Dilemma of the day: My old '97 Principia RSL

N0bodyOfTheGoat

I heard some saddening news about my old dream bike a few days ago. To cut a long story short...

I sold my dream machine to someone. They did some component upgrades, but then suddenly left the area and left the bike behind. The person's landlord apparently still has the bike about two years later and is willing to sell it for what ought to be less than its market value, simply to cancel out the rent debt left by the person who bought the bike off me (£200).

Part of me is tempted to pay the landlord a visit and see what condition the bike is in after two years of sitting round, presumeably outdoors. My old RSL was my pride and joy, which I reluctantly sold in 2006 at a time I had stopped cycling, hoping the new owner would clock up the miles that a bike of that caliber deserves. To me, it feels criminal for the bike to sit around unused.

But then I dread to think what state the bike could be in if it has been exposed to the elements for almost two years. On top of that, I could not justify building up my bike collection right now, as there is a real possibilty that the company I work for could "go under" in the next six weeks. If I was to buy the bike back, I would really need to sell it on quickly, if only on the strength of the frame and the newer components (BB; crankset; saddle).

Brief spec:-
57cm top tube frame
'97 9-speed Ultegra groupset
CXP30 / Ultegra hub wheels
Upgraded Tioga Spyder saddle
Upgraded semi-carbon crankset (unknown at mo)
Upgraded bottom bracket (unknown at mo)


So, what should I do? :?

pbracing

Assuming the landlord is not a cyclist, he won't know it's not only worth the £100 you tell him it is.
Job done, and another bike recycled/ re-used. Someone on here will use it as a training bike.

NaB

pbracing wrote:

Assuming the landlord is not a cyclist, he won't know it's not only worth the £100 you tell him it is.
Job done, and another bike recycled/ re-used. Someone on here will use it as a training bike.

Offer him £50 or less most people wouldn't pay more than that for a 'proper' new bike from Halfords!

careful

It's got to be worth a look. You could rescue it from a terrible fate and make a few pounds at the same time.

giant_man

Dunno it's up to you really. Depends how attached you were to the bike. I personally couldn't because someone else has ridden it, but it's up to you as I say. Let us know how you get on.

STEFANOS4784

I didn't vote, but +1 to hagling if you can get it for a one-er then sorted, surely you'll make a profit from that if you don't decide to keep it?