Rochet Super Sport
 

I found a Rochet Super Sport in the trash 2 years ago, no wheels or bottom bracket but looked awesome so I picked it up.

I later saw examples on Sheldon Brown's site, amongst other places. Not many though, and I slowly fell for the bike. I finally need a new town bike this spring and was about to hot rod it up. However, I am beginning to wonder if it is worth anything. I can post pictures later but the frame is in very good condition. What appears to be the original Hurst deraileur is there as are the Mafac brakes.

COlumbus 531 steel is good, and comparing it to other examples I'm imagining it to be a bike from the late 50's. I know complete it would be a treasure, what about in pieces?

I don't want to get rid of it but if it is significant I could be almost as happy with another Surly frame.

No such thing as Columbus 531. Post a picture of that tubing label

Incomplete bikes have much lower value than complete, kind of like anything incomplete (car, motorcycle, boat, etc). They tend to go to rebuilders either for parts or for a rehab.

Its all about condition.

Oops, Reynolds 531.

I was assuming that incomplete it was generally worthless, which is perfect because it's a beautiful bike and I'm going to have to do it up right.

Thanks

Incomplete it probably still has significant value, just a lot less than complete.

Just posted pictures of a late-1950s Rochet Super Special we're selling for the original owner.
Complete. Untouched:

http://oldroads.com/tool_date_rss3.a...D=27092&db=ltw

That bike has character.

She's on eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=120696120854

The French bike manufacturer, Rochet, used Reynolds 531 steel tubing (after aircraft tubing) which was considered the best frame material at the time. Look at the down tube for a red sticker which should read Reynolds 531.