Anyone have any good sources, web or books that can price out older bikes and components for refurbs. I travel a lot and always come across old bike frames and parts and want to start refurbing classic bikes. I think it would be fun but putting a value on individual parts is where I'm trying to get started. Any info would be great.

There's an appraisal section in the Classic and Vintage forum. I go over there a lot when I need the value of something. But, I usually find that if you come across a part, it's best to look at sold ebay auction of that part and see what they went for. That'll usually give you an accurate estimate. For example, I was looking around at the prices of mint SR levers and found an auction that ended a few days ago at $145.

Also, when looking at older bikes being sold for really cheap, don't get hung up on the frame. Make sure that the price at least reflects the parts. Say that there's a bike with crappy components and steel rims for $300. Obviously, not really a flipper's dream. But, if there's a bike with a "meh" frame material, OK components and alloy wheels for like $150, you might be in a good deal.

Another personal example. I recently saw a CL ad for an older Nishiki for $50. No pictures, essentially just a phone number. Met up with the guy that day and instantly saw alloy wheels and a Suntour Superbe FD and I automatically had two parts worth the asking price. That's the type of thing to be looking at when flipping, or "refurbing."

" There's an appraisal section in the Classic and Vintage forum." Those folks over there really know their vintage steel too. The info you gleen from that forum will be as good as any. ------- take it to the bank. Lp