Selling a well-patinated bike
01-23-23, 06:22 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: Beaverton, OR
Posts: 1,373
Bikes: You had me at rusty and Italian!!
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 538 Post(s)
Liked 942 Times
in
496 Posts
Selling a well-patinated bike
Well friends, I am at a crossroads. I have a Univega I brought back to life but I have no intention of keeping it. The pics show a lot of what I have done which is basically everything mechanical. Bearings, brakes, cables, etc. The bike rides great but it is seriously lacking in the looks department.
I see a few options.
- Sell it as-is
- Rattle can primer the areas with the most paint loss
- Attempt to find paint that sort of matches and touch-up. I might need a roller…
My thought is that this would be a theft-deterrent commuter or campus bike so aesthetics were never a priority.
Thoughts? Clever comments?
I see a few options.
- Sell it as-is
- Rattle can primer the areas with the most paint loss
- Attempt to find paint that sort of matches and touch-up. I might need a roller…
My thought is that this would be a theft-deterrent commuter or campus bike so aesthetics were never a priority.
Thoughts? Clever comments?
01-23-23, 06:39 PM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Point Reyes Station, California
Posts: 4,609
Bikes: Indeed!
Mentioned: 91 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1453 Post(s)
Liked 3,157 Times
in
1,055 Posts
Depends on how much you want to get for it. Under $100, sell it as is. Over $150, load it in the back of your car the next time you go shopping, cruise a big parking lot looking for a car that is close in color, order a little bottle of touch-up paint for that car, do a quick touch-up job.
Brent
Brent
01-23-23, 06:42 PM
#3
Happy With My Bike
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 1,899
Bikes: Hi-Ten bike boomers, a Trek Domane and some projects
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 738 Post(s)
Liked 1,930 Times
in
928 Posts
That's a bit beyond the patina stage. I'd just try to sell it.
__________________
"It is the unknown around the corner that turns my wheels." -- Heinz Stücke
"It is the unknown around the corner that turns my wheels." -- Heinz Stücke
Likes For Chuck M:
01-23-23, 06:45 PM
#4
Doesn't brain good.
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 2,808
Bikes: 5 good ones, and the occasional project.
Mentioned: 24 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1591 Post(s)
Liked 1,378 Times
in
791 Posts
I would sell it as is if you already have no intention of keeping it.
I had a red Trek with similar paint damage. Red 3M Scotchlite 680 retroreflective tape adhered well & was very forgiving of surface texture.
My main commuter bike (black) is covered with it:
20181019_042927 by Richard Mozzarella, on Flickr
I had a red Trek with similar paint damage. Red 3M Scotchlite 680 retroreflective tape adhered well & was very forgiving of surface texture.
My main commuter bike (black) is covered with it:
20181019_042927 by Richard Mozzarella, on Flickr
Last edited by base2; 01-23-23 at 10:31 PM.
Likes For base2:
01-23-23, 06:51 PM
#5
Edumacator
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Goose Creek, SC
Posts: 6,926
Bikes: '87 Crestdale, '87 Basso Gap, '92 Rossin Performance EL-OS, 1990 VanTuyl, 1980s Losa, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 1987 PX10, etc...
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2243 Post(s)
Liked 2,682 Times
in
1,720 Posts
Depends on how much you want to get for it. Under $100, sell it as is. Over $150, load it in the back of your car the next time you go shopping, cruise a big parking lot looking for a car that is close in color, order a little bottle of touch-up paint for that car, do a quick touch-up job.
Brent
Brent
__________________
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super
01-23-23, 06:54 PM
#6
señor miembro
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Pac NW
Posts: 8,524
Bikes: '70s - '80s Campagnolo
Mentioned: 91 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3725 Post(s)
Liked 6,137 Times
in
3,057 Posts
I'd just try to sell it.
01-23-23, 07:16 PM
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Posts: 9,669
Bikes: Kirk Custom JK Special, '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque
Mentioned: 103 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2209 Post(s)
Liked 2,567 Times
in
1,406 Posts
I would sell as is, any low effort touch up is going to look worse than leaving it (IMHO.....driven by how bad touchups done by a previous owner look on my beloved 84 team miyata )
__________________
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
01-23-23, 07:56 PM
#8
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: Beaverton, OR
Posts: 1,373
Bikes: You had me at rusty and Italian!!
