Dhorn33

I thought I would check with you on this - but a guy that works by me asked me to help him sell his old custom made Terry Osell (a local framebuilder) bike for him. This is a beautiful bike and in virtually perfect condition. It is full Columbus - I think SL - tubuing, silver brazed with beautuful lugwork and lots of really cool custome touches. It was built in the early 90's - I am guessing 1992 based on the Shimano 600 componentry. It is reall nice - he paid $2100 for it back in the early 90's. It is pretty tall though - I am guessing it measures about 25" or so.

The frame has really clean internal cable routing for the rear brake, braze on for the front derailler, reversed rear brake mount with recessed nuts, "dimple" in the seat tube to allow the rear wheel to sit as far forward as possible, silver brazing on the lugwork that looks perfect, pump stud, cable guides built into the bottom bracket, etc. It is really sweet.

Anyway - I have no idea how to go about putting a value on this awesome bike? I did a search for Terry Osell on the web and came up with all kinds of info on him and his recumbents, tandems, unicycles and custom bikes - but not much in terms of value for a bike like this? Does anyone have any info on these bikes or Terry Osell - or maybe even ride one? Here are some crappy cell phone pics...

Dhorn33

A few more...







Like I said - it appears to be outfitted with mostly Shimano 600 tric-color stuff that I think is 1992 or so. It also has a Tange headset, Mavic Open 4 CD rims, Avocet gell looking seat from that era, Cinelli stem, newer Specialized tires, handlebars and tape. Any input you can give me is greatly appreciated.

wahoonc

I have met Terry, retired now and enjoying life. The last time I rode with him he was riding one of his frames with a Sturmey Archer 3 speed on it.

As far as value? Whatever someone is willing to pay for it. I would look at some similar production bikes from the same era and maybe bump the price a couple of hundred because it is a custom.

Aaron

gomango

Greetings from Minnesota! A close friend of mine purchased a similar Terry Osell last year at the Blaine Bike Swap. His has 8 speed Dura Ace components and is in like new condition. His bike is about a 58 cm, so smaller than this example. He paid $600 and it fits him perfectly. The tricky part about the posted example is the size. You'll have to find the right person, so this consideration, along with the component mix, will bring in the price lower. They are beautiful bikes, and I would love to find one of his touring bikes in a 58 cm or so.

Dhorn33

Hola from MN back at ya!
That is great info - that is a little less than what I was expecting to be honest but maybe a realistic number? That bike swap at the BSC was sort of a bust I think - more sellers than buyers from what I saw. I am going to keep researching before I tell him an asking price to see what more I can find. Keep the info coming....

Dhorn33

The owners had told me he would like to see $600 out of it so I will try to sell for close to that and see what happens. I wish I was taller- this is a really nice ride.

mrjav

I was Terry's Cannondale rep back in the 90's. I'm confident in saying that he's one of the nicest, most interesting guys to have picked up a torch! Beautiful frames with those custom touches, but very no-nonsense.

I hope to get in touch with him in a couple weeks when I return to the States and Minneapolis. If anyone has his current contact info, PM me please.

scooderdude

Does this also look like one of Terry's frames? Trying to determine who the builder is. Its owner (not the original) said it was built by a small custom Minnesota frame builder, but he doesn't know who.