Poetic-
That is absolutely correct, but what the guys quoted me is irrelevant for an international market and I'll tell you why...
1) they've only sold parts internationally, and usually received a significant amount more by selling to an international audience than they would have by simply selling to people in Switzerland (with a Population of only 8 million people and significantly fewer bike enthusiasts and collectors ;) )
2) that being said, they said it's hard to get a proper appraisal as it is, as the bike is custom and they've never even seen an early Merckx Professional with Aero frame before... perhaps somebody else on the planet has, though? That's my reason for asking. I haven't been able to find one picture of an Eddy Merckx with all internal routing for brakes and gears for reference purposes.
3) the price they quoted me was more for the Swiss market, which is also irrelevant as it'll never sell locally. Why you might ask? The Magni / ICS-modified parts pop up quite frequently here in Switzerland (quite frequently being a few times a year). Given that they are labeled als ultra-rare by many and command a high price internationally (which they don't here in Switzerland), one can't really adequately compare markets. The target audience here is much too small and values different standards and goods.
4) the Swiss market commands very high prices for your average run-of-the-mill bike, but people don't collect bikes here that much (except for a few gentlemen). Bicycles theft is also quite frequent.
5) taking all of the above and many more into consideration, I'm asking an international and perhaps even more experienced audience as to their input :)
6) the rough figure was north of 3.5K, which doesn't mean much. it is just like going to the doctor. you always want a second opinion just to make sure :P
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r2r
Dear forum members,
I have recently inherited two (high-end) vintage road bikes from my grandfather and have yet to receive an accurate appraisal on the bikes, which is why I hope to be receiving some pointers from the experienced veterans in this particular forum.
The first of the road bikes has been gone over mechanically and is ready for sale, while the other is being looked over mechanically and will be put up for sale shortly.
Here's the data for the first:
1983 Eddy Merckx Professional Aero with complete 50th Anniversary Group (#2063)
Please view the over 100 full-sized HD pictures that can be found here:
http://imgur.com/a/34H0ya
Frame size: 51 cm (c-c)
Top tube: 52,5 cm (c-c)
Head tube: 10 cm
Stem size: 11 cm (c-c)
Frame color: red (with a mix of purple)
Tubing: Columbus SL steel (custom)
This is a custom order Eddy Merckx Professional Aero with a complete 50th Anniversary Group, save the down-tube shifters which were originally replaced because the ICS type are more ergonomic. The bike has been family-owned (one owner) since new and seen little use.
Following parts are guaranteed NOS:
The bike was ridden using a pair of Mavic GP4 Rims with Campagnolo Hubs and Christophe toe clips, which is why the parts listed above are all new / NOS and have just been mounted recently for this particular sale.
As mentioned above, the bicycle features a custom order aero frame, featuring all-internal cable routing for the brakes and gears and custom metallic paint that fades into the chrome of the rear stays. Underneath the paintwork the frame is fully chromed. The paintwork ist 100% original with not one single touch-up or restoration having been undertaken on the whole frame. There are absolutely no dents, rust, pickles in the chrome, etc. of any kind on the frame. All the tiny little knicks of time have been protocolled extensively in the over 100 HD pictures.
All parts are guaranteed original and have not been replaced / modified. These include:
The bicycle has been mechanically inspected and serviced by the kind and incredibly knowledgeable guys over at Cicli Scampi Zürich. They house an indescribable collection of vintage bikes and parts. Check out their webpage and online-store for some absolute masterpieces at:
http://www.scampi-cicli.com/index.html
The NOS parts were recently mounted for the first time. The drivetrain received fresh lube and the gears and brakes were adjusted accordingly. The bicycle is fully serviced and ready to use as-is.
The frame and group set show very very little blemishes and wear, which have been protocolled in-depth in over 100 full-size HD pictures that I have taken and can be viewed here:
http://imgur.com/a/34H0y
I hope the pictures suffice. I have tried to show-case all blemishes and to take a picture from every possible angle. Further pictures can be requested.
What would be an adequate price for this road bike? I am looking to get a more accurate quote than I have received thus far.
Thank you for your time, interest and efforts!