How do I know the value of my bike?

[Lanis]

Cool ride. It's an obscure make and style. I'm a Canuck too. ( in my experience) Most American ( hard core) collectors shy away from non American bicycles as the parts and information are sketchy at best. That limits buyers. There are fewer "collectors" in Canada, just based on lower population for one. Lets just say our bicycles( imported or locally manufactured) were generally more conservative than our American neighbours in the balloon tire era ( mid/late 30's to 60's). We had a more generic basic frame with little as far as "trim and gadgets", where U.S. bikes replicated motorcycles then space ships!! We could probably ride faster on our lightweight racers, but they LOOKED faster! Ha!!

Part of the fun of collecting is the history of a bicycle. That said, not everyone collects mainstream brands/history. Muscle bikes ( 1960's-1970's) is a category that is especially popular with Baby Boomers now as they grew up on these "hot rods/mod rods". You just need to find the right buyer, probably locally is the best. ( shipping can be a pain/damage paint etc. unless done professionally or an experienced person) It's easier to start at a higher price than you are willing to accept, because you can always reduce the price or take offers. The sentimental value you hold may not carry to a prospective buyer.

The history of these Hardware store units is hit and miss, but in the U.S.A. the bikes were "usually" made by one of several of the main U.S.A. manufacturing companies. Canada was much the same in the early years, but more into the 1960's, both countries seemed to import more and more from Japan, the U.K. ,Taiwan, etc.( then yuk...China). Again...most of the early bikes in Canada ( CCM, Sunshine, Sekine, Norco to name some) were actually made in Canada or British ( U.K) imports . examples include to name several: Raleigh, BSA, Triumph, Rudge, Royal Enfield etc. made bicycles. I'm no expert, but I hope this helps. More info than you asked for, but hopefully it's interesting for someone. Anyone can feel free to add or correct my comments. Cheers, and good luck with your bike sale. It's a beauty!

Thank you for your comprehensive reply! Much appreciated. So true about shipping and the risk of damage. Locally the highest offer is $400 CAD. Do you think it is worth it to put it on Ebay?
Lanis

 

[Nashman]

Thank you for your comprehensive reply! Much appreciated. So true about shipping and the risk of damage. Locally the highest offer is $400 CAD. Do you think it is worth it to put it on Ebay?
Lanis

Hi,

You are welcome. Ebay will possibly entail shipping, and of course fees. With it being generic, that's not a bad offer. I'd probably take that offer. As an alternative, maybe try KIJIJI and ask more $$ for it and come down if you are comfortable with that. I've had mostly good experiences with KIJIJI but there are "no shows" and "grinders" and I don't have lots of patience for that stuff. Perhaps state "reasonable offers" over a certain $$ figure? People are generally honest but it never hurts to secure a valuable from a prospective buyer ( like a drivers license/make sure it's who they say they are..ha) if they ask to take it for a test ride. That has other dangers too. He may pull a wheelie and wipe out!! No sale, wrecked bike!! Good luck! Bob

 

[Freqman1]

No expert on these but that sounds like fair money to me for a local cash deal with none of the headaches of online selling. V/r Shawn

 

[vincev]

Please dont call it a she.Its a he.Shes usually bring about 1/3 of a he.lol

 

[Lanis]

Hi,

You are welcome. Ebay will possibly entail shipping, and of course fees. With it being generic, that's not a bad offer. I'd probably take that offer. As an alternative, maybe try KIJIJI and ask more $$ for it and come down if you are comfortable with that. I've had mostly good experiences with KIJIJI but there are "no shows" and "grinders" and I don't have lots of patience for that stuff. Perhaps state "reasonable offers" over a certain $$ figure? People are generally honest but it never hurts to secure a valuable from a prospective buyer ( like a drivers license/make sure it's who they say they are..ha) if they ask to take it for a test ride. That has other dangers too. He may pull a wheelie and wipe out!! No sale, wrecked bike!! Good luck! Bob

You are so right. I'm not much of an EBay shopper myslef and given the fact that they add fees, and shipping is additional may be a hassle. And no, I don't think there will be any "free rides"!
Lanis

 

[kreika]

Hi - that is exactly where I bought it. Where did you find that information? Would like to find more. Looking at the photos what value would you put on it?

I found the info on google. There doesn’t appear to be a lot of info about Brentwood bicycles. I wonder if searching old Woolco ads might offer more tidbits of info? I think it’s a pretty cool unique bike. Keep in mind it might be a hot item in Japan? They like to spend big money.

 

[Lanis]

I found the info on google. There doesn’t appear to be a lot of info about Brentwood bicycles. I wonder if searching old Woolco ads might offer more tidbits of info? I think it’s a pretty cool unique bike. Keep in mind it might be a hot item in Japan? They like to spend big money.

I tried to look on various sites and didnt find out what you found but the info is bang on. Good idea some Woolco archives. Maybe appealing to the Japanese audience would be good ... but on what vehicle? Hmmmmm. Needless to say bikes from Japan to north america seemed rare indeed. As a project management professional (pmp) we learned that the Japanese perfected vehicles by ramping up from bikes etc.

 

[Allrounderco]

Thank you - it is all of those things!

I have had a few offers around 400 - do you think that is reasonable?

Lanis

That’s pretty much exactly what I was thinking. I didn’t mention earlier as I’m not very knowledgeable about muscle bikes. But I figure this wouldn’t go for more than a coaster Stingray in the same condition, but if I already had one, and a Raleigh Chopper, I’d want your bike more than another of those.