ummbnb

OK, bear with me on this one. I serve on the board for a small bike cooperative/community service org. I have my eye on an Azuki mixte they have in their inventory now. I need to come up with a fair price to offer for it. The money goes to a very good a cause - teaching healthy choices by getting bikes, practical maintenance skills and other education to people who's only source of transportation is their bike, as well as others in the community - so I don't mind paying more than I might on CL, but at the same time, I think they have it marked too high at the moment.

I wasn't able to get decent photos today but will on Weds when I'm in the shop again but here's a description.

*Probably late 70's or early 80's(totally guessing)
*Fully lugged frame with decorative details at each connection - very similar to the first red frame detail in this link. The edges are painted with constrasting colors to make the detail stand out. It's red.
https://www.londonfgss.com/thread24282.html
*The paint is in decent shape but does have some significant scratches in a few places, most notably a series of chip-like scratches along the top bar on one side for about 7 inches.
*Dia Compe brakes
*Full Suntour components

What it needs, from what I can tell. Our shop mgr is on vacation and he's the one who evaluated it so when I talk to him this week I'll know more.

*New seat (which I'd do for most any bike)
*Has cheapo handlebars which I'll change out for some north road bars or such.
*Front tire - not sure about the wheels

Aside from that, it looks to be in quite good shape. I know pics are needed to really help and I'll post those as soon as possible. But if anyone can weigh in with just a description, it would really help me!

Thanks!!!!

Dynocoaster 

There is one for sale on the local Craigslist for $100

sunburst

I bought three mixtes this year, two for other people. And I discovered (the hard way!) I have to take a good hard look at purchase price, plus how much money and labor it needs.

The first was an off brand Japanese mixte that I spent an hour or two cleaning and going over doing safety stuff. So, it was $60 + 2 hours labor. The new owner was very pleased at this price. I donated the labor.

The 2nd, a '75 Peugeot was $100 but in bad shape, so I spent 28 hours (not kidding) completely restoring it, plus maybe $70 in tires, cables, grips, and such, and about $50-100 in donated parts from my collection. This was my 1st complete restoration ever - big learning process. This was for another woman. She also was very happy with the final product.

The 3rd, a '72 Peugeot, also $100 and similar shape, will eventually cost significantly more money, because I'm replacing almost everything but the frame and brake calipers. New wheelset, cranks, pedals, bb, bars, tires, brake levers, fd, rd, etc, etc. This one's for me and I'm sure I'm going overboard. I imagine though, that some of you C & V enthusiasts understand this. I'm partial to Peugeots.

These last two experiences have forced me to reevaluate this old bike thing I've developed. I love 'em, but I gotta accept that they are a big investment in time and money. Fortunately I love working on them too.

Mixte's are hot now, and I think they'll stay that way. They go fast on cl, and probably for more than they should. The Peugeots I bought would have been sent to the dump in another era (I talking prior to all this vintage craziness). You didn't say what yours is priced at (did you?) but I saw two or three Peugeot mixtes on sfbay cl this summer for $300. One was in outstanding condition.

ummbnb

Thanks! Basically - it could go right now (I think) with just a new front tire. Since I've been shopping around for nearly 2 years to find just what I want I think I have a fairly good idea of what it should be here - but I've not come across one with the fancy lugs and nice components. My gut is telling me that it would list for $140 on CL now. That's less than they have it for. I think I'm going to make them an offer and if they think they can get more by selling it to a customer, I'll leave it. It's really not a big deal as their are "new" mixtes every week on CL.

bbattle

Do they allow customers to make offers? If so, then nothing to worry about. If prices are firm, then I'd look elsewhere for a bike. Or pay what they ask.

sunburst

I was going to say if it's under $200 and in great shape, go for it. I would. I've got much more into my Peugeots.