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Conference noted::bicycle

Title: Bicycling
Notice:Bicycling for Fun
Moderator:JAMIN::WASSER
Created:Mon Apr 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:3214
Total number of notes:31946

2558.0. "Determining value of used mountain bike" by AKOCOA::FULLER () Mon May 10 1993 18:59

In the past, I have been able to determine the price of a used
bike fairly well, before technology changed every year.
However, now I have a Fischer Mount TAM, circa 1988 that a friend
wishes to purchase, and I desire something new.  This was
a top of the line, hand made frame with all XT components.
However it has the 6 speed setup, U brake, and oval chain rings.
Anyone care to estimate what value of such a bike is? It
originally listed for about $1,450.  It is properly used,
(scratches, etc).  I am thinking that the used market really
drops for anything over a couple of years old.  

Comments?

Steve
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name		DateLines
2558.1U-brakes on a MTB-ouch!DNEAST::FIKE_MIKETue May 11 1993 11:346
    The 6 speed, Biopace Rings and especially the U-brake are going to 
    negatively impact the resale value significantly. Don't know how
    much...depends on the general bike condition, but if it was in good
    condition, I'd expect the you may get a third of the original cost.
    
    Mike
2558.2Frame might be good but..SALEM::SHAWTue May 11 1993 14:1710
    
    If its a freind you are selling is to, then in my opinion it is only 
    worth the value of the frame. Biopace and U brake and six speed 
    is not what a serious mountain biker needs. If the frame is in good 
    condition, it might be worth upgrading the components. 
    There is a good articel in Mountain Biking (this months) titled 
    From old to new. That will give you or your intereseted friend an
    idea of what could be replaced with what.
    
    Shaw
2558.3MIMS::HOOD_RTue May 11 1993 17:5622
    
    
    The only technology change here that you can't get by is the 
    U break. Assuming this is not an aluminum bike , everything else
    is upgradeable. The cost to upgrade to 7 speeds will run about $100 and
    the cost to change chainrings will run about $45. I lived with a
    circa 1987 Stumpjumper for 5 years with the same componentry as your 
    Mt. Tam and it was "serious" enough to blow the doors off a lot of 
    posers with round chainrings/cantilever breaks/7speed rapidfire 
    shifting. I would say that "serious mountain bikers" need more riding
    time and practice than the latest in mountain bike technology. In 1988, 
    the Mt. Tam was a bike to lust after. Assuming that all the bearings are 
    good, and realizing that getting rid of those Biopace chainrings is a 
    must, $400 should be fair. 
    
    
    doug
    
    
    BTW,  U brakes were NEVER as bad as they were made out to be.
2558.4FEW MORE COMMENTSAKOCOA::FULLERTue May 11 1993 18:1618
I could bring the bike up to date doing the following:

- round chainrings
- 7 speed shifters
- new freehub and cogs
- new rear derailleur
- send out frame for rear brake mounts to be brazed
- suspension fork

I am thinking of the above.  In terms of frame geometry, how
well do people like the newer agressive geometries?  The Mt Tam
was unique, for being more laid back geometry, a real cruiser.
I am not sure how well the bike would handle with a shock.

Also, how well are the newer 32 and 28 spoke wheels holding
up?  Mine are 36 and with the RM40 rims, never need truiing.

steve