tgapp

Hey guys!

First, a bit of an apology: I'm new here, both to road biking and to the forum. So, please forgive me if I'm posting in the wrong place or don't follow etiquette. Even with all the reading I've done--I'm not even sure that I've got all the names right on this thing!

I just picked up an old vintage Columbine Road Bike in excellent condition from the local classifieds--it's Dura Ace hubs, Shimano 600 brakes, and Shimano Deore XT Deraillers both front & back. It's in generally good condition, with just a few minor scratches, but it looks generally solid. The stem has what appears to be a red M logo on it, and the drop-bar handles are Nitto. The original owner described the unusual shifting set up (twist shifters at the bottom of the drop bars) as a "half step and a granny". 27" Wolber Super Champion rims and Vittoria Saffiro tires (great shape!)

So--the obvious question--what is all of this worth? I paid $250 for it, so I think I got a pretty good deal--but my real question (and maybe this is the wrong place to ask this) is would I be better served selling it and purchasing a newer, more modern bike, or keeping it? Is there any changes that I should make to it? And what would be the best way to sell this bike, should I decide to go down that path?

Thanks in advance!

randyjawa 

Welcome to the Bike Forums.

Your description is inadequate for any kind of appraisal. Also, it is a very good idea to include good quality pictures of the bicycle and frame/fork set features. Armed with a better description and pictures, the folks here at Bike Forums will be better able to help you out.

wrk101

Twist grips on the end of the handlebars have nothing to do with half step/granny.

Bike is a very odd mix of parts.

You missed listing perhaps the most important part: what is the frame made out of? (Tubing type and grade). That and condition go a long way towards value.

Poguemahone

I would very much like pictures as well. My suspiscion is you got a steal, as Columbine is a respected small custom builder. However, until you post photos, you got ripped off.

The parts sound like a very idosyncratic hack. Either PO had very set ideas about what he wanted in a bike, or someone bought the frame and threw it together with whatever they had lying about.

tgapp

The bike is in good/great condition, especially considering it's age. There are a few light scratches or nicks, but in general, the paint is in great shape. All of the other components have very little wear and look/perform excellently. So, maybe it's not in "showroom floor" condition, but that notwithstanding, it's beautiful.

The frame is all steel, made by Columbine Bike Works. I can't tell exactly, but I know that it is either "Platinum" True Temper tubing or NiVa Chrome Series from Columbus, Italy. All I know is that Columbine bikes are supposed to have (in general) exceptional materials. The frame is beautifully lugged and completely silver brazed.

The build is quirky, but the original owner had it all done to order, for a special-built touring bike. Having the smallest gear on the crank is actually pretty nice, and aside from the peculiarity of it, I'm pleased. I don't know if I can afford to put better components on it right now (being the poor college student that I am), and am unsure of the necessity of that. Yeah, it's a weird build, but so what?

I couldn't get the images to attach properly in the thread, so I just put them in an imgur gallery. Sorry for the picture quality--I just bought a new camera, and it should be here tomorrow. If these shots don't scratch the itch, I'm happy to go back and get better ones.

https://imgur.com/a/RSdcS

Thanks again for your help--and again--I'm sorry for my newbishness. But really, this means a lot to me.

Poguemahone

American customs can be hard to price. However, that bike is worth far more than you paid for it. 4/500 at least for the frame alone. I paid three for a Waterford frame, and I though I got a steal. I would put yours in that class. The parts are weird, and the shifters look like something off a walmart bike. No bother, if you like them, keep them.

I still want better pictures. Until then, your bike is worth fifty cents.

oldskoolwrench

Definitely a classic, vintage road bike... all the way down to the Grip Shift!

That's one fine Columbine you have there! Built in Greeley, CO and then the company re-located to Mendocino, CA. The Murphys really do very nice work... right up there with the best of the custom builders! Lugwork is exquisite, paint is top drawer.

Don't sweat the component mix; looking at the bike it was set up as a triple chain ring bike hence the XT derailleurs... Dura Ace didn't come with a wide range R DR back then.

I'd put a Columbine up against anything currently being made in terms of small custom framebuilders... JP Weigle, Baylis, Rivendell. But, I am somewhat biased... the Columbine happens to be our State Flower!

Alan

wrk101

+1 You got yourself a nice find there, $500 to $750 would be my guess.

