A guy I know has a Specialized Expedition for sale. I don't know the exact year, though. It is mint and beautiful. I believe most of the parts are original and it is in my size. I was thinking of this for a commuting bike but wasn't sure if it is too much of a heavy load tourer for a commuter (not sure if that even matters). Also, how collectible are these bikes and what price should I be expecting to pay for one in mint (and a larger size)?

Here are a few photos:

I'd be all over that bike if I were you...... It will make a great commuter, every day rider/tourer, that is a do-it-all bike. As far as price goes I'm not sure, but it won't be cheap. Grab it while you can!!!!

For a lot of C&V enthusiasts, that is a grail bike... IMO if you can buy it for less than $500, you are doing good(provided that is in good shape as it appears).

Nice find

$500 was the exact number I was going to toss out...I think it would make a HELL of a commuter and likely retain its value if you went to resell down the road.

I looked at one three weeks ago in Duluth.

The guy is in our bike club.

He wanted $650, and it was as nice as this one.

I wouldn't pay that much, but I don't think $450 to $500 is out of the question.

....and in before the move!

where can i pick it up? i'm just down the coast

Thanks for the feedback. I was thinking of swapping my excellent/mint Superbe Pro (index version with hidden spring brakes, minus BB) group for the bike. I covet this group but don't see that I will use it anytime soon.

GG

Get it while you still can!

It has the fenders, rack, leather wrap and looks to be in great shape. Put a Brooks on it and send it my way. That's one of my Grail bikes!

That Superbe Pro stuff has been worth its weight in gold lately...I'm not sure if you're on the better side of that trade. You probably are, but it's close.

I'd swap her if I were you.

This comes from a person who has stockpiled way too many parts.

Take the bike. She's a beauty.

If you can get it for less than 500, then you have done well. Appears to be an all original '85. I believe the 83 & 84 had clamp-on shifters. Suntour Montech II derailers & Shimano Deerhead brakes with Sugino half-step crank. In good condition, they will go for 650-750 in the Bay Area. I sold mine for 700 a few years ago.

If you want a fuller discussion of this bike, try this site:https://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/MiyataSpecTour/

It's dedicated to the Expedition and Miyata 1000.

I recently purchased an 86 StumpJumper and turned it into a commuter bike. I bought that model because it could accomodate the fat tires I wanted to run. These Specialized bikes are really well made and ride nicely.

My Recommendation - a definite BUY!

I also saw that bike on the local CL, and if memory serves, he is asking $800 for it. Looks like a very nicely kept version. I've sold two of these in similar condition in the past 3 years in the Bay Area ( both 56 cm.), and each for $800-850. I know that the SF area is an expensive one for good vintage bikes, but this model is a real classic and will hold it's value. It's worth what he's asking around here, if you pay any less it's just money in your pocket... Good luck!

I just bought an expedition a few months ago. Paid about $500 plus shipping. I am absolutely loving it. It has caused me to reconsider buying so many "racing" bikes, as it is such a plush ride. It would make a great commuter. I highly recommend it.

+1...I LOVE my road/racing bikes, but the bike I use most often for commuting is this one (which shouldn't be that different from your's):

I had no trouble selling an Expedition for $550. That's the ballpark you're playing in.

Well, I just got back from making the trade. I traded a very nice Superbe Pro group (minus BB) for the Specialized Expedition bike. The bike is in NOS condition without 1 itsy bitsy scratch. It looks like it was just built up. As far as I can tell every part is original (except bar tap, tire, fenders). The guy just put on Brooks tape and spent $100 on new tires. So, I think I did well on the trade (I also gave him Campy NR post and a couple of bottom brackets that I didn't need). I didn't need the components and he didn't want to keep the bike. All happy. Happy as a clam here.

Nice..........

Does he have immediate plans for the Superbe group?

I think that's a fair trade actually...in terms of ebay value, they aren't that far off.

Hmmm. I think you got the better end of that deal. You might want to replace the RD and preserve it. They have a bad reputation, and are probably valued by collectors because of it. Nice that it went to a good home.

He is a pro flipper so it will be going up for sale

I guess that works for him. If they are about the same monetarily, now he can go the eBay route without dealing with S&H a complete bike.

Exactly, he didn't want to have to ship this big frame.