I posted this thread: https://www.SkiTalk.com/threads/lem...ying-to-gauge-interest-and-maybe-value.23210/ asking for some advice, and providing some details about this bike, which I bought new in 1999. It was my second Zurich, and it originally came with a triple crank. I barely rode it over the years, maybe 500 miles at most, probably less the more I think about it. I rode my 53/39 a LOT during those years.
I'm going to post more, later, with some exact details. Speaking of detail, I'll also detail the bike and take more pics.
This one is a 53cm, white, a great color. About nine years ago, I decided to convert it to a compact crank, and upgrade a lot of the components. I subsequently had a medical issue that resulted in my docs suggesting that I no longer ride.....on the rode. I kept the bike. My adult son is a pretty high level alpine coach, lives in the Rockies, and is built like me. He has five Zurichs. My other bike is his rain bike, he has two Ti frames, one with a compact set up. He has one set up as a fixed gear, and he has his original steel roadie. If the bike fits, these tend to have an enormous following. I thought he might want it. He has a white one. Doesn't need another.
The frame is built of Reynolds 853, which is great steel, and it's mint. It has a threaded steerer. Has the original Carbon fork, which rides really well. many veteran riders NEVER replace them. They work. The headset was upgraded to Dura Ace....the original bike was all Ultegra. The stem is a Nitto Pearl, and the bars are also Nitto. Japanese, and exceptional. Those were also all new nine years ago. The crank is a 50/34 compact Shimano Hollowtech. R700 SG-X. This was an early Shimano compact, before they actually branded them as DA, Ultegra, etc. It was their best. The crank arms are 172.5mm. The new crank required a new bottom bracket. I upgraded the F & R derailleurs to new DuraAce. It's a 9 speed drive right now. Two brand new cassettes: 12-23 and 12-25. Obviously a new chain. I also re-cabled the bike with Jagwire Kevlar cables.
Pedals are never used Ultegra. New nine years ago. At the time I also added a new Thomson seat post, a new Thomson seat collar, and my favorite saddle of the original time period, a new old stock leather Selle Italia Turbomatic2. Also added a pair of new King cages titanium bottle cages.
The Zurich of that year came with red Rolf wheels, which looked sort of cool and were just not great wheels. I replaced the wheelset when I did the compact conversion. It now has a pair of Mavic Aksium Race wheels, which are a very strong wheel. Nice upgrade. They were brand new, as were the Continental Grand Prix 4000 tires....which are 25mm tires. The Zurich actually was originally equipped with 25's, kind of unusual in 1999. There is room to go wider, for sure. As there is room to go to a 10 or 11 speed rear cassette.
BTW, the bike will also include the original, lightly used Utegra triple crank {also 172.5MM}, the Ultegra F&R derailleurs, and the bottom bracket. All of which have some value. They look great.
I've owned quite a few road bikes over my 65+ years. Some expensive Euro bikes: Merckx, Gios, Masi. All Campy. I have had had a couple of steel bikes built for me. One by Ben Serotta. I honestly think that none really road better, or were more enjoyable and comfortable to ride than the Zurich. The bikes are really special.
My wife and I have been in the process of downsizing, and the last thing that I need is a road bike that I can't ride to take up more space. So, I am sadly and relucantly selling it. I have thought about how best to do that. Obviously lots of options as to where. I thought I might start here, with this community. I'm not looking to be a "pig" if somebody here would like it. To be honest, if it goes to eBay or PinkBike, etc., I will price it high and hold out as it is pretty special. I hate the thought of somebody selling it all for parts, including the frame, though. The frame would likely sell for for $500+ alone.
I'm listing it here for $750. A lot of money for a 1999 steel bike, but no ordinary 1999 steelie. My LBS, local riding friends and others have advised me on this one. It will be priced higher if I go to the broader market. I will be a bit of a pig!
I do not want to make a dime on shipping. Lots of options there. I'm pretty sure that I can ship it most anywhere in the country for $150 at most. I can work our the exact details with a buyer based on location. Or......the bike can be picked up just North of Boston.
I'd love to see this go to somebody who will ride it. I put a lot of money and considerable thought and care into the conversion and upgrades nine years ago, and got to ride it about five miles. Maybe it was three, or eight. Was not ten! I finished it in November 2011, and then had my incident in in February. Yeah...sucked.
PM me if your interested and you'd like to talk it over.
I'll post pics when I get a chance to clean it up.....our weather is gross right now. May be a few days. It is beautiful.
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