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 538 Post(s)
Liked 942 Times
in
496 Posts
Your advice is always appreciated Dave.
New Panaracers too nice for it? I’ll dig through the pedal box. The platforms look dreadful. I have some cheap black gel tape that I was going to wrap on.
Exactly my thought. I just wanted thoughts from the tribe who may do this more often than I do.
Exactly my thought. I just wanted thoughts from the tribe who may do this more often than I do.
01-23-23, 07:58 PM
#9
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: Beaverton, OR
Posts: 1,373
Bikes: You had me at rusty and Italian!!
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 538 Post(s)
Liked 942 Times
in
496 Posts
BTW - I paid $20 for this thing and would approximately break-even at $100 which I would be fine with.
Likes For RustyJames:
01-23-23, 08:30 PM
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 16,931
Mentioned: 469 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3689 Post(s)
Liked 6,113 Times
in
2,442 Posts
Yikes, that's not merely patina; that's getting too close to the angle grinder!
01-23-23, 09:17 PM
#11
señor miembro
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Pac NW
Posts: 8,524
Bikes: '70s - '80s Campagnolo
Mentioned: 91 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3725 Post(s)
Liked 6,137 Times
in
3,057 Posts
Well, not if you're going to keep it. But might be sorta difficult to get reimbursed properly if included in a local sale in this post-pandemic bike boom, ugly e-bike fat fanny economy.
But what if ...this ... what if you taped off most of the good paint and then matched it in those little exposed areas with an aerosol can from the auto store. From 5 ft, it might look really good. And it would protect it from further rust.
But what if ...this ... what if you taped off most of the good paint and then matched it in those little exposed areas with an aerosol can from the auto store. From 5 ft, it might look really good. And it would protect it from further rust.
Spoiler
01-23-23, 09:59 PM
#12
Señor Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Hardy, VA
Posts: 17,872
Bikes: Mostly English - predominantly Raleighs
Mentioned: 69 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1468 Post(s)
Liked 1,006 Times
in
602 Posts
Are you sure the fork is straight?
You could always try to find some cheap, long stickers. Maybe the Chamber of Commerce or some local event has some. (I've seen this more than I should have)
You could always try to find some cheap, long stickers. Maybe the Chamber of Commerce or some local event has some. (I've seen this more than I should have)
__________________
In search of what to search for.
In search of what to search for.
01-23-23, 11:08 PM
#13
Cantilever believer
Join Date: Nov 2021
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 1,257
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 412 Post(s)
Liked 1,389 Times
in
657 Posts
I would sell it as is if you already have no intention of keeping it.
I had a red Trek with similar paint damage. Red 3M Scotchlite 680 retroreflective tape adhered well & was very forgiving of surface texture.
My main commuter bike (black) is covered with it:
20181019_042927 by Richard Mozzarella, on Flickr
I had a red Trek with similar paint damage. Red 3M Scotchlite 680 retroreflective tape adhered well & was very forgiving of surface texture.
My main commuter bike (black) is covered with it:
20181019_042927 by Richard Mozzarella, on Flickr
This was the fix for when this poor bike got dragged behind my truck at 65 mph. Still holding up well 13 years later.
__________________
Richard C. Moeur, PE - Phoenix AZ, USA
https://www.richardcmoeur.com/bikestuf.html
Richard C. Moeur, PE - Phoenix AZ, USA
https://www.richardcmoeur.com/bikestuf.html
01-24-23, 08:32 AM
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Wake Forest, NC
Posts: 4,886
Bikes: 1989 Cinelli Supercorsa
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2908 Post(s)
Liked 2,468 Times
in
1,484 Posts
There is no "touching up" that much damage. I would put some black or white bar tape on it and sell it as-is.
01-24-23, 08:56 AM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,332
Mentioned: 38 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1081 Post(s)
Liked 1,587 Times
in
895 Posts
In the best of condition your bike would probably pull in $275+/-
If fork is strait, with cloth bartape, and rebuilt at about $125-150. Right in there at just breaking to positive investment, not counting your time put in. That's a good campus/budget c&v starter.
The frame alone w/ hs, if the fork is strait could be worth $30 as-is on a Craigslist offer.
If fork is strait, with cloth bartape, and rebuilt at about $125-150. Right in there at just breaking to positive investment, not counting your time put in. That's a good campus/budget c&v starter.
