'73 Schwinn Suburban. I got the frameset with no wheels. Cleaned and tuned it up. Added my old Traveler wheels making it a 5-speed, the basket, ding ding bell...... Sold for $60.
The lady that bought it clapped when she saw it.
Fun.

Do you find it's worth it to spend that kind of time for a flip? Or is it more about getting nice, rideable bikes out there? (which is totally awesome)

I didn't spend a lot of time on it. I just realized I had all the parts to put it together and it gave me an opportunity to unload some stuff left over from my Traveler upgrade. So, no, if count my time I'm not making much. On the other hand, I probably could have asked more since I got my asking price within 6 hours of posting the add on Craigslist.
My next flip is a Le Tour II that I found in the garbage. It's getting new $6 tires, a tune up and bar wrap. Maybe I'll ask $80.
I've received my share of deals since I discovered this generous vintage bike community so I'm just glad I can make someone happy.

Good job there caferacer! Flipping bikes is like eating potato chips, you can't stop at just one.

geek

Bravo!


stan
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Oh, I want to get into this kind of thing. That's lovely. I should start checking garage sales and stuff for old frames.

i love it, as long as you at least break even, and you make the people raise their right hand and swear to ride it, its such a good feeling. one more bike out there

Wait till you get one that jumps up and down and squeals. It scared me, the first time.

I would start out asking $100 for the Le Tour II. With the new parts and a tune up it would be well worth that much. A good deal for you and for the person buying it.

are you in the city? Should be at least $100 for a road that you've put time into.

so nice .
i especially like the part when you said she " clapped " ....... that must have ben a HUGE bonus !
keep up the good work
//T

BOOMING is the word you're looking for.... I go out to hear a friend of mine play music each week. He's got a patio gig in the "trendy" part of town. The passing bike traffic has easily doubled, tripled maybe even fourpled in the last 3 months. People cannot buy bikes fast enough.....

I think that would depend on the local demand. If you're in a college town, sure. If not, I guess you'll figure out what's right.

I am a licensed professional bike flipper. Here is my card.

I am a licensed professional bike flipper. Here is my card.

In Milwaukee, you shoulda got close to $200 for that. The seat, pedals and grips are worth $70+ on a good day.

My minimum, for a Varsinental is $125, more if it's a rebuild or has new tires. $175 minimum for a Suburban/Collegiate 5 speed.

I'm in the Midwest, too, and in a more depressed area, if that's possible.

Edit... I would have tried talking you down to $50, cause I know I could triple my money easy, and my time is worth at least $10

That is a very nice bike, and very good effort.

Yet, I must say, you sold the bike for what many sell, the same model with out it being a reliable rider. New tires, lube of BB and wheels all take time. You could have gotten more, in your market I suspect.

Do not be afraid to add your knowledge and care to restore it to riding condition for the proper pricing.

Yet, I should be one to talk, I have given mine as gifts, this latest went to Son n Law, to match the same model year (80), I gifted to my daughter. This is a pretty color, Chestnut. I did keep the rack for a Continental project, let him have the light, which works great. On a ride I kept catching glimpse of car head light behind me.

I would have clapped too!
that was awesome.

Yeah, it feels good. I just sold a 54 raleigh sport to a fella for $160. I had ten hours into it and I traded another really cool raliegh for it so I should have just stayed at work and put in some overtime. But I gave him a tour of my basement and sold him another raliegh (gran sport) for $20. doubled my money and hadn't even touched it yet, and a plescher rack for $10.
He was happy as a clam, I was pretty pleased and we spent a little time talking bikes. That's fun.
I'm keeping a running tally. since I got into this for the reallies, I've spent over $800 but I've recouped about $500 and I've got about 35 bikes in the basement. When I consider that there are at least half a dozen that I'd give fifty bucks for, I'd say I'm doing alright.
And I've made a few friends.

The clap is what we all are after.
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Well, that's not quite worded right.....
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The flip is nice, you got paid for doing a little satisfying wrenching, and made a person happy.
That, my friend, is success.

Yup. Just having fun with it. But I think I'll raise my prices a little. A tune up at a local LBS is $80 and I'm selling a whole bike with it!

Pretty sure WI is a popular bike area, you should've asked more. If the market will bear it, you deserve it. It's not like you are making record profits like an oil company, you are refurbishing and distributing things that will enrich peoples lives. Even if it doesn't get ridden, that will enrich any garage/bikerack.