL size = discount.

Robvolz 

No, I said dipped: $100. the paint job is $800 after the dip.

I recently sold a Cycle Arts repainted 1972 cinelli for $2400. I know the market on a perfectly restored. What I don't know is if Chromed is the way to go to quickly get $$. Seems to me, dipping, polishing or rechroming parts, plus the paint and decals is a wash.

But, I could quickly chrome the whole thing and boom.

rccardr 

I’d sell it as is and let someone else do the work, spend the money, and have the bike they want.
Even if fairly trashed cosmetically, that’s an unusual year & size for a desireable frameset.
Very possible to do a resto and net nothing more than selling as is.

nomadmax 

In my opinion, the only reason to go to more trouble than a clean/tune up on a vintage ride is if you're gonna keep it. As Doc noted, spending all that money and time is likely not going to net you much more, if any, profit.

bikemike73 

Sell in "as is" condition
collectors want all original.


Then THEY will decide what to to.

If you do all the refurbishment, the buyer is left with no choice, and the extra profit, would not amount to much considering all the work and time.

LARGE FRAME = less potential buyers

Good luck

Kabuki12

I agree, with a bike that tall, finding a likely rider is going to be tough. Someone is likely going to want to do their own touches once you do. Tall bikes generally are more aggressively priced , so the chance of getting your investment back is not as likely. When I bought my Colnago ,
my thinking was , buy a bike with lots of “patina” and ride it for a year. Then, if I really like the way it rides , take it apart and get it done up nice , and then ride it more! I would do the same if I ever found a Cinelli that was in my wheelhouse. I ended up with a bike that I knew I liked prior to putting more money in.

bboy314

I agree with leaving as-is. Someone spending decent money on this may have their own idea of what kind of finish they want, I think painting or chroming before sale could narrow the potential buyer pool.

Robvolz 

I want to thank the group for the advise. I'm going to give this bike a final wash and lube and post it today.

Robert

Robvolz 

Sold this morning for exactly asking price.

Mr. 66

And what price was it at?

repechage

or, observe what happened to bikingshearer’s ‘68 Cinelli fork after rechrome and use… he was lucky.

Sedgemop 

Here's a 68cm for sale for $1400 in the Bay area. Is it the same bike?