WGB 

This bike needs work. Don't recall seeing one with aero levers so guessing it's replacement levers along with tape.

Paint job (or at least stickers) is on the low end. Seat is a goner.

Owner wants to sell.
Terrible photos first. First two were all he had so he emailed me the next two when I asked what model it was.

Before I drive to look because his photos skills are sub-par. Anybody know anything about these? Is it worth $100????

It would never fit but might be a fun bike to redo.

nesteel 

Yes, worth it. It also appears to be wearing Superbe pedals, which bring about $40 by themselves.

cb400bill

Thread moved from C&V to C&V Appraisals

WGB 

I posted on C&V because I wanted to ask if anyone saw any other issues or oddities? (And I know pedals can be missing caps, etc).

bikemig 

If the paint job is good (and this looks pretty decent) and the wheels are reasonably OK, then you can usually fix most things. This bike does look a bit beat and tired so figure a fair amount of time getting the parts to look decent

cudak888 

It's a mid-range, decent, and tiny touring bike. For the person who fits it, it may be worth $50-75, and they'll have to put another $50 in it to clean it up, not including any "gotchas" that show up along the way.

Adding the fact that it doesn't fit you, the answer is no, it is not worth $100 - unless you have another frame with canti studs that you want to build up with parts quickly and cheaply (I doubt if any of these rough-cast, non-anodized aluminum parts will clean up nicely without some serious buffing. What's more, the components here are pretty mundane.

I might add that of all the cantilever brake designs, I personally hate adjusting the Dia-Compe 960s. With a passion. They have no vertical adjustment or toe in, which becomes a pain on a production frame where canti studs aren't necessarily straight or in the perfect place to hit the rim. I never felt that the 960s performed well either.

-Kurt

WGB 

I was trying to justify a purchase to myself but had already noted the decals needed replacement as well as the seat, and of course the levers (might be originals with odd hoods or even an upgrade since they are now aero).

I cautioned the seller that if it looked rough I wouldn't be paying $100. I may call and cancel but if I do go I am already around $60-75 in my mind for an offer and even then I am on the fence.

ramzilla

With Valite frame, extra threaded mounts and, cantilever brakes I'd say it's well worth $100. I'd take that bike and put upright handlebars and thumb shifters on it. Would make a fantastic city bike for a woman or smaller rider. That bike was built to last a lifetime.

cudak888 

Let me warn you that cleaning up those roughly finished aluminum parts (which may appear deceptively easy to polish at first glance) is no fun.

Nevertheless, it looks like you've made up your mind - I wish you well on the endeavor. I hope you can find another touring frame in your size to move the bits over to, or that after you clean it up, you can trade it for something equally interesting in your size.

-Kurt

WGB 

Kurt.
I backed out. I do need a project bike but seller at $100 so I walked. $50-75 maybe but not $100

TugaDude

Good move, IMHO. Plenty of worthy rescues out there.

cudak888 

Great decision - there's much better fish to fry out there.


What size do you normally ride? I'm sure all of us C&V Enablers would be glad to point you in the direction of a touring bike that fits you when it shows up


-Kurt