The frame alone w/ hs, if the fork is strait could be worth $30 as-is on a Craigslist offer.
01-24-23, 08:57 AM
#16
Edumacator
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Goose Creek, SC
Posts: 6,926
Bikes: '87 Crestdale, '87 Basso Gap, '92 Rossin Performance EL-OS, 1990 VanTuyl, 1980s Losa, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 1987 PX10, etc...
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2243 Post(s)
Liked 2,682 Times
in
1,720 Posts
Black would be my suggestion.
__________________
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super
01-24-23, 09:10 AM
#17
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: Beaverton, OR
Posts: 1,373
Bikes: You had me at rusty and Italian!!
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 538 Post(s)
Liked 942 Times
in
496 Posts
I’ll see if I can find some automotive paint that is close and move it along.
I appreciate all the input. Again, this was never intended to be a money maker. I can’t stand seeing stuff tossed that can be turned into a useful object.
Likes For RustyJames:
01-24-23, 09:14 AM
#18
Señor Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Hardy, VA
Posts: 17,872
Bikes: Mostly English - predominantly Raleighs
Mentioned: 69 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1468 Post(s)
Liked 1,006 Times
in
602 Posts
I looked at the pics and I see why you might think the fork is bent. It’s not. Wheel slots in fine and is dead center.
I’ll see if I can find some automotive paint that is close and move it along.
I appreciate all the input. Again, this was never intended to be a money maker. I can’t stand seeing stuff tossed that can be turned into a useful object.
I’ll see if I can find some automotive paint that is close and move it along.
I appreciate all the input. Again, this was never intended to be a money maker. I can’t stand seeing stuff tossed that can be turned into a useful object.
__________________
In search of what to search for.
In search of what to search for.
Likes For USAZorro:
01-24-23, 09:25 AM
#19
Senior Member
Sell as is or rattle can. I wouldn’t occupy brain space with trying to color match touch up.
I would make it stand out from the typical CL rattle canned bike by removing the parts first before applying spray however.
I would make it stand out from the typical CL rattle canned bike by removing the parts first before applying spray however.
__________________
N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '82 Colnago Super, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, '84 Basso Gap, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, '84 Paletti Super Prestige, Heron Randonneur
N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '82 Colnago Super, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, '84 Basso Gap, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, '84 Paletti Super Prestige, Heron Randonneur
01-24-23, 09:30 AM
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: SE Wyoming
Posts: 607
Bikes: 1995 Specialized Rockhopper,1989 Specialized Rock Combo, 2013 Specialized Tarmac Elite
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 213 Post(s)
Liked 587 Times
in
277 Posts
I agree with posters who have opined that touch-up will look worse than leaving it as is. Personally, I don't like the reflective stickers or colored tape. Likely not to add value and conceals problems from the buyer.
01-24-23, 09:37 AM
#21
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: Beaverton, OR
Posts: 1,373
Bikes: You had me at rusty and Italian!!
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 538 Post(s)
Liked 942 Times
in
496 Posts
Oh so true and easy-ish since the areas that need coated are the fork and rear triangle.
01-24-23, 09:47 AM
#22
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Ontario
Posts: 137
Bikes: Road: 1972 Raleigh Competition,1989 Marinoni, 1990 Limongi. MTN: 1990 GT Team Avalanche, 1991 Rocky Mountain Blizzard, GT Team RTS , Rocky Mountain MSL 50 Element, CCM fat bike
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 30 Post(s)
Liked 75 Times
in
45 Posts
Try to use the beat-up frame as a selling feature. Promote the scratches as a theft deterrent in the ad.
Likes For Paul Waque:
01-24-23, 09:56 AM
#23
www.theheadbadge.com
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Southern Florida
Posts: 28,409
Bikes: https://www.theheadbadge.com
Mentioned: 120 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2366 Post(s)
Liked 4,100 Times
in
2,015 Posts
That's the patina someone needs for smashing against campus bike racks and other lockable posts throughout town. Sell it as-is, someone will pick it up.
Remember: Not everyone needs mint.
-Kurt
Remember: Not everyone needs mint.
-Kurt
__________________
01-24-23, 10:01 AM
#25
www.theheadbadge.com
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Southern Florida
Posts: 28,409
Bikes: https://www.theheadbadge.com
Mentioned: 120 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2366 Post(s)
Liked 4,100 Times
in
2,015 Posts
