Worth $500?
 

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/2594/bikefg8.th.jpg


Selling on craigslist is this, a Bottecchia road bike.

The owner claims it is in very good condition and is about 15 years old.
The components are campagnolo, if it matters.

Columbus SLX frame with Mavic wheels.

The size is right for me, so I was wondering if I should look further into it. I emailed the seller to get this picture as well as the age and condition of the bike.

Nice looking bike. It's hard to say because I can't tell what Campy components are on there - though it doesn't look like C-Record. Ask him to send you some closeups of the crank, ders, and brakes - that would help.

It's in the ballpark if it's in great shape.

55/Rad

I think it is worth looking it to. It is a beautiful looking bike, no doubt. 500 bucks I don't know. What campy group does it have?

Rad beat me to it. He would know better than I anyway.

Ok, I sent him an email reply to ask for more pictures (the closeups you recommended, Rad).

One more question....what is that bar below the top tube? I've never seen it before.

Its a frame mounted tire pump.

Oh, cool.
That might help that back tire out a bit ;)

The more I look at this bike the more I hope you get it just so you can take a bunch of really good bike porn pictures.

Uh, yeah...
ok...
Do you have a private email I could send them to? Haha

I missed that.

If you cleaned up the saddle (or put on new white one) and tossed some new white tape on there.........

I really like that bike for some reason.

Um, bike porn does not = nakedness it equals lots of pictures of a cool bike. Geeze n00b, use the search function. :D

I'm sorry, I've just never had the motivation to look up something like that.

Apparently some of us are experts on the topic, however.

But I won't judge you. :P

Rad knows what I'm talking about. You could learn a thing or two from his picture talking skills.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=206402

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=169388

EDIT: Sorry for the complete thread highjack.

Ooo, those are nice...

Studio pics... or just finding clean backgrounds... I have nothing like that here!

I feel a tingle in my nether regions. Wait, wait, that's just my cell phone. That frame alone would probably fetch $250+ on ebay. SLX tubing (which will never rust), chrome fork/stays/lugs, painted lug outlines, shocks, pegs...

The frame pump almost cheapens the whole thing. I dunno, C-record or not this is a pretty sweet bike but since it will be your first ever road bike you have to decide whether you'd rather have a vintage art piece or something a little newer and more functional, although $500 on a brand new bike won't get you squat.

I really, really like that frame. Too bad the top tube would be just about belly button height on me.

Just looking from a distance it looks like Super or Nuovo record components.. Make sure to check for rust.. That model has a lot of chrome on it.. 500.00 if in good working order is a decent price.. You may be limited if you plan on upgrading.. Some of those older 1980's vintage bikes are 126 spacing.. all new components need 130 rear spacing..

Isn't is pretty common and possible to move it out to 130? I've heard that with older steel you can do that. At least to 128 which would make it what? 8-speed compatible?

Yes, you can get it cold set to 128 or 130 or you can try just squeezing an axle in there.

If you intend to ride it the way it is, it is probably a little pricey but OK if it is rust free and has higher end Campy components. If you plan to switch to a modern drivetrain, then it is too much. In that case, you should go looking for a frame. By the way, cold setting rear dropouts is really simple. You just need a threaded rod and some nuts and washers. Nothing to it. There is no need to struggle with it.

I don't really have the cashflow to change out all the components, so if I were to buy it, it would be with the original ones for a while. They should be pretty reliable though.
I'm also not sure on how firm the seller is on his price. But bargaining will come after I see closeups of the components and decide if I want to buy it.

If it fit me I'd already have it home.

Here's the reply with a bunch of pics...all is taken from the email:

"The Campy is Nuovo Gran Sport. It has a Miche seatpost and a Selle Italia Mythos saddle. Cinelli bars. Time pedals.

http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/7435/1ru7.jpg

http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/2816/2ix6.jpg

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/1579/3rh1.jpg

http://img114.imageshack.us/img114/1097/4ih7.jpg

http://img114.imageshack.us/img114/880/5ye7.jpg

"

It looks pretty nice, and it's a bit dirty, but not too bad for 15 years old.

Just looking for a final clarification, but I'm guessing it's worth the $500.

very sharp bike... I dont know about 500 bones though..

Bought it today, for $400.
:)

I'll post pics in a new thread when I get it cleaned up and new tires put on, etc.