mswantak

This thing probably doesn't qualify as vintage, but I saw a Diamondback Concours MTB at the thrift store for $30. It's in pretty clean shape, the biggest flaw is the rear wheel needs truing. I know squat from this style of bike though, and was mainly thinking it might be turned around for a profit. Anybody clue me in?

FXjohn

You're missing the point of the forum. Why would we want to help you "turn it around for a profit"?

powers2b

It's worth about $30
If you replace the rear wheel and clean it up really well you could probably get $60.
You wont know what it is worth until someone buys it from you.
Enjoy

mswantak

Sorry if I offended you. If you knew me better you wouldn't ask; any profit I could potentially make on the MTB would be going back into my old roadbikes in one way or another.

Powers -- thanks for the info. I'll stick to what I know and just leave the Diamondback for somebody who wants an MTB.

powers2b

MSW
Don't let the jerks on this forum get to you.
Half the people that post in vintage are wondering what their "secret find" is worth so they can turn it or feel better about themselves. Funy thing is most of them end up destroying the value during the "Restoration Process".
Enjoy

FXjohn

I'm probably one of those "jerks" who put more into their old bike than it is "worth"

bigbossman 

Hmmm... not sure why "profit" is a bad word. I routinely buy cast-off bikes, toss them on the repair stand, work all the bugs out, and then sell them off (sometimes for a profit - GASP!) to fuel my hobby/sport/whatever you want to call it. It is very therapudic, and gets more bikes out of the dumpstrer and back to work. If one is not repairable, I strip the useable parts and have them ready for the next candidate. I don't see a downside. When I get around to restoring my Mondia Super, it will be with off-budget monies collected in large part from the sale of the bikes I've turned around (unless of course, the house needs a new refrigerator )

But anyway, Powers is right. In your neck of the woods $60.00 would be about tops, and then probably only after the rain stops and folks start thinking about riding again. I guess it depends on how hard you want to work for that (possible) $30.00.

FWIW, here's what I'd do on an "iffy" bike. Most thrift shops have a date code on the price tag, and after 30 days they will sell whatever it is for 50% off. Check to see if there is a code, and if so, come back after 30 days and buy it for half price if it is still there. Chances are it won't be, as $30.00 is a good price for a decent bike if you're someone who needs one to ride around town.

John D.

nick burns

If you're feeling charitable, you could spend the $30, get it in decent rideable condition & give it to someone who needs a bike but can't afford one.

Poguemahone

I strongly doubt anyone here is making all that much, if anything, off vintage bikes. We just like them too much.

MSW, my general rules are as follows with old bikes. If I know nothing about them, but think they're funky/cool, I'll buy them. Thus, I own the Vello Kombi.
If I know they're of value but they are not my size, I will buy them, turn about and sell them, and sink the money back into my fleet of old Frenchies (which are really not all that expensive).
If someone I know is looking for a bike in that particular size, I'll buy it, fix it up, and either give it away or charge them for the cost of the bike, no more.
If it's my size, I know something about it, and it's cool, I will buy it. And likely keep it-- the LeJeune, for instance, is not going anywhere.
On occasion, I will buy a bike simply for parts-- an old Brooks saddle in nice shape, an old track hub, a generator set, whatever. Usually cheaper than the bike shop.

As one poster commented, sometimes this place turns into an antiques roadshow (what's my 1996 Cannondale worth, etc, etc.) I'm hesitant to put any $ value on a bike, as I a) don't know the actual bike, and b) the $ value is not as important as the fun value, anyway.

However, if you see something you don't want and know you can turn it around, I don't see the harm in that. But it's best to limit this approach to stuff you really know; because I've found you can be surprised at how little something you know nothing about is really worth.

mswantak

I had the model name wrong; it's a Diamondback Sorrento. It's a 21-speed with Shimano Acera X derailleurs and Shimano Altura shifters. I went back to the thrift store later in the day looking for something else, and I noticed the bike was now sitting in a corner with the wheels and tires off. I asked the manager what was up with that, and she replied that some kids got caught in the act of trying to steal the red-and-black Cheng Shin tires, and if I was still interested in it as it was, I could have it for $20. How could I say no?

The main problem with it at the moment is the shifters. The derailleurs and cables are free, but the shifters aren't doing anything; pressing either lever on either shifter gives no result. I know squat about indexed shifters, so at least I'll be getting an education for my $20. Does anyone know where I can get some info on troubleshooting and servicing these things?

And hey, FXjohn -- I'm one of the jerks too, spending more on my oldies than they're worth. That money's gotta come from somewhere, hence buying the Diamondback.

cyclodan

Sounds like those Rapid Failure ...er I mean Rapid Fire shifters are dead. Seems like a good candidate for some old thumbshifters.

mswantak

That's the conclusion I'm coming to. I just so happen to have a pair of old thumbshifters lying about, too. Just a matter of grafting them onto the integrated brake/shifter handlebar fitting.

What is it that croaks on those rapid-fire shifters? The pawls that engage the cable spool?

bigbossman 

Usually the pawls, but sometimes they just get full of debris and need a cleaning. I had a set on an old bike that failed to hold gears. The LBS guy told me to blast 'em with a cleaner/dreaser, and once I blew the crud out they worked ok again.

New integrated brake/shifter shifters are about $50.00 ($75.00 with installation), which is more than the bike is worth. So, it looks like you'll need to go back to the pile and find a donor bike for the proper shifters, or bubba the the bike to accept the thumb shifters.

Sometimes bikes are at a thrift shop for a reason....

John D.

FXjohn

I might give 25 cents a pound for that bike

Just kidding man

mswantak

There's plenty of Bubbas in my neck of the woods, so if a good ****** doesn't straighten the Alturas out I can still unload it.

FXjohn

If nothing else, it should be a durable bike. You could make a single speed out of it.

nick burns

Yup, & it won't cost you a dime more than you spent for it. Just put the chain on the cog your most comfortable in & adjust the derailleur travel screws so that it stays there.