oktober 

I’ve posted about this bike over in C&V, and I’m stuck on the horns of a dilemma. It’s a 1986-ish 60cm 3Rensho Super Record Export with a mix of components (Shimano ax, and Campagnolo) and a (presumably) replacement fork that is a little too large for me.

The serial number and components were shared with Andy Muzi at Yellow Jersey and he stated that lots of bikes were build with mixed components in those days, but the fork probably wasn’t the fork it was built with. However, it is made from Ishiwata tubing and appears to be period correct.

The dilemma is that from what I can see this bike has little to no riding wear anyway. The decals are a damaged but the paint is in great shape. There are no brake pad marks on the Mavic rims, the tires still have release compound down the center etc.

What is this setup worth, and how much is that likely to change if I ride it?




No wear on the crank arms


No bulges, no paint cracks, no evidence of a crash


No wear on the hoods, mold parting marks still have flash

Failing decal

No washer marks on the arms

No wear marks or blemishes on the brakes

Another failing decal.

DMC707 

Ride it and enjoy it. Beautiful bike, but its been built to ride. Its largely a euro-centric build, so ditch the crank, front derailleuer and seat post and replace with similar Era Campy stuff if the mutt build is irritating

obrentharris 

The big value here is in the frame. These bikes have a large number of admirers, one of whom will hopefully come along to supply you with some broad idea of market value.

Riding, per se, will not devalue it, since frames don't wear with use the way components do. But each chip in the paint from careless handling or from the chain hitting the stay will lower its value. With a non-original fork and disappearing decals the loss of value is not on par with those NOS items that lose big value with any sign of use.

If, as you say, it doesn't fit you well I don't see why you would want to ride it except for a short spin to satisfy your curiosity.

Brent

beech333

Imo, it seems like vintage bike values values are trending down. I'd recommend that you just ride it and enjoy it, assuming you like the bike. I doubt you would affect the value much, unless you dent it or get it rusty.

zukahn1

Myself I could see a real nice resto mod with a carbon fork and matching top end DA black components. If you want to sell all in IU would $600-700 as is but I hope you keep it this is a real sleeper and great bike that should be fixed up right and road.

Drillium Dude 

It's already somewhat used, so using it isn't going to devalue it at all. However, abusing it will; take a rag to it after every ride, don't put it away wet (or even better, don't ride it in the wet), you know, treat it with the respect it deserves and all will be fine.

Value is difficult to determine, anyway, but the truest answer is: whatever someone is willing to pay.

DD

Bianchigirll 

This is tough. Of course if this was all SR with the OEM fork guys would tripping over themselves to get it at 1K but....... I know you got a deal on this so pretty much anything you get over what $300 is great? If if doesn't fit and you want to pass it along list here in the for sale section and pass it along at a decent price to someone who would appreciate it. If it was me and I could ride, even though slightly big or small, I at least try it for a season and check it out. I mean it isn't like your going to see anohter great deal on one next week.

If you really want to sell it I'd say, and I don't often, parting it out is likely the way to go. Check Ebay for completed price for the crank and seat post (you did have the pedals yes?) and auction yours accordingly

What size is it?


** BTW love those Avocet Fast Grip tires I really wish someone still made them

oktober 

Thanks for the advice, I think I'm going to keep it for a lot of the reasons you posted. I probably won't have an opportunity to have such a nice road frame at this price again. It's a touch big for me, but I got it working yesterday and it fits better than I expected (it's 60cm c-c). It rides beautifully, it feels quick and responsive and just wants to go.

ramzilla

For goodness sake. Don't take less than $1K for it. That's it. That's all. Done deal.