Gashepherd

So, I was scanning the local classifieds and ran across this 1984 Fuji Espree listed for $975, so of course I had to check it out it is an absolutely beautiful bike but everything I found online was around $75-$250, so I guess my question is how much does campagnolo components add to the value of a bike. Here is his list of components
"Frame: 61cm Steel Tri-Butted Tubing
Crank: Campagnolo Chorus 170mm
Chainrings: Campagnolo Brev
Front Derailleur: Campagnolo 980
Cassette: Campagnolo Record
Rear Derailleur: Campagnolo Chorus
Shifters: Campagnolo Syncro II C-Record
Brake Levers: Dia Compe 152
Brakes: Tektro R539 Long Reach w/ Kool Stop Pads
Stem: Nitto
Handlebars: Nitto Olympiade 114
Rear Wheel: Mavic Open Pro w/ Continental Gran Prix 4000s II
Front Wheel Mavic Reflex w/ Continental Gran Prix 4000s II
Front Hub: Campagnolo Record
Rear Hub: Campagnolo Chorus
Seatpost: Kalloy Laprade
Saddle: Selle Italia XO Flow"
Is all of this worth $700

BFisher

Depends on the buyer, but I wouldn't pay anywhere near the asking price for that bike.

Last ride 76 

That mix, on that bike, almost nothing. The bike is very pretty, but I wouldn't pay even near half the ask.. Admittedly I am ignorant about Fuji bikes, but still that's nuts.

Last ride 76 

belongs in appraisals, btw

malcala622

For 700 bucks you can build a far superior bike than the Fuji.

Gashepherd

Sorry, but I'm just after some schoolin, not asking for an appraisal, and I don't think that there is any better place for schoolin than you all

Drillium Dude 

Typical novice mistake (not the OP, but the person who put the bike together), starting with a lump of a frame and attaching nice components.

OP: if you're looking for a bike, look for a quality frame at the center of the build - you can always change out/upgrade components. To answer your specific question: components only add real value to a bike if they're hung on a well-made, quality frame.

DD

Gashepherd

So,the whole lipstick on a pig comes to mind

madpogue 

I wouldn't call that frame a "lump", but the components (for the most part) definitely deserve a better host. So the real question is -- can you find a better frame, in your size, that would be appropriate for (and compatible with) the components on this bike, transfer everything, sell off the Espree frame (which won't get you much), and will THAT bike be worth the investment of both time and money?

Okay, that's two questions.....

As for "schoolin", it's pretty much the same crowd that hangs out in the appraisals section as here. Just more of a forum guideline, when you need to ask "how much is X worth", it's better to post there.

Drillium Dude 

Exactly

Buying used is tough sometimes when knowledge is thin. As others have noted, however, we do have a thread for appraisals; there are people that check in there that are super-knowledgeable about every different kind of bike there is. I bet if you posted it there, someone would give you an accurate value the way it currently stands.

What's It Worth?

DD

Last ride 76 

You might say that, but the mash-up of parts also reduces the over all value.

*** But DANG, that seller takes one heck of a photograph! Serious skill there.

Last ride 76 

Not a chance.

ryansu

that is a silly price it has no basis in reality. IMHO. Its not the top of the line, it looks like a repaint people do seem to be willing to pay lots for campy stuff but that appears to be a mishmash of entry level to higher end stuff. I might bite for $200 or less if I had a firm grasp of the campy parts market on ebay but you could do a lot better for $700 I think.

Gashepherd

Again, I apologize, I was lucky to get the post into the vintage bike section, I don't maneuver on my phone very well and usually someone comes along and redirects me and my posts

Gashepherd

I would have to agree with you there, I have a hard enough time just getting the bikes to stand up with no kickstand

Wildwood 

The components are a hodgepodge.
Mismatched hubs & rims
Front derailleur = low end
DiaCompe levers
Tektro brakes
Laprade post

I would say almost zero added value from components.

It might ride nice, but asking is 3X market value.

sheddle

A higher end Japanese Tange 1 frame with that stuff on it might be worth it but IIRC that's a basic low-end Fuji frame.

Generally pantographed components add value, and anything that's original or otherwise difficult to get.

One thing I will say- if that was a Campy freewheel and not a cassette, that would almost be worth it alone because of the absurd prices old Campagnolo freewheels and cogs go for on eBay, but freehub cassettes aren't really that expensive.

SurferRosa

To me, the lower-level frameset is nearly worthless, and the upgraded components -- even the strange hodgepodge that they are -- make the build attractive.

But i'm talking like $200, total.

T-Mar

In a case where a frame is seriously over-dressed (i.e. the components are much higher level than the frame), the value is effectively that of the components.

In a case where the frame is seriously under-dressed (i.e junk components on a high grade frameset), the value is effectively that of the frame.

Obviously there is a lot of room in between these extremes, where the components do add some value. In this case, the mismatched brands, eras and levels of components don't help. Worse yet, are the band-aids necessary to make things fit the frame (i.e. putting a claw hanger on the derailleur, adopting the Syncro levers to a clamp). Potential buyers will tend to focus on what they use, offering an appropriate amount for those parts plus what they know they can sell and maybe adding a small amount on top for the remainder and the frame.

As for the photo, it is well lit but the resolution is poor, so I wouldn't call it a good photo. If I hadn't been told the components, I would be hard pressed to have identified anything beyond the crankset and the I would immediately have passed this over based on the claw hanger and clamp style shift levers.

Gashepherd

There were more component photos i just didn't want to take up too much space

mpetry912 

Campagnolo record cassette on DT shifters ? it's a lashup.

Question I feel you should need to ask yourself is - do you like the bike ? Does it fit ? will you still like it in a year ?

Everybody's taste is different. There are a few on here who have really beautiful bikes, exactly correct in every detail, shined to perfection. Mine are "resto-mods" with some updates that are functional but in reasonably good taste. Others are serious modders. But here's the thing - the frame and the fit are key ! if that's not right, then the parts pick is meaningless. If you are new to the vintage bike game, a Raleigh International is a great entry point and I have seen very nice frames go for 500 buck on ebay.

I think the consensus here is that this bike is a pass at asking price.

Mark Petry
Bainbridge Island, WA USA

cb400bill

Thread moved to C&V Appraisals.

Gashepherd

Honestly, I was never interested in buying the bike, just trying to figure out if the higher end components would actually add that much value. The truth is that I'm only 5'7" so it's a lot too big for me, but I do appreciate everybody's input.

xiaoman1 

Not that much!!!
Ben

nesteel 

It all boils down the inverse law of assembled bike value.