should I get a new bike?

[Iceblink]

I have this bike:

http://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Catalogs/celo_europa/ (look at pics 2-4).

This is a really nice bike... light, quick... it's in great shape, IMO, and it's got pretty much all the original parts. The pedals have been changed to clipless. The handlebars have been rewrapped... but it's all original otherwise.

I'm just getting back into cycling... slowly... and I'm thinking that the location of the gear shifters is just... not that easy. I've seen how the newer models are, the location of the shifters, etc.

I think it might be good for me to get a nice new bike.

I have a couple questions. This bike was great for the time... really nice. Someone would probably like it for a collection, as I know there are some people who collect classic bikes. I don't know any people who do, but I wonder...

1. How can I find out how much it's really worth... how much I should ask for it if I wanted to sell it.

2. What should I get to replace it that won't break me but will last a long time as I develop into a more active cyclist now that I've lost a bunch of weight again.

3. This is a point. I do not race. I am mostly interested in doing organized rides across distances... and I'd like to go fast if I so desire.

What should I do? Thanks!

[cleansheetbsc]

I have this bike:

I think it might be good for me to get a nice new bike.

3. This is a point. I do not race. I am mostly interested in doing organized rides across distances... and I'd like to go fast if I so desire.

What should I do? Thanks!

I have a Jamis Ventura Comp, pd. $750 for it summer '07. Price is pretty much the same. Put 1,000 miles on it last year and about 800 this year (I had ACL replacement surgery early in July, limiting my milage this year). Love the bike and can sit on it for hours. Basically you can do just fine for under $800.

[Moishe]

Iceblink that is a sweet ride you have. Celo was built by Colnago for a while and then by Billato. I didn't catch the exact production date of that particular bike but if it's an early 80's model then it was definitely built by Ernesto Colnago. Being that many Italian bikes are now being built in Asia, this bike in excellent condition would be a welcome addition to any Colnago collector or general bike snob. If you can afford it I'd say keep it like a fine wine.

As for a new bike, entry levels are solid bikes if you stick to recreational riding. Being that you want to eventually go into distance rides, I'd probably drop a bit more than the $750 to $1k you'd spend on an entry level bike just for the few ounces you'll shave off. It doesn't seem much but on the back side of a century you'll feel the weight. What it boils down to is finding the bike that fits you and your style the best. Don't worry too much about brands as most bikes in the same price range are generally on level footing when it comes to quality.

As far as contacting someone about your Celo, try the link below and see if they may be able to help you out.

http://www.celoeuropa.net/