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Official What is it Worth thread (WIW)

269K views 1K replies 318 participants last post by  jestep 
#1 ·
What's It Worth (WIW)
This is about as difficult to define as the definition of 'vintage retro classic'. There is no clear answer. And though this question is asked often, its almost always asked of a different part or bike...making links to helpful threads difficult.

Whats it worth? What is your bike worth? Are you sitting on a gold mine? Maybe, maybe not. The best way to determine the value of your bike. Put it on eBay for $.99 and let it ride. This probably the most best way to figure the value. Of course, how well your auction description is and how clean and nicely you take pictures of your bike will also affect its value. MTBR.com has a 'Vintage' section in the classifieds. It hits your target audience perfectly.
If you don't want to sell your bike, but just want to know if it has value...take these things into account:

* Age of the bike.
* Originality of the bike (paint, parts)
* Condition of the bike (paint, parts)
* Is it a low production run bike? Custom/Hand made by a reputable craftsmen?
* Component list? Are the parts 'top or the line' or quality aftermarket upgrades?

Worth....or value, will always be a gray area. What may be worth a lot to you, may be worth very little to someone else. Even something suchs as sentimental worth can sometimes affect market value. Do your research. Watch local Craigslist and eBay for like items to gauge the worth (value) of what you have.

All WIW questions will be dumped into this thread.
 
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#75 ·
i was trying to find an old pic of my 1992 wheeler 7700 with easton frame. no luck
amazing the quality parts on it from the early 90s.
i had upgraded the tires, added shimano 747 spds, added a manitou 3 shock (brand new for 93 i believe) and it had mavic rims...man i wish i had it back!
 
#80 ·
Hi. I just saved this rockhopper comp out of the back of my buddies truck headed to the dump. Should I have left it there? What do I do with this? Should I get some tires, tune it up and hit the trail retro-style? I love the chromoly and like the idea of putting a new fork on it. Is that possible with this head tube? Thanks, Brian.
Bicycle frame Bicycle tire Bicycle wheel Bicycle fork Wheel


Bicycle frame Green Bicycle part Bicycle Bicycle accessory


Bicycle part Bicycle accessory Bicycle Bicycle handlebar Bicycle tire
 
#82 ·
OK, without the link this time....

Whats the market on a decent late 80's Nishiki Alien with Tange tubes & fork? Looks to be mostly origional with Deore/XT all over. Some paint flaws, but i think it'll clean up nicely. Haven't seen it in person yet as it is for sale across town.

Thanks
 
#83 ·
My wife finally "won" a battle, if I want to keep buying more bike stuff, I need to sell some first...

The problem is I have no idea how much things go for..

Here are a few examples..

Ritchey Ascent is sad shape but complete.
Bicycle tire Bicycle frame Tire Bicycle wheel Wheel


Kona fire mountain frame in sad cosmetic shape but no dents of deep damage with a Mag 21 fork.


I also have a Kona Explosive frame (size 17") a black stumjumper "comp" M2 (1995 I think) and a 91' Stumpjumper team in black and purple (size 17") just to name a few..

Anyway thanks for the help..

Oh please no powerbar wrapper comments, I like cliff bars more anyway..
 
#86 · (Edited)
Kona wasn't ever anything special and the Ritchey is beat.
Maybe if it had better pictures or a more complete bike, then you might have me but otherwise is typical Craigslist bike fodder.

Another reason is that vintage bike frame prices have been dropping significantly in the last few months. this could be a seasonal price fluctuation or it could be that with the economy the way it is, more people have been flooding the market with older frames.
FWIW, I just picked up a 93 Klein fram with original moonrise paintjob for $202.
 
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#91 ·
I just bought this GT I-Drive marathon 2 months ago. Couldnt find much about this bike, but I was wondering… did I pay to much? I know it's a model that isn't around a lot, so maybe a new classic. Think it's a '03/'04 you tell me…. B200920075 BI-1313

Fork : Rock Shox SID Worldcup blackbox fork (stock)
Rear Shock: Fox Float RL23
Brakeset: Shimano XT-disk
Shift Levers: Shimano xt-dualcontrol
Front Derailleur : Shimano XT
Rear Derailleur: Shimano XTR (STOCK)
Crankset: Shimano XT
Seatpost: Easton AE
Handlebar: Easton AE
Handlebar Stem: Easton AE
Hubs: Shimano XT
Rims: Mavic XC717
Modern bike in a vintage forum is worth $0.00.
 
#105 ·
Bontrager CX. I realize it's not a mountain bike but you guys are the ones with the knowledge in this area. Black with original steelman fork. Ridden but in very good condition. Not original componentry, modern campy shifters running xtr and a dura ace crankset. Pics to follow. WIW?
 
#118 ·
Marin Quake 5 (1997) estimate of costs?

Hi.
I'm thinking to sell my old Marin Quake 5 fully from 1997.
In my humble opinion, it's the most interessting frame form; designed by a formula one designer (hm...).

Anyway, I have to much bikes and I need space.
How much $/€ can I request for these bike?







 
#119 ·
If you ask more than a few hundred, I doubt you'll see much action.

Not a rare or unusual bike, nothing about it is terribly collectible. Near as I can tell, it hasn't seen any substantive upgrades, so it's not a good candidate for a strip and flip either. Just an old, early FS.

Good luck with it!
 
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