holla005

Wondering if I should buy a Sekine for $50? It looks to be in good shape with little rust and has the world finest bike on the seat tube in green.

randyjawa 

Welcome to the Bike Forums.

If the Sekine is in good shape and if it is a good fit for you and if you don't live in Antartica, then fifty dollars is a decent buying price. That said, I am assuming that you are talking about an entry level steed. Higher end versions could be worth considerably more.

The point is that without pictures and/or a better description, few people can do much to help appraise a vintage bicycle. Without knowing where the bike is located also makes it difficult to appraise since market location has a significant impact on value, the Antartica example being one that is very weak:-)

Have a look at some of the links on this page. Perhaps you will see something close to what you are thinking about, or, better yet...

Show us some pictures and let us know approximately where you live.

T-Mar

Based on the description, the subject bicycle pre-dates the Canadian manufactured models, which started in June 1973. Sekine were well designed and manufactured bicycles, even the entry level models. While it may appear to be in very good condition, it could still require a lot of work. Often, bicycles in very good condition were bought with the best intentions of riding daily but were soon relegated to the garage or basement. So while the cosmetic condition on these are often excellent and there is little mechanical wear, they have hardened grease that is approaching 5 decades old and will do little to lubricate the bearings. Unless you have the necessary tools and are capable of overhauling the bicycle yourself, they can quickly become a money pit. Often, it's better to buy a more used bicycle that has been ridden regularly and properly maintained. As noted, pictures and your location are prerequisites for providing a proper assessment.

holla005

It says GS on the front emblem, has world finest bicycle made by Sekine sticker and made in japan sticker on the seat tube, it looks very similar if not exactly like the SHC 270. I am also in Milwaukee, WI.


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ramzilla

Rant warning.........

If it's in original unrestored condition with 45 year old tires and brake shoes then, $50 might be way too high dollar. You gotta remember that just the bare cost of new tires, tubes, rim tape, brake shoes, chain, brake & shift cables, bearings, grease, seat and, handlebar tape can easily run $150 - $200. And, who's going to do all the work? Do you have any tools? A shop may charge you another $300 to properly fit all those new items. It's the main reason most people say #$^&*! it and just pay $500 or $600 for a decent new bike. (Sorry to be so hard on you). (Don't buy a vintage bike unless you're ready to roll up your sleeves to work on it and own it). Be good. Have fun.

Cwurfel

Good point what do we do once we buy these bikes if they are not ride able?

wrk101

Either get resourceful on parts and consumables, do all the work yourself, or stop buying them. If you pay retail or even Amazon prices on your consumables, the cost of parts alone will exceed the value of the finished product. I routinely pick up bikes like this from the LBS to be donated to the co op. There we either match them up with donated consumables, or part them out and scrap much of it.

I never expect to find a vintage bike in ready to ride condition. Of course, ready to ride means different things to different people. I've seen bikes with dry rotted tires, stuck seat post and stem, stiff rusty chains, etc., described as ready to ride. To each their own.

T-Mar

If it has a 'World's Finest Bicycle" decal, then it's not an SHC. The SHC was Canadian assembled and those decals pre-date the Canadian factory. Most likely, it is an SHB.

holla005

T-mar any idea where I could find a sekine decal?

T-Mar

Sorry, no I don't.