tompotblenny
Dirt Disciple
Hello folks,
This is my first proper post on here. I've lurked for a while and have only a couple of bikes that qualify as proper retro - a nice 1970s MKM road bike and the Marin that this post is about.
Last year my friend gave me a very sorry looking Marin Eldridge. It's been my first attempt at restoring anything and done to a budget over the winter and here's the finished result. The colours are not a perfect match for the original but when somebody offers to shotblast and powdercoat FOC you can't be too picky! The wheels are too modern buy they were also free and the original Wolbers were beyond saving although I've kept the front and will see how it is after a hub service. Other than that, I've spent on a couple of new tyres, replacement chainset, BB and new decals. I'm happy with the result but . . . sadly at 20.5 inches, the finished bike is bit too big for me :-( - I need a 19inch frame.
So I've decided it's time to say goodbye and to put the money towards sourcing one of two bikes that I regret selling in the past - either a mid 90s Stumpjumper or an 80s Saracen Conquest (might be hard to find that though).
So the big question . . . should I be trying to sell this Marin whole? Or breaking and selling frame and components separately? Most of the components are in good condition although there are a few scuffs on the rear mech. It has a 90s Flite saddle, biopace chainset and brand new Panaracer Smoke and Dart tyres fitted. And if sold whole, I haven't a clue what it'd be worth, your input is appreciated. As long as I broadly cover what I have spent on it, I'm a happy bunny. Of course, one other option might be to look out for another frame, restore that and transfer all of the parts although I do particularly miss my departed retro bikes.
Pics below, sorry they are taken indoors so not the best quality. Thanks in advance for your feedback.
This is my first proper post on here. I've lurked for a while and have only a couple of bikes that qualify as proper retro - a nice 1970s MKM road bike and the Marin that this post is about.
Last year my friend gave me a very sorry looking Marin Eldridge. It's been my first attempt at restoring anything and done to a budget over the winter and here's the finished result. The colours are not a perfect match for the original but when somebody offers to shotblast and powdercoat FOC you can't be too picky! The wheels are too modern buy they were also free and the original Wolbers were beyond saving although I've kept the front and will see how it is after a hub service. Other than that, I've spent on a couple of new tyres, replacement chainset, BB and new decals. I'm happy with the result but . . . sadly at 20.5 inches, the finished bike is bit too big for me :-( - I need a 19inch frame.
So I've decided it's time to say goodbye and to put the money towards sourcing one of two bikes that I regret selling in the past - either a mid 90s Stumpjumper or an 80s Saracen Conquest (might be hard to find that though).
So the big question . . . should I be trying to sell this Marin whole? Or breaking and selling frame and components separately? Most of the components are in good condition although there are a few scuffs on the rear mech. It has a 90s Flite saddle, biopace chainset and brand new Panaracer Smoke and Dart tyres fitted. And if sold whole, I haven't a clue what it'd be worth, your input is appreciated. As long as I broadly cover what I have spent on it, I'm a happy bunny. Of course, one other option might be to look out for another frame, restore that and transfer all of the parts although I do particularly miss my departed retro bikes.
Pics below, sorry they are taken indoors so not the best quality. Thanks in advance for your feedback.