+1 Small custom builders hard to appraise, as most buyers don't recognize them, so they go under-appreciated.

I had a Giant with those goofy end of bar twist shifters.

+1 Paint and decal work look outstanding. That's the first thing I look at, as it is expensive to fix, and the bike is only original once. The oddball mix can be relatively easily addressed.

jet sanchEz

Wow, that is very nice. You got a great deal at that price however, if you intend to re-sell it, I would edit out the price as a google search of "Columbine bicycle" will undoubtedly lead here.

The guys over at Velocipede Salon will probably be able to help you out with more specifics of the builder, era, etc.

https://www.velocipedesalon.com/forum/forum.php

escii_35

Nice bike. If you bought it from friends or family at that price reselling will inherit you some bad juju. Since you are a student, unless you plan on -real- racing keep it. Buying one in its class new will set you back a pretty penny.

Use something else for utility riding as this one is not very replaceable. This bike screams custom build for someone who knew what they wanted.

GTizzy

Also, the Columbine Cycle Works website indicates that road frames start at $3,200: https://www.columbinecycle.com/store.php

Chombi

Columbine had been well known for their excellent craftmanship, specially the way they design and craft the lugwork on their bikes which are pretty much custom builds. Their bikes have been the subject of many features in bicycling magazines since the 80's, and I remember saving those magazines for years just so I can view the pics of the featured Columbine bikes. You are one lucky guy to get this one. Hope you treat it well and preserve it's originality as its value will continue to go up every year.

Chombi

jr59

Nice bike!
Very nice indeed!

If the bike fits, I would keep it and try to retro fit it.

Buying something else about that quality would be a bit pricy!

zukahn1 

I would say this is a great price for a what is likely a Colorado Columbine even with the hodge podge of components. The frame and wheels are worth about twice what you paid for the bike maybe more.

cb400bill

I saw a beautiful Columbine while out riding today. Looking for info about them lead me to this thread. I though that I would post the pic of the OP's bike.

GrainBrain

Ha I was so engrossed that I didn't notice the date. The OPs machine was awesome, half stepped, XT, Dura Ace and period correct grip shift - srams big break. All on a small builders frame - I'd be so floored to find this! It's the dream of responding to an Ad about "an old bike with grip shift".

This bike wasn't a hodgepodge of parts, it was very specifically built. I would've enjoyed a conversation with the original owner.

Drillium Dude 

That makes perfect sense; Columbines weren't cheap back in the day and they still set you back 3K or more. I've had two frames custom built for me over the years and I knew going in how the bike was going to look - and generally perform - afterwards. One of them even got updated to 8-speed and that second build suited it just a little bit better

DD

cb400bill

The bike I saw was green with chrome lugs. It was gorgeous.

rando_couche

Just to summarize, $250 for a Columbine in that condition is an AMAZING deal. No idea if they're still in business, but you could expect to pay at least 10-12x that much for a new Columbine frame and fork.

SP
OC, OR

ps- regarding the build kit: this bike predates the "integrated groups everywhere" concept, especially for non-racing bikes. Admittedly some of the choices are idiosyncratic, but overall nothing weird for the time period.

bocobiking

GrainBrain

If I ever spend the $$ for a high end custom frame, full chrome lugs, drops, fork socks, DS chain stay. Weight be damned.

Green is my top choice for color, followed by the wild early 90s floro!

GiovanniLiCalsi

Columbine Cycle Works bicycles sell for as much as $14,500, today.
They’re a work of art. The New York Museum of Art has requested to have one in their art gallery.
This Columbine frame has lost wax investment cast frame lugs and gold filled investment cast bling.
The tubing is very thin wall.

Russ Roth

Priced out a frame on their site with everything I could have wanted, was only 8500$, not certain what 14k would get you unless that includes the parts. Only wish I had the money to drop on it, I think that would make the wife snap.

GiovanniLiCalsi

I spoke with the Columbine Cycle Works owner and he told me that this frame would cost $14,500.00 to build, today.
Regards,
Giovanni

SoccerBallXan

These are automobile prices. Excellent craftsmanship, superb mechanical work, iffy price. I’m thinking 2020 Mercedes CLA with that kind of money, not lost wax lugs!!

Cheers mate, gorgeous bike nonetheless.