If it is mid-80's, Dura Ace could easily be original. Dura Ace was into at least their 3rd generation by then, and it wasn't that unusual to see British frames with Japanese components. Plus, as I recall, most Bob Jacksons sold in the US were sold as framesets, so the buyers could have them built up as they liked, and by the mid-80's a lot of guys were going with DA.
I agree about the price, not unreasonable, but probably near the top of the expected price range for a Jackson of that era and equipment. Jacksons had a reputation as "production" frames, not quite as mass-produced as Raleigh, but typically less individual attention than Ron Cooper or Jack Taylor, or even Whitcombe or Woodrup, for that matter. If one is really patient and diligent, one can still probably pick up a Jackson with comparable equipment on eBay for more like $500.
That said, it is true that condition, and the workmanship on the particular frame, is very important. There are certainly some very nice Jackson frames out there, just as there are some pretty ordinary ones. A couple of years ago I bought a circa 1972 Falcon San Remo. I was high bidder on eBay, but the reserve wasn't met. The seller had been told the bike was worth over $1,000, but after some negotiation offered to sell it at $750. I agonized briefly, as Falcon pumped out some pretty marginal stuff during the bike boom, which has damaged their pricing in the collector market. But a 1972 San Remo is one of the pre-boom (just) "good ones" and this particular bike was in great original condition and the classic Falcon colour scheme. So I paid the $750 and haven't regretted it, although it isn't at all sure I could sell it again for $750 if I wanted to. I think the Bob Jackson in question is the same deal. If the prospective buyer really likes this particular bike, for whever reason, that is an OK price to pay. But he shouldn't expect to sell it at a profit six months from now.
Regards,
Jerry Moos Big Spring, Texas, USA
bruce thomson <masi3v4me@yahoo.com> wrote: I think you are at the top of 'fair' price level depending on how complete or original you would be expecting the bike to be. Remember you are referring to a classic, not a modern wonder that is a carbon light-weight. The Dura-Ace is a give-away that it has been 'upgraded' by throwing away the original equipment and putting on the latest equipment of the time. Do a bit of research on the bike by going to the CR website and look at the scans of old brochures on Bulgier.net and see if it is close to original. The value in classics is originality, plus CONDITION, CONDITION, CONDITION.
In my opinion it is at the TOP of the price and value, give the current components. You could sell off all of the Dura-Ace and then buy back the original equipment from eBay. But then what would you have? Your friend must decide what it is that they want. Ant what is it about the store that is NON PROFIT? Bruce Mark Birnbaum wrote: I'm shopping for a bike for a friend who wants to get into distance riding, centuries, etc... Not a show piece, just a good, solid, reliable bike. At any rate, I saw a Bob Jackson at the local non-profit bike store. Early to mid 80's frame, downtube shifters, full dura ace, Cinelli bars & stem, Laprade seat post. They're asking $750. Frame has few scratches, but looks good otherwise.
Is this a fair price?
Thx much, Mark Birnbaum Novato, CA USA
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Bruce Thomson Spokane WA 99204 (509) 747 4314 Masi3v4me@yahoo.com rapidfire10ring@hotmail.com
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