bikemanbob

I bought it with the intention of making it a keeper, but recent finds makes it difficult to keep. The bike is in very good condition and has been completely serviced and hand cleaned. The cables and housings have been replaced. (except for the shift cables which will be installed tomorrow). The tires are new. Despite the steel rims, the ride quality is great. I truly like this bike. Auchencrow has rode the bike and has encouraged me to keep it.

Having said that, I have limited space and I'm considering selling it. I would appreciate your help in determining a value for the bike. Your assessment will help me in my decision making. Thanks!

jeepr

I have one too. I don't think you can beat the ride. I had full intentions of selling mine until I rode it around. I put a set of cruiser bars and cork grips on mine. It's just so darned fun to ride, I can't sell it. If there is one bike that makes me smile just riding, it's that one. I guess it reminds me of when I was a kid. I dunno..

Mine has aluminum rims though...

auchencrow

$5. $10 max - if throw in some free lottery tickets.

bikemanbob

Is that before or after I install the shift cables?

jeepr

OK, I finally took a pic of mine. Not nearly as nice as yours. One of my winter projects will be to polish all it's bits. Just no time this part of the year..

bikemanbob

Thanks Jeepr! I like green bikes.

Here is a before picture of my bike:

jeepr

You do nice work.

Before:

Phil_gretz

Bob,
I have a yellow 1973 S10-S that I'm in the process of restoring. It has the brake extension levers, steel rims, and original Fujita Belt saddle. I'm putting the frame in its oxalic acid bath this weekend. I live in the Washington DC area, and am thinking that with great photos and a very detailed/promotional listing on CL, I can fetch ~$215 with the original saddle, and ~$155 without, pretty readily this time of year. I don't know how Detroit compares. Mine will also need paint-match touch up, which I figure I will mix using testor's model paint. The chrome is still nice, and there are so, so many fine things to say about this bike...

BTW, I have the saddle on my fixed gear bike right now and it is very comfortable. That's the part I really want to keep most of all, but I can be talked into parting with it to complete the Special Road Racer (for the right price). My two cents... Phil G.

bikemanbob

Thanks Phil!

Based on the catalog descriptions, I believe we have the same year bike.

Your estimate is close to what I thought, but the Detroit market is a harder sell.

Also, I like the saddle and have considered selling it for less just to keep the saddle.

As it stands now, there is a high probability that I will keep the bike and ride it. My margin is not high enough now to justify selling it without riding it.

Good luck with your restore and sell.

bob

SteveSGP

Here's one I did, mine originally had aluminum wheels as well but they were trashed so I built it with steel.

I sold it for $180.00 and could have gotten more if the chrome had been decent but it was pretty rough, the original Belt Fujita saddle that was on it now resides atop the seat post of my Super Grand Prix.

Before,



After,

bikemanbob

Thanks for sharing photographs and your selling price. I've been riding the bike and I'm pleased with the results. If I could keep the saddle and sell the bike for $180-200, I would be pleased. Thanks for your response.

Bob

auchencrow

bikemanbob -
I believe Phil's estimate is pretty good on the low end, based on the excellent condition of this bike, but this is a very "challenged" market, and it's going to be very hard to find someone willing to pay $200 for ANY hi ten bike with steel wheels- even with the saddle.

This is why I think it's a better bike than what you stand to gain on the sale.

bikemanbob

Thanks Auchen! I tend to agree with you. I going to hold on to it for the time being.

SteveSGP

A big part of it is how you market the bike, I've found most people in that price range don't care about steel or aluminum wheels.

As long as the bike is fully serviced and is well presented it'll almost sell itself.

Keeping it is certainly a great option if it's your size, they are nice bikes.

bikemanbob

Thanks Fordsvtparts!

I took the bike for another short ride today, and I'm just not in love with the bike. It looks and rides great, but I just can't seem to get excited about it.

Auchencrow has seen and rode it (he helped me with a repair), and I think he likes it more than I do. I'm going to give myself some time and see if my feelings change.

I agree with Auchen (he has some nice bikes for sale and isn't getting responses) that the Detroit market is tough. I may end up posting it, but I'm not desperate to sell.

I really appreciate your input.

Bob

auchencrow

FORDSVTPARTS -
These are difficult times here. It is hard for folks in other parts of the country to imagine.

SteveSGP

Actually I hadn't realized where you guys were located, I do know how depressed the area there is because we were looking at rental/real estate values there a short time ago due to a possible job change.

I hope things do improve for you all.

SteveSGP

See if you can't snag a set of alloy wheels, it'll make a world of difference

bikemanbob

I sold the bike for $220. It should make a great bike for the young man!

I didn't like the black handlebar tape so I changed it to blue. I was much happier with the blue. This is how I sold it:

jeepr

That was quick. Glad it worked out for you. I think a lot of your price was the hard work you put into that bike, it turned out great.

Gives me faith that I didn't throw my money away on the old road bikes I have around..

themerv019

OOH, I was reading this thread and getting more and more excited as I went hoping you'd decide to sell... As I'm kinda near by, and looking for a bike exactly like this. You definitely did a bang up job with the restoration! Congrats on the sale though, hopefully he can appreciate this gem!

SteveSGP

I thought you'd do well with that one hard times or not, you made your money and you passed along a beautiful vintage ride to a new owner that will hopefully cherish it and care for it in the manner it deserves.

bikemanbob

Thanks Jeepr.

True about the price--the labor was a significant portion of the price, but the saddle was a major motivator for the young man. He wanted it cheaper so I offered to remove the saddle and reduce the price significantly; but he had to have it.

bikemanbob

Thanks Fordsvtparts and themerv019.

Interestingly, the bikes I sold recently were to young men (20ish) that had limited knowledge of vintage bicycles. Presentation and color schemes seem to be the important element.

Also, as a part time bike shop employee, I'm regularly involved in sales. Salesmanship also is probably an underrated skill, but essential to getting the value of the bike.

In my listings, I don't go into a lengthy discription on the bike. I keep it short and to the essentials. If it is a bike collector, he will know without the explanation (or he or she will ask). If it is a novice, the lengthy description only confuses and frustrates them.

themerv019

Haha, yup... pretty much pegged me exactly. Although I know a good amount about bikes, I'm a 21 y/o male, and mostly interested in a visually appealing (sweet looking) vintage road bike! I've got to say, I'm very jealous of whoever you sold this beauty to!