How much is it worth?

Supersurfer
Supersurfer Posts: 7
edited March 2010 in Road buying advice
Hi

I purchased a 2003 Bottechia Centaur road bike in 2004 from Fat Birds in Hunstanton and had some great rides on it, however in 2005 I fell ill and my cycling came to a grinding halt and I haven't been able to get back into it at all :cry: It seems so sad to leave this excellent bike hanging in the rafters of my garage when it should be out on the road, so I'm looking at letting it go but I have been out of the loop for so long I have no idea what it's worth. For any that know of the brand it is matt black in colour with the rubberised finish to the frame and a full Campag Centaur groupset, I have recently replaced the rear Mech and chain and is 58 cm.

I would be interested to hear if anyone has any thoughts on what it might be worth.

Many thanks

Nick

Comments

  • Supersurfer
    Supersurfer Posts: 7
    Anyone? Give me a clue at least.
  • bexley5200
    bexley5200 Posts: 692
    what the frame made of and what size is the chainset please.
    going downhill slowly
  • CarlosDSanchez
    CarlosDSanchez Posts: 455
    Yes, frame material, what wheels, groupset etc. What did it cost new? eBay seems to be a good place to get a decent price for used bikes.
    Dolan Preffisio
    2010 Cube Agree SL
  • Supersurfer
    Supersurfer Posts: 7
    Thanks for the replies.

    The frame is 57 cm, measuring from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the seat tube. Made from Dedaccai T6 Aluminium with carbon front forks. Full Campag 10 spd Centaur groupset inc hubs which carry Mavic cxp21 rims, 53/39 chainset and 26-13 rear cassette. ITM Forgelite stem with Deda Nera bar.

    I tried to get back into cycling last summer and on the one and only ride the chain snapped :cry::cry: so replaced this and the rear mech as the cable adjusted had snapped, so it's got a 2009 rear maech and chain with no mileage in it.

    If I knew how to I would upload some photos.

    Regards

    Nick
  • Supersurfer
    Supersurfer Posts: 7
    I'll get it on ebay then.
  • nochekmate
    nochekmate Posts: 3,460
    Put it on at 99p first bid with no reserve - it will establish its market value by the end!
  • Supersurfer
    Supersurfer Posts: 7
    nochekmate wrote:
    Put it on at 99p first bid with no reserve - it will establish its market value by the end!

    Is this really the only way to find its true value? I've had a look on ebay and some of the bikes are really poor quality. What do people look for now a days? I just don't think people know to be honest. I don't want it to go for a pittence and I'm not in the market for ripping people off.
  • Lillywhite
    Lillywhite Posts: 742
    Supersurfer wrote:

    Is this really the only way to find its true value?.

    Rule of thumb - dependant on condition, I would say that a 2003/4 model bike should achieve about 35%-40% of the original purchase price.
    You havn't told us what you paid for it.
  • nochekmate
    nochekmate Posts: 3,460
    Supersurfer wrote:
    nochekmate wrote:
    Put it on at 99p first bid with no reserve - it will establish its market value by the end!

    Is this really the only way to find its true value? I've had a look on ebay and some of the bikes are really poor quality. What do people look for now a days? I just don't think people know to be honest. I don't want it to go for a pittence and I'm not in the market for ripping people off.

    The secondhand road bike market on eBay appears to be very strong and I've sold a number of bikes on there in the last twelve months or so and they generally fetch more than advertised prices on here in my experience, although of course one has to factor in fees. Nevertheless, I've had almost exclusively positive results - otherwise I wouldn't still do it.

    The bike will not go for a pittance as people will recognise that it is a decent bike with reasonable components and in good condition etc. (if indeed that is the case - I haven't read the whole thread carefully). At the same time neither will you be 'ripping people off' if you describe the bike accurately and include some quality photos of both the good and not so good bits (if there are any). Nobody is forced to bid and the buyers will determine exactly how much they are prepared to pay - you may be pleasantly suprised.

    In my experience, starting at 99p with no reserve (for some bikes) often reaps better rewards as a result of greater interest than a fixed price. It is not uncommon to have over 100 watchers on road bikes. I may not 'risk' putting a top quality bike on at 99p with no reserve if I've got a specific figure that I really need to attain but I do believe that the eBay market usually establishes a fair figure for most bikes (sometimes the figures are well in excess of what I would perceive to be a fair price but it really is up to buyers to establish that - I don't call that 'ripping people off' if I've described the item accurately with no hidden vices.)

    Again, this is only in my experience, but I feel that there are few 'bargains' to be had at full auction (apart from perhaps at the really low end of the market) but occasional bargains crop up with Buy It Now when a seller does not 'value' the bike correctly eg. I bought a steel Pinarello Treviso in very good condition for its age for £100 at BIN.

    Without knowing its original purchase price it's difficult to ascertain whether 35-40% may be reached or exceeded. Anyway those are my thoughts for what they are worth.

    Good luck.
  • Supersurfer
    Supersurfer Posts: 7
    /\/\/\/\/\/\ Thanks for the advice thats helped a lot :wink:

    Oh and I paid £800, it was reduced from £1600 as it was a year older, in 2004

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