bigbossman 

In a hot market like NYC or SF, a Trek 460 should easily bring $200 - ASSUMING it was tuned, cleaned, adjusted, and ready to roll. I've sold a few bikes on CL, and nothing gets the asking price as sure-fire as a bike that is freshly tuned, cleaned, and ready for service.

The fact that it shows neglect is what is probably accounting for the slow movement. I've found that most people that buy used bikes on CL are not like us - they have minimal to non-existant maintenance/repair skills. A good seller will try make their bike stand out from the rest of the offerings, and make it easy for the potential purchaser to reach for the wallet. A clean, ready to ride bike sells itself.

So, while it was a "fair" price in your area, you probably did the right thing by passing on it. Although, if it only needed minor maintenance you probably wouldn't have been hurt on the resale if you decided to get rid of it.

I don't understand the sellers lack of counter offer. It makes no sense to hold out for the last $20 in exchange for burning the gas/time and holding on to it for another week. I don't fault him for not wanting to "give it away", but gee whiz..... he probably bought it off some rummy for $20 to begin with, and has zero $$ and time invested in it.

mrhedges

I've seen these go for 150 on ebay if you add shipping thats probably around 200. I ride one everyday to get to most places 40-60 miles a week and i love it. but i got mine as a gift from this non-profit i used to volunter for. It is in the low middle end of the trek range my '89 400 was only one up from the bottom 330 that year but i don't think trek built any poor quality bikes in the 80s even the 330 is a great bike.

justmeagain

My one and only bike to date is a 1980 Trek 412. This was the low end of their line back in 1980. It cost me $299 plus sales tax which was a ton of money to me at the time, I was 17. I've replaced a couple of worn components, added a Brooks saddle and fenders. Simply a great, well made bike. Now I'm looking for an English heritage 3 speed.

aking469

I just bought a 400 Series (1985, confirmed by SN), all it needed was a good cleaning, oiling, and adjusting and I have been riding it for three days now, 10+ miles a day. Great bike....does need new tires though ...they are on order from Nashbar. Paid $20 for the bike....stole it, stole it stole it. HEHEHEHE. Love the steel frame. Will submit pics soon.

aking469

Here's my $20 Trek 400

soni_guin

I have an 84 400. If I was to sell it, I wouldn't take less than $200 for it, mainly beacuse i have put $200 into it with new stuff (tires, lubed hubs, etc).

But, that one on Longisland probably needs new tires, new pads, hubs repacked, spokes checked, wheel trued, etc... If it doesn't sell, offer him $150...

Mooo

I bought a Trek 410 in 1984. True Temper tubing, Campy Triomphe group. Rigida 1320(?) rims.
The derailleur cable was routed like you say. It was a typical sport geometry for the day, around a 40" wheelbase for a 22 1/2" frame. 40-52 crank, 13-24 freewheel (regina? suntour?)
It's one bike I should have kept. Not for any emotional reason, but because the bike I replaced it with wasn't as good (Cannondale road frame). Well, it wasn't any better.

jwc

I bought my Trek 400 with Suntour components from a pawn shop in 1998 for $65.00, asking was $75. All original even to the dry rotted tires. Looked as if it had been bought and parked in a garage and ridden once or twice a year. Except for bar tape, tires and saddle, I've kept it as I bought it.

I don't ride it much anymore, but it is too nice of a ride to get rid of.