Porschefan

Hi,

These bikes just showed up on the local (Albuquerque, NM) CL and I'd like to get some feedback on them. They are offered at a local consignment store that specializes in used outdoor/sporting equipment and some bikes. I'm probably going down there to look at them, just for fun and to educate myself. I can take pictures of any details if what I learn here warrants it.

First is a Mid-'80's Trek Elance 400. I tried to do some research on my own by searching eBay (including sold listings) and this forum. eBay has one which looks to be in better condition that this one listed for $700; and an Elance 500, kitted out for touring at $1,250.00. Sold listings--most of which are at least a couple of years old, show the range to be more like $200-$300 for complete bikes. I suspect that $458 is really high for this bike, but maybe the "531" magic applies?

Second is a 1978 Motebecane Grand Touring. It looks to my uneducated eye to be in decent shape, except for the handlebar/hoods. I couldn't really find much on eBay or here, so I'm really in the dark on this one. I've read through the French Bikes thread here, but values aren't really discussed. It does look like this one may be a little more attractive?

As I mentioned, this place is a consignment shop and the sellers set the price, but the shop people will pass on offers. If things are unrealistically priced, sellers find out pretty fast.

My reason for buying aren't really riding-related since I now have 3 bikes and am pretty much a novice rider anyway. But I'm semi-retired now, a born bargain-hunter, collector type and I wouldn't mind finding something where I could have fun, learn and sharpen bike mechanical skills. There's a guy on the forums that I ran across reading the long thread on late-80's Schwinn's who has turned some old Schwinns into what I consider to be minor works of art....Dr. Cannondale is one of his handles. I wanna be like that someday...... But who knows how all that will shake out.

TIA.

STP

bikemig 

$458 for the Trek 400 is high even with a 531 main triangle (chrome moly fork and stays). It's a sweet bike with pretty nice components and wheels (the mavic mod e rims are very good). $250 for the moto is a bit high but closer to the ballpark. The vitus main triangle is good stuff; I think the fork and rear triangle are high tensile steel. The Suntour derailleurs are really nice (great shifters and excellent RD). The weinmann rims are pretty stout. The centerpull breaks are fine. The neat thing about the Moto is that is a very versatile bike as it can take fat tire if you want a commuter, touring, or gravel road bike. The swaged crank is nothing special but the bike looks very clean overall. While I'd prefer to pay closer to $200 for that bike, $250 may not be out of line in your area. It's clean, it's old, and it's a quality bike.

Maver71

I can't speak for the Trek but I do have '79 Motobecane Grand Touring that I picked up last year at a Goodwill.

Mine is similar to yours except mine is in gunmetal grey color and has the Suntour V-GT Luxe derailleur and the original synthetic black handlebar wrap.

Rides nice and not terribly heavy, it makes for a great commute or a nice stroll. Not bad for a 30+ year old steal bike.

I'll agree with bikemig, $200 is more of a realistic price if everything is good

oddjob2

If you're buying project bikes and want to some margin to fund your bike acquisition fund, than you really need to buy bikes that would net you $100 or more after upgrades and an overhaul.

The Moto GT needs a full cleaning and overhaul, but is price at retail as if it needed no work. Worth about $75 as pictured.

The Trek would fetch up to $150 as a fixer upper.

bent-not-broken

I would figure closer to $200 - $250 on the Trek. Treks carry a premium.

Porschefan

Thanks, Oddjob--and others.

Yes, at this point I'm really looking for bikes with a margin, or actually just trying to get a feel for things. Then jump on something that looks like a no-brainer and see what I can do with it. So everything is a learning experience. I think I'll meander over to the shop and talk to the owners and see if I can get a feel for what the bottom line is and also make myself known as someone who might be interested in these kinds of bikes.

I like your tagline "North of Canada." I grew up in SE Michigan and the fact that Detroit is the only place in the US that is north of Canada sticks with me ;-).


STP