mac53daddy

I am interested in understanding the potential value of my 1985 Zullo Criterium road bike. I don't see Zullo frames very often, but I understand that the maker, Tiziano Zullo, is highly regarded and still building frames (ZULLO BIKE - Bici da corsa su misura - Bike Factory - Made in ITALY).

I purchased the bike from a custom bike builder in Vail, Colorado in 1985. The bike has been rarely used since 1990, mostly sitting in storage. I recently had the bike serviced and got back on it for a few rides, and rediscovered what a great riding bike it was/is.

So here's the rub: The original Zullo front fork was damaged in 1986, and was replaced with a Benotto fork, matched to the frame by the original builder of the bike. Otherwise, the frame is straight and solid, with some wear and scratches to the paint. The replacement front fork has some flaking of the chrome finish.

My secondary question is: How much does the lack of the original front fork affect the bike's value? Should I attempt to find a Zullo fork? I think that will be difficult.



Here's some specs on the bike:

• Frame Size: Top Tube: 55 cm, Seat Tube: 56 cm
• Frame Description: Columbus SL tubing, aero fork blades chain and seat stays, Z engraved into brake bridge, top of seat stays, and fork crown. Cinelli bottom bracket shell , Special indentations into sides of top tube and down tube. Zullo logo engraved into headtube. Two sets of waterbottle bosses. Benotto front fork.
• Wheels: Mavic 700c presta valve rims laced to Shimano 600 alloy hubs with stainless steel spokes.
• Components: Full Shimano 600 group including: cranks, derailleurs, shifter, brakes and levers. Brake levers are Dia-Compe. I also have original Shimano 600 Levers.
• Saddle & Seatpost: Bernard Hinault racing saddle, Cinelli seat post

KonAaron Snake 

I wouldn't say Zullo is highly regarded - I'd say he's little known. So you have a smaller name Italian with mid-range parts and possible front end damage, though it's pretty. I don't think it's worth buying/painting a Zullo fork even assuming you could find one. As far as value, if there's no front end damage and it rides straight - maybe $300-400 on CL. I would not be the buyer.

gaucho777 

Zullo is respected, but not to the degree of other top-tier Italian brands like Cinelli, De Rosa, Colnago, Grandis, Masi, etc. Zullo frames do not have the same refinement as some other high-end Italian frames--usually no lug filing. Esteemed forum member Citoyen du monde once commented: "Back in the day (as well as today), there were plenty of more skilled builders, as well as ones with valid innovations and new ideas that nobody has ever heard of. Tiziano [Zullo]is not one of them, was content to continue to build his competent bikes as before with the minimum required work." That said, they are still very fine bikes. I like the aesthetics of most Zullo bikes, especially the engraved head tube, though some of their paint jobs are a little over the top for my tastes.

Still, I think KonAaronSnake's estimate is a little on the low side. The Shimano 600 group (putting the 600 levers on again would help) was one step below Shimano's Dura Ace line--so not top-of-the-line, but I'd say a step above mid-range parts. Obviously, value depends a lot on the market. Here in the SF bay area, I'd expect to get at least $400 as is, assuming there is no frame damage. It is a popular size, too. The non-original fork does hurt the value though. Most educated buyers will steer clear of a without the original fork. If it had the original fork, perhaps $500ish.

I think you must mean Cinelli stem, not seat post. AFAIK, Cinelli did not make seat posts.

KonAaron Snake 

Cinelli did make a seatpost! I've always wanted one.

rjhammett

Glad to see this thread. I plan on putting my '85 Zullo Criterium on the market shortly.

gaucho777 

I learned something new. Now I want one, too!

CampyRider

I received $200 for my 1985 Zullo crit, Campy Nuovo Record & Chorus. And glad I could get that much...

Kactus

What kind of condition was it in and what market are you in? That price seems low to me.

CampyRider

Well...

I bought it used in 1990 for $200, had it repainted and new rims. After 7 years I replaced the rear derailleur and down tube shifters with index Chorus. Also replaced the rims, this time with clinchers. It was in better shape than when I bought it, just wanted something more comfortable on long rides. 8 more years and I sold it and applied the funds to a used Mongoose Titanium Professional, Centaur/Chorus/Record mix.

Austin, TX

joe englert

;nice looking but I would also say 300.00 ish. replaced fork really does hurt the value by about 30 percent or more. I live in sf bay area and cant see getting more...but..what the heck, give it a shot..who knows