Advice
 

Ok, after looking at some of the other posts, I'll have to get back later with pictures, I'm just starting my 'search.'

I have an old Fuji "Professional" which in the 1980's was the top-of-the-line double butted (beautifully lugged) bike with tubulars, and equipped with all Suntour Surperb components (which at the time, were considered a better group than Shimano's Dura-Ace group). Wow, how things have changed.

It's a two tone paint job, complete with purple swede handle bar covering (it's sewn on, not a tape) and matching seat. It's been in storage for almost it's whole life, so it's in pretty good shape. At this point, it's almost 30 years old!

So for something like this what would be the best thing to do? (I was thinking about modernizing some of the componentry so I could do some road riding again - but a local bike store thought that it might be best to leave it all original).

How would I get an idea of what it might be worth? Where would I maximize it's value, sell it on e-bay? A forum like this? Are there any trade or swap shows?

Thanks in advance.

I think you're right, we need pics. That said, it might be a valuable bike, but we're still talking only a few hundred dollars. If you just want some cash, ebay is probably your best bet with a high reserver. Don't forget to plan your shipping and handling cause that will be pricey. Don't even THINK about local sale only if you go ebay.
If you're looking to ride an updated bike, IMHO you're probably better off upgrading that bike with brifters. That old frame will have a ride close to a new CF bike and way better than an entry level aluminum frame. But that's just my opinion.

Selling on ebay is fine, but you need to be a good marketer, and you need to be able to ship the bike. The bidders don't just appear, it takes a nice listing with great pictures to get them interested in buying.

Pics, por favor.

yes pics please take some close ups of the derailleurs and the headtube/ forkcrown area. post as much information as you can about it with pics. these bikes have a big following I sold my '84 (with Campi) in the spring and was suprised how fast it went. does look anything like this?

It sounds like you've got a really fun bike! Did you get it when it was new, or was it a recent acquisition?

I agree with Roccobike that upgrading to modern integrated brake levers would be your best bang for your buck if you want to use this bike to get back into riding.

And if you decide to sell, craigslist is typically the easiest way to sell, but with ebay you reach a broader audience and should be able to get a higher price for the bike.

As far as the value of the bike; if it is in a ready to ride condition I'd say $200-$400, but others will be able to give you a better idea about that.

Thanks everyone, and yes Bianchigirll, it does look like the Fuji you posted. I think at or near the time I bought mine, Fuji might have had two versions, one outfitted with campy and the other version with Japanese componentry. So here is some more information:

Suntour "Superb" all around including hubs, headset, front & rear derailleurs, even the seat post! A one-off one-of-a-kind Fuji purple seat and matching handlebar covering (that was sewn on, not a tape), and the frame is made out of "Fuji Double Butted Chrome Molybdenum Steel 331" tubing. It's got a 24" seat tube (I'm about 6') so it's for a taller guy. The frame by-the-way is very "stiff" for those years, the angles at headset/seat tube are 53/54 degrees (a typical tourer of the day used angles about 52 on both tubes). But the spokes are x4 on 36 spoke low flange hubs.

so here are some pictures:

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=129462

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=129463

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=129464

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=129465
Oh yes, its' from about 1982 (I think).

Hi Kjg48359 -
The better Fuji's are really nice and though Suntour Superbe will never bring as much as Campy, it is reputed to be as good functionally (or better according to some).
My advice is keep it and enjoy it - you have a prize there. - And I would keep it as original as possible: People interested in vintage bikes will generally appreciate that.

However - if you are intent on selling it, go with CL first, and don't be afraid to ask for all of what it's worth - and despite the fact that the D is on hard times, you are living in an area with millions and millions of prospective buyers, and some of them still have money.
Also - I find that most buyers prefer to pay a bit more for a bike on CL that they can touch and feel - vs. buying a pig in a poke on eBay and coughing up money for FedEx or UPS.
Buying (and selling) a complete bike on eBay carries risk - and don't forget that you'll have to totally dissemble the bike, wrap the frame, and pack each part carefully, and secure it all in a carton intended for that purpose. So it's a bit of a pain. (International even more so.)
Waiting till spring will increase your prospects for a quick sale. (Warm weekend weather really makes a difference on CL sales).
Finally, I see some good advice here about marketing - presentation and pix are very important, as well as a few words why this is a special bike.

Thanks for the interest and advice, I also just recently found a 'catalog' which places the bike as a 1982:

http://classicfuji.com/1982_07_Professional_Page.htm