Binky

Another of my wife's garage sale finds from the summer, an impulse buy, but very uncomfortable to ride for her because the bike is very long. She'd need to add a few inches to her arms to reach the bars. No idea of the age of this one, or what it cost new or is worth now, and any information would be appreciated.

The bike looks dusty in the pictures because it is dusty. The flash on the camera really accentuates the dirt & dust, but the bike is actually pretty decent. And its purple, not blue.

The bike came with two wheel sets, the original alloy Wolber GTX rims on Shimano 105 hubs and the Mavic Open 4 CD alloy rims on Shimano 600 hubs - presently installed. Black aluminum stem and post. The frame is 7005 heat treated aluminum. Bars are Sakae Modolo and the forks are Sakae Litage FX. The rest of the kit matches the original wheel set : Shimano 105 front and rear derailleurs, Shimano 105 cranks, 105 brake callipers, and Shimano 105 Total Integratiom brifter gear / brake levers. I think thats why she bought it - Shimano 105.

Should she part it out or try to sell it as a bike ??
What is something like this worth ?

TugaDude

Parting out is probably going to net more than an all-aluminum bike with obscure (to the masses) brand.

Or, find her a frame that fits and transfer the group over. Assuming the brifters work well. I like the stem/bar combo too.

The frame itself looks well made and the fork is attractive, but turns off some potential buyers because it is aluminum.

Reluctant to throw out a price, but with one wheelset, maybe $225.00?

Binky

Thanks for the reply. I suppose you are right: I just checked on PinkBike and a couple of the Aquilas that were on there (going for $600 and $800) have already sold - and the one remaining is listed for $2000, but it does have a Columbus frame and the same Shimano 105 stuff.

bertinjim 

Binky-

Aquila was the house brand of Racer Sportif in Toronto. They were always nicely speccd but never really a big deal. Since they lack cachet, you would probably do better with a part out.

Binky

I have bought two Aquila bikes at garage sales for next to nothing - and they both had Shimano 105 everything on them and looked completely different.

I have attached NSFW pictures of the first Aquila I picked up in a moment of weakness - but do not look at them unless you have a strong stomach. I have this bike hidden in the basement, have never ridden it in public, and have it on good authority from the woman at the yard sale where I bought it that nobody rode it except after dark because it made the family dog sick to see it in sunlight. I asked at the yard sale - Do you have any bikes? - and the woman said - Hell, yes ! Don't go away! Stay right there! - and sent one of the kids to drag it out. I think they saw me coming...

Nitto, Ambrosio and Shimano 501: Never were so many good parts used to so ill effect.