Long Haul Trucker Value
 

Okay, so I bought the LHT for a tour that didn't happen and it's too much bike to let sit idle. I have a Trek 400T that I'm going to stick with. My question is what would be a fair asking price for this years model(56cm/700c/Truckaccino) in perfect condition with a fresh tune up? I upgraded the crank to a Sugino XD and added some SKS fenders, otherwise it's stock from Surley. Any input appreciated from those who have been looking around at these and have a good idea of the current pricing. Thanks all.

Surly LHT's seem to hold their value well. At least that's my impression from watching eBay and Craigslist listings. Most bikes quickly lose 30% to 40% of their value, even if lightly used, but Surly LHT's seem to fetch more than that if nicely set up and ready to go.

I would think that you might try selling your Surly LHT for 20% to 30% less than you paid for it. If you're willing to sit on it all winter, might be worth more when it starts to warm up next spring.

Not clear whether you can get someone to pay you for the upgrades you've done.

Just a guess - I've certainly seen people *ask* more for newish LHT's, not sure whether they got it.

you've up-graded; Crank, Fenders.. other ?? to some individuals, it's worth being good to go. Frames on sale now are only a hundred or so reduced so... someone may reach

30% off retail should do it

Here's a recent ebay sale, that's somewhat comparable:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...#ht_500wt_1182

I think I'll try CL at $1100 with the Brooks and see where that gets me. I'm pretty sure these go for about $1400 tax and all locally, that sound right?

Ah no, retail MSRP on the complete LHT is $1095. The linked Ebay auction is about right for a realitively stock LHT.

I think that it is funny that you bought this bike but don't know what it cost.

"What it cost" really isn't indicative of the value, what I paid for it is not the current value. I'm trying to find the value so I can price it competitively.

I think posts like this are not really asking sincere questions, but more for advertising a sale without having to obtain full membership.

Anyone can search CL, ebay, or do a google search to find an approximate price for a bike they are selling.

+1

The closing price of $830 on the eBay bike above is a pretty good comparable. Maybe in a hot market it might bring $900-ish.

But, a Craigslist listing is free, so anyone is free to ask anything they want.

Or they could come to BF and ask for some opinions, throw out some numbers and get some feedback, you know like on a forum. I don't pay to upgrade my membership because I don't need any of the upgraded features, including the marketplace. I checked Ebay, these prices are not that pertinent to a local sale, as shipping is a factor(for me at least). I checked CL, the last LHT to sell went bone stock for $1000(Yes, I emailed the seller to see what his experience was, he said the first caller paid full price without protest). To those who replied on topic, thank you for your valuable input, I think I got the info I needed.

It's one thing to determine the value. It's another to find a buyer willing to pay it. The problem with most touring bikes is that the volumes are very low--there are just not that many people looking for them. You may have to be patient to find the properly motivated buyer.

Guess he told you guys!

Thinly disguised advertisement. Posts like this should be eliminated by the moderators.

Could be stolen, too.

Usually, when I purchase a bike, I know *exactly* what I spent on it. And I know the cost of the upgrades.

Before you all tar & feather the poor guy for asking a question, take a look at his profile. He's been a member for 3 years and has many post. Hardly the type to be fencing a stolen touring bike here.

Ya absolutely! I'd hate to think we might see a longstanding BikeForums Member sell a touring bike to another BikeForums Member to tour on. Especially as this is The Touring Forum and the bike in question is a touring bike.

Ya that's something we better stamp out quick or you know where that might lead...*sigh*...:rolleyes:

You're right, my apologies -- it really doesn't matter ;).

Sorry man, it's cool.

Retail = $1190 after taxes around here.

I'd sell the Brooks separately if I were you. $900 asking, settling for $850 should get it sold this year

Well, this is hardly a federal offense, so I apologize for piling on.

But I think that's why the mods set up a touring *marketplace* so items that are being advertised for sale can be listing there. But the OP suggests he doesn't want to pay to be a member, so he's seeking "advice" in this forum.

He got the advice, but appears to be rejecting it.

No big deal either way - it's free to post a bike on CL.