D50doug

Hello everyone, I picked up a 1991 trek 720 multitrack hybrid. I’m pretty sure it’s about 99% original. I’m looking to get an idea if I should spend the time and money on going through it to sell or just sell as is. I’dike to see if anyone can give me a proper estimate both ways. Going through it, i.e. replacing the original dry rotted tires, sandblasting all screws, nuts and bolts to remove surface rust, touching up the few paint chips it has and buffing to blend in the job. Sanding and polishing spokes and wheels, having them rebalanced. The bike rides absolutely incredible the way it sits, everything works and it’s been sitting in a carport for over 15 years. All
I did was put on a new seat and put air in the tires (very scary). I appreciate all input. Thanks and God bless. Doug

bboy314

Pictures are always helpful. I’m not sure as to specific value, but all of that labor will probably not add a lot of value for the work involved.

abdon 

Can't tell without pictures but honestly if you want to get rid of it just sell it. It doesn't pay to spend the time an effort for the few extra bucks you'll get. If you have to buy tires, cables, and casing at retail, you may get less than you put into it.

I like working on bikes. I have fixed up mid level vintage bikes I meant to sell at a net loss because I enjoyed the process. There is nothing wrong with that and actually better than most hobbies where you can't even give away the end result.

abdon 

Sometimes that's not necessarily the best approach. I could help sell the bike to a non vintage person but more often than not you don't gain anything (you could hypothetically sell it for $100, or spend $50 on tires and hope to sell it for $150). Case in point I picked a specialized expedition that received that treatment, I have no use for the brand new tires it has so they are about to get replaced.

I would only work on it if the first attempt at selling it fails.

bargainguy

The used bike market has collapsed. Demand is non-existent in most areas of the country. The days of refurbing for profit are over. Best to sell as is.

nathand

In case it's helpful - I bought 3 Trek Multitracks in the past 2.5 years, all higher-level than your 700 (maybe more desirable since they're made in the USA with lighter frames and nicer components). I paid $40 for a 1998 730 17" (frame in good shape, needed new tires, new seat and seatpost, new brake pads, and $10 in parts to fix the brakes), $50 for a 1992 790 17" (some chips and rust on the frame, needs a significant overhaul and a lot of new parts), and $130 for a 1996 730 19" in nearly new condition (new tires, even - just needed brake pads). I'm in the San Francisco area, not sure how much location affects that pricing. I'm not reselling any of them right now.​​​​​​

zukahn1 

With

zukahn1 

With a short check it seems nice examples of these are selling offered for sell in most markets from $75-200 in good to nos condition so no room value on upgrades work . Very nice basic all around bike if you just want need something to ride I have road a lot worse.

Bianchigirll 

Why did you buy it if you don't want it? Unless you're getting the bike free it is nearly impossible to make money on repairing and reselling bikes. Once you install new tires on this you're likely in the hole. Watch a few youtube videos about repairing bikes.

In your market it is probably worth what you paid for it.

abdon 

I don't know about the OP but I have bought more than one bike on a whim that I have come to regret. Funny enough I know I'll do it again. For all we know he got it for dirt cheap if not free.

wrk101

Definitely not worth your time doing the work you describe. Sand blasting rust off bolts? No thanks! It will come right back.