Road Bike Memphis
Page for Individual Bike Restorers. Share experiences. Get answers.
FAIR PRICING COMMENT: Based on hours worked the prices seem fair and I have no problem letting the market decide. If people pay $300 or more for a bike they could get for $50 at a yard sale then it may be their fault for not looking hard enough or not taking time to look. For me, half of the fun of buying bikes is finding them. Maybe I'm just upset because you are hoarding the bikes that I am trying to get my hands on. I understand you aren't paying for your house doing this either--if its a hobby that you can make some extra bucks on-- then power to ya. Luke
Luke: Your complaint about restored bike prices seems reasonable from your point of view. Thanks for your thoughtful comments. But what IS "fair"?
Isn't it your intent to take an "unfair advantage" when you make an offer & buy a bike from an unsophisticated seller? Is it fair for a seller to sell a bike that will require expensive repair(s) at a Local Bike Shop?
Or what about the owners of the older classic bikes who get nothing for them at all? In fairness to them, bike restorers are creating a demand where none existed. It also means the end buyers pay more, but isn't that fair? In the process, restorers are saving a heritage of quality bikes that would otherwise end up in our landfills.
If an honest bike mechanic does a restoration job properly, the cost-benefits can be substantial to the end-user/rider. Remember, a majority of folks don't know how to do repairs or even what to do on a bike to make it "right". You may know how, but they don't.
I've discovered there are various "levels" of reclaimation/restoration work being done that need to be considered in determining a "fair" price for a bike: This doesn't address the worth of the bike itself which is highly variable.
#1. Bike is cleaned up, obvious repairs made. Returned to "rideable" used condition. Sold "AS IS".
#2. Bike is partially tore-down, cleaned & serviced, put back together with original equipment. Wore-out parts may be replaced (may or may not be original)..
#3. Bike is completely tore-down. Rusted parts replaced with same as original. Rims trued. Returned to like-new, original condition. May or may not include guarantee or after-sale service agreement.
#4. Bikes with only better quality frames are completely tore-down. Totally rebuilt, restored or modernized with alloy (replacing chrome) component upgrades where and as possible. Includes touch-up, clear-coating or repainting of frames. The main idea with this kind of bike-work is to overcome deficiencies typical of bikes manufactured & sold prior to year 2000 (not Made in China) for the leisure market with brand names like (with varying models) Schwinn, Raleigh, Motobecane, Fuji, Bianchi, Centurion, Diamond Back, GT & even Huffy. Brands such as Trek, Cannondale, Terry & many others might not require component upgrades but parts replacement costs will run higher for brands that originally sold at premium prices.
#5. And then there are the CUSTOM BIKE BUILDERS/RESTORERS (How high is up? As high as you want to go!)
The old adage "YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!" should be carefully considered in any given situation. The average cost for a decent set of road bike tires & tubes is at least $60 at bike shops today, uninstalled. While you may find them online for somewhat less (+ shipping), you may not get what was ordered or what you thought you ordered, losing the cost of shipping to & from if you return them. (The same is true of any parts bought online).
For my part, Luke, the bottom line is that, after having restored bikes for over 10 years, it is the restorer who is most likely to be "taken advantage of", not the buyer. In the interest of being "fair", we don't mind. We love bikes and love what we're doing.
LINKS TO BIKE RESTORERS:
A Note from Lew
None of my bikes were made in China. I don't restore them or work on them. Replace every component & there's still the frame made in China.
On "pre-China" bikes, I've found a "mixed bag" as to quality. To be competetive, keep prices low, manufacturers used good parts but not always the best. They depended on their suppliers (as do the Chinese) & what was available for their competetive requirements.
I derive my pleasure from restoring/rebuilding pre-owned bikes that had "a lot going for them", ending up with bikes that have "a lot MORE going for them". If not done right, why bother?
There are bikes I don't restore because the frame lacks quality.
I take weight off by replacing heavier chromed components. You'll get a bike that is of a superior quality to "when new".
I can give you the source of each MY bikes (note posted serial numbers).
I don't want any stolen bikes in my garage so I'm very selective. Lew
Daniel Duckworth, owner of Midtown Bikes, is a friend to all bikers or those who, like me, work on bikes & may need parts. He's very knowledgeable, will look out for your best interests. I highly recommend him to you. Telephone 901-726-4511 (Best time to reach him 10 AM - 2 PM, closed Sun)
Midtown Bike Company has moved to 509 South Main Street in the Historic Arts District, Downtown Memphis.
A FINAL NOTE: I've been targeted on the Internet & on Craigslist for harrassment by a sicko. If you are wondering about the validity of negative comments from that source, please ask me.
Here's a new Website you might find of interest:
As a hobby, I teach bike mechanic classes in NYC and custom build bikes. You can see a selection of my builds on my blog. Simon Kellman.
Custom Cycling Jerseys