eyeomegasquared

I've had my eye on this frame for a few days: https://shop.loosenutscycles.com/product/losa-road

Just wondering if it's a good buy and if it's something that will hold value.

This one is also a possibility: https://shop.loosenutscycles.com/prod...rack-bike-55cm

Bianchigirll 

are you looking for a road frame or a track frame?

eyeomegasquared

It will be for a single speed build. I can work with either. That particular road frame has horizontal dropouts, which is nice, but I'd even work with vertical dropouts if I liked the frame. An eccentric rear hub is no big deal.

wrk101

For that price, I would want a more recognizable brand, with high end tubing. Have you considered buying a complete bike, selling off the parts you do not need to help subsidize the project, and building it up from there? A $900 bike with super high end components might only actually cost you $500 after selling off the excess parts, and you would have something special imho. Anytime they have to explain who the maker was, that is a signal to me of future value problems (ie., less likely to hold its value).

And even better, I have bought several nicer high end bikes for lower prices than that, so the economics look better still.

KonAaron Snake 

Bill - all you have to do is say the lesser known builder has a connection to Mario Confente

eyeomegasquared

Selling is such a hassle. And after paypal takes their fees, ebay takes their fees, after the shipping ends up costing more than I thought, I usually come up low. I've never had good luck making money selling things.

I have considered going with a Surly frame.

wrk101

There is a pretty interesting Basso on Atlanta CL right now. Been on there a while, I bet there is some flexibility on the price. Even if you just want to go SS, building up a frame is a hassle too. With a complete bike, you will have the right seat post, the right head set, bars, stem, brake calipers with the right reach, etc.

I have found there is a price point on C/L where everything vintage just doesn't sell. That point varies on your market. Around here, it is in that $300 to $400 level. So a lot of really, really, good stuff, priced above that point, just sits. A savvy and patient buyer can find some nice stuff that way. I've picked up more higher end stuff this year, than any year prior, almost all off C/L.

I bet someone could get that Basso for the price of that Losa frameset, maybe less.

Cast a wider net from Atlanta, say Chattanooga, TN; Birmingham, AL, etc., and you will find even more stuff. Good looking Vitus on Birmingham right now, along with a PX10. I think I would be considering that PX10 right now if I was closer.



This is great as a buyer, lousy as a seller. As a result, my high end stuff is probably going to go to fleecebay.

Note to below, I assumed you were in Atlanta, every market is different.

Its very helpful if you list your location in your profile.

PX10 seller will ship.

eyeomegasquared

I'm pretty good at this part. I just don't have a good gauge of vintage frame value.

I'll take a look around craigslist. There's not much in my area and most people on there won't ship anything, but maybe something will come up.

wrk101

Your other choice is to become a member, and post a wanted ad in the classified section. A lot of members have many, many, bikes. And those with a lot of bikes, most will ship.

JPZ66

I've had decent results either getting CL folks to ship, or help from some of the outstanding members on this site facilitating a purchase/ship for me. Also, I think Bill is right on, with buying a complete or even nearly complete bike and taking off what you don't need and selling it. I hate doing that, but sometimes it makes the most sense financially. Best of luck in your hunt !

Joe

Bianchigirll 

Why not just buy a FG/SS from bike direct and save yourself about $200? I don't use it much but my Fantom Uno was a great buy at $350ish

thinktubes 

+1 on bikes direct. My Kilo TT frame was $200 including shipping to my door. Great rider/great value.