DO I PURCHASE THIS.....KESTREL MXZ. ADVICE NEEDED!

dmj

Dirt Disciple
I am looking at purchasing this fine 1989 Kestrel MXZ from US of A. I would like some expert opinion on whether this is worth the money. Bike cost $500 (about £312) and the thing that kills it postage cost $140 (about £88.) so a total purchase cost of £400 quid!

This bike is by no means a 'classic' but theres something about it that I've wanted one ever since seeing it in the 1989 Freewheel catalogue! This example I have to say is in great condition for its age, stored most of its life. But is it sort after / worth that kind of money??

Sales ad as follows:
I'm helping a friend clean out a bunch of old toys from storage.
and behold, we found a complete vintage Kestrel MXZ Mountain bike that he bought in 1989. A truly historical bike, the MXZ was one of the earliest carbon bicycle frames to be produced and is truly a work of art.
Bike is in excellent condition. Super clean. Paint is in really good shape with some scuffs here and there, but still very very clean.
It really doesn't look like it has many miles on it. its been in storage at least 15 years or more. If you have ever been on the lookout for one of these rare kestrel MXZ's, this one is a gem. I'm not quite sure how to define frame size on this bike, but measurement from center of crankset to seat post opening is 21.5" The owner of the bike was 5'9"

Components are from original factory build:
Shimano DeoreXT Brakes, Handles, Derailers, Hubs
Shimano Biopace 46 crankwheel
Sugino carbon seatpost.


Down sides is 18 speed, this would surely mean its a 1988 model. Will a 7 speed Hyperglide rear hub fit on this frame so I can upgrade to XT 7 speed shifters??

I value peoples opinion on here and would welcome some Yes or No advice! Am I wrong is it a classic bike worth the money, will it sell on again for that kind of money??? What does everyone think?
 

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Question: can I ask who you got the $140 shipping quote from? And does that include insurance?

I thought shipping & insurance was closer to $200 to Europe.
 
dmj":3idxdgzf said:
This bike is by no means a 'classic' ...
a kestrel IS a classic.
dmj":3idxdgzf said:
Am I wrong is it a classic bike worth the money, will it sell on again for that kind of money???
absolutely! seems to be in very good condition. period correct all over. "most valueable" size. and super rare!
 
I was watching this one, very nice. As for value its purely subjective IMO its not a lot of money for something you really want if you have the cash go for it I doubt you would loose too much if anything bringing it over.
 
Go for it mate...you could be waiting a long time to find another and yeah it looks in good knick. It's only money :lol:
 
rear spacing

from what i understand the rear spacing should be 130mm, and axles from this era were made for this spacing and 7 speed was becoming relatively common place on bikes at this time,so you should have little difficulty fitting a 7 speed cassette, there are far more knowledgeable souls on here who would confirm this however


charlieboy
 
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