1988 Panasonic DX-5000
 

In my search for a new bicycle (the frame cracked on my Miele), I came across a 1988 Panasonic DX-5000.
Long story short, I bought it for $100. Vintage Zefal HP bike pump included.
It's a great bike, but the sad thing is the frame is 51 cm. :(
My Miele is 55 cm and that's even a tad small for me, so this bike will not be a long-term fit.

The reasons I bought it:
*Great deal
*Great components and build
*Awesome condition
This bike almost looks brand new, and it rides very smooth. Wish it was bigger!

The group is Shimano 600 Ultegra S.I.S. The crank is Shimano Biopace. Selle Italia Turbo saddle. The rims and tires have been upgraded from Ukai alloy/Tecnova to Matrix (not sure of the model)/Specialized Turbo-S. Handlebar is Sakae GT I believe?

This is the catalog page for the bike: https://picasaweb.google.com/scarsgo...42427933157986
Apparently it's right below the Team Europe/America/Japan models.

So here are my questions:
1. What should I do with it? Find another bike and switch over the components, or just flip it, and increase my budget for possibly a little bit better bike?
2. How much do you think it's worth? For reference, I live about 20 miles from Ann Arbor, Michigan or Detroit, Michigan.

Thanks!

You did well in getting that bike! I wanted it! Nice snag. (I was the fourth caller)

When you say slightly smaller, how much smaller? I have a number of bikes that I ride that are smaller and I ride them regularly. A longer stem and seat post will normally do the trick. If I was you, I would try to make this bike work.

As to value, I am a poor judge. I would guess that it is at least $300 based on your description. I would be interested to hear other more qualified have to say.

Also, please post pictures of the bike. I've seen poor pictures of it through craigslist--others have not. To get a more accurate assessment, you need to post pictures.

(Edit: I would like to qualify my value estimation. In the Detroit area, bike are going for less. It may be worth $300+ in other areas, but to get that money in Detroit will probably take longer. Also, as a bike mechanic, I sell bikes in a reconditioned state (bike completely disassembled; hubs, headset, bottom bracket lubed; cables replaced, etc). If the bike is reconditioned, it is worth 300+ in the Detroit area. If all you do is relist it for more, it is worth less--maybe $175 to $250. This is my best guess. There are other far more knowledgeable than me in determining value.)

Bob

I agree with Bikemanbob's estimates - but if I were you (and didn't already have a garage full) I would make it a keeper. These are especially nice frames, and I very seldom see them for sale .

DX5000, is pretty high up the Panasonic product line.

Catalog pictures are meaningless. I already have most of the brands saved on my favorites. Its all about the actual bike, and its condition. In general, Panasonic is under appreciated in the marketplace, I have several Panasonic built bikes right now.

Thank you for the responses!
Sorry for snagging it Bob. :D
When I called first it was originally OBO but when I came I had to pay the full $100 because of all the interest. Still not a bad deal.

When I say it's a little too small, I mean I can ride it nearly comfortably, but would prefer something larger ideally.
The only reason is that the Miele is nearly a perfect fit for me so I know it could be better.
Honestly I'm distracted from the smaller size by the amazing ride quality - I don't even want to touch the Miele now.

Couple more questions:
*How big do seat posts come, so I could become a bit more comfortable?
*Are these rims and tires any good? Not condition but quality-wise.

I'll post pictures probably sometime today and check the length of the seat post.
The guy said the stem would go up a couple inches so that would help me too.

I uploaded some pics here: http://imageshack.us/g/263/dscn1785r.jpg/

The seatpost diameter is 27.2 mm and looks about 20 cm.
My Miele's is the same length, so I will have to buy a new seat post.
Don't have a metric Allen wrench, so I'll have to get one to raise the stem. I think it will fit well enough after raising the seat post and stem. Whatever I'm doing with this bike it's now time to sell the Miele!

If you can ride it, keep it!

It looks like a nice bike!

+1, great bike. I live the aero post. You can gets lots of longer stems in 27.2 diameter. I agree with trying to make it fit, because of the nice frame, condition and the components. Or leave as-is and flip to fund another purchase.

Thanks guys, I think I will keep it, get a taller seat post and ride it. If I see another nice one come along then I'll sell it.