2002 Pinarelo Prince

r1bloke
r1bloke Posts: 12
edited June 2009 in Road buying advice
Hi, I've been lurking for a while but not posted before. I'm looking for my first road bike in a number of years and have had the usual thoughts for £750 ish. However, I've seen a 2002 Pinarello Prince on ebay with full Ultegra groupset of 2002 vintage. What sort of price would you think is reasonable? It looks like it needs a bit of TLC, but could scrub up to be something a bit special and out of the ordinary.
Your opinions / thoughts would be appreciated.

Comments

  • APIII
    APIII Posts: 2,010
    I've got a Prince from that era (2002/03). It was and still is an excellent frame. I loved it from day one, and in many ways is a more attractive frame than my current carbon Prince (if that matters!). The paintwork is superb (mine is the 'ghost' colour scheme), so if the frame is still in decent nick it will serve you well.
    As to what it's worth, that's entirely subjective. What are you willing to pay is the answer. The frameset 7 years ago cost me ~£1500. I'm sure more modern frames are a bit lighter, but the Prince oozes class imo.
  • Coyote
    Coyote Posts: 212
    As above.

    I've had 2 ally Prince's and they are great. Very good power transfer and handle really well. Not the most forgiving ride out there but the fun factor more than compensates. If it was me I would keep an eye on the black "frame only" thats up there just now and if the price is right go for that. You can then put on your own components and not have to worry about how worn they are.....and put Campag on it! :D
  • Big Ted
    Big Ted Posts: 330
    2002 Prince is a seriously nice frame. My wife rides one.

    I still pick that bike up and it feels light. (even tjough compared to modern bikes it probably isnt) Just something beautifully balnces about it. remember picking it up from the shop and picking it up and putting i the car. A thing of beauty. Wife adores it (and wonmt let me sell it :x )

    Personally i have a 2002 Trek 5200 frame which is also amaing, ah wwell maybe i just reminisce fondly

    Seriously mate, this era of bikes was a good one - i am nvere letting that terk go and my missus is never letting that Prince go...

    BTW as someone else said, only pit campy onn it ...PLEASE
    Big Ted Rides Hard...
  • Big Ted
    Big Ted Posts: 330
    Anyway judging from your name - when dd you get an R1 - my missus wants one of tehm too....nice bike mate :D:D:D
    Big Ted Rides Hard...
  • r1bloke
    r1bloke Posts: 12
    Thanks for the responses guys. I'm thinking that something interesting would be better than off the shelf, new. Hadn't thought about the heresy of Shimano on a classy Italian frame :D

    I had a 2003 R1 - amazing piece of kit. Too fast for the road. Did a few trackdays at Silverstone on it and it was stunning.

    Now moving to something me-powered to try and get fit again and stay in one piece!!
  • mrushton
    mrushton Posts: 5,182
    is it the standard or the SL. it is an aluminium bike of 7 years vintage. It's worth whatever you feel you want to pay. You'll want to upgrade to 10 speed (is it 9 speed) and good wheels? I think £500 is a fair price.
    M.Rushton
  • r1bloke
    r1bloke Posts: 12
    Thanks for the input mrushton. It's a 9 speed Ultegra, with the same wheelset. It is up for £850 BIN, which I think is a bit steep. The frame seems to be the basis of a sound bike.
  • mrushton
    mrushton Posts: 5,182
    Sounds expensive for a 7 year old bike. Great frame as long as it's not been crashed/raced and a good but prob.v.stiff ride. You'll want to go to 10 speed, so you'll want to change some things, mainly shifters. Any alterations add to the price. I think the Prince was approx.£1600 when it came out (f&f).
    M.Rushton

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