chico81 

Hi all,

Just checking on value of this Casati. I never actually heard of Casati before I saw this listed, but I saw the Columbus decal and pantographing and became intrigued. It looks like they were handmade by a shop with limited production. I’m guessing that this was bought as a frameset and built-up with Shimano 105 groupset and Mavic wheels. So, I contacted the seller and asked for more photos, then I saw the rust on the toptube bubbling up from below the paint. Is this from internal tube rusting through, or is this just surficial rusting from being used as a trainer? More importantly, how does this affect value?

Any more ore info and approximate value would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

3alarmer 

...the paint on that looks pretty good to me. I think the odds are pretty good what you're seeing is some corrosion between the paint and the exterior surface of the top tube. The Casati I bought was a total strip and repaint job (that I took on, myself), so I can't give you a real good idea about current value. It ought to be worth about the same as any similarly equipped Italian bike with a frame from a small production shop.

There's someone selling off a stash of NOS frames here: https://www.adrenalinebikes.com/stor...oductid=126091

Casati is still in business, and producing frames.

Spaghetti Legs 

That corrosion is a little bit of a bummer but not a deal breaker at all. Cool bike and I wouldn’t hesitate to take that one on.

chico81 

Yeah, I’m a little apprehensive taking on another major project. However, as I look closer I think I see that the toptube is crimped (Gilco?) and the seattube and downtube look like they may be aero tubing. Very cool stuff. Does anyone know if Casati used gilco like colnago? This might be in my garage tomorrow

Thanks!

chico81 

The seller is offering $245, does this seem reasonable with the rust issues?

Thanks!

WGB 

As for the price? I just checked Temecula, CA CL listings (waiting for a call anyway). Looks like Inland Empire listings. Between 175 and 300 you sure don't see anything near what you posted here. Compared to your other local listings it is a nice bike.

Send an email or call and say that you like the bike. If emailing , ask for a telephone number. Talk to the seller and stress that you like the look of the bike and that if you buy you want it to ride it. Often people who have nice bikes want to know they will be ridden. Say that the only thing scaring you is the traces of rust and that if you buy and the rust warrants it, the cost of a repaint will be prohibitive. Ask if the seller will reconsider the price. If he says no, make a choice, do you want it or not? If it's just listed seller will more probably decline than if it's been listed for awhile. If it doesn't catch your eye you can walk or make a lower offer. At least a phone call will give you an idea of how the seller will react to a lower number.

3alarmer 

...again, those are not major rust issues. And yes, that is more than reasonable as a price. I would be hesitant to offer less.

thinktubes 

Do it!

xiaoman1 

Buy it, the rust is not that bad...I would seal it with a good wax and not worry.
GLWTB, Ben

jdawginsc 

$245...? Bargain. Lug work is gorgeous.

Sell off the parts and it becomes a free-ish frame. I don't usually think repainting is great with vintage frames, but I'd repaint that guy.

chico81 

Thanks everyone for the advice! I’m scheduled to pick it up this morning! Im going to bring my Allen set, pull the seatpost, and inspect the interior of the tubes. If they are clean I will definitely purchase the bike. As for my plans for the bike? It looks to be in riding condition, so I will clean/wax and ride it for now. Once I complete a few of my current projects, I will strip it down, give it a rust bath, and assess the issue further. I will probably end up giving it a repaint

I’ll be sure to update with better pics once it’s in my possession!

Thanks again for the advice!