Buying a good 80s bike as an investment?

[terryhfs]

I don't see them as investments really - even a really, really good retro bike with provenance and history goes for half what a decent modern bike costs. That won't change until scarcity increases.

Even then - it'll be certain models with a very specific spec.

Buy them and ride them if you like them, don't abandon your pension plan though

 

[American Friend]

Just a general question from a retro novice, as I'm thinking of buying one or maybe two quality oldish bikes (to ride, not hang on a wall) but am having trouble talking myself into it.

From looking around over recent months, for around £1,000, seems I could buy a complete 80s Pinarello, Bianchi, Colnago, Gios, etc, that's in very good nick. Today, for example, a gorgeous Merckx (De Rosa frame, Campy Super Record, superb condition) has just turned up in the For Sale section here.

Are all quality bikes like this going up or down in value these days, or only some makes / frames, or none at all? I'd find it a lot easier to pull the trigger on one if a couple of folks said 'yeah, they are', so thought I'd ask.

Thanks,
A

Yes, quality bikes like those are going up in value, particularly if they are in good original condition. They are a rare commodity and will only become rarer, and thus more valuable, over time.

 

[Woz]

Epic posts. There is something to be said for going for something obscure; many countries had great bike road bike builders and some research during the journey can be rewarding.

Case example of badly listed Gendron in my local ads:
http://www.blocket.se/stockholm/Racer_m ... ?ca=11&w=1

Quirky, different, rare. Basic ingredients for something a bit special all there.

 

[Lazarus]

Nice bike Woz 5,200Eu is a bit steep though for my pocket. Stunning design, wonder what it rides like ? What's with the rear stays being in that position ? Seen it before many times, but does it make the ride stiffer or more flexible on the bum ? Later buddy, Laz.

 

[Woz]

It's in Swedish SEK, so about 550 EUR. And there in lies the point ;-)

There's very little about them on Google, but I suspect they were geared towards high-end TT machines. I bet it flies and with the wheel tucked in gives good acceleration.