Inherited a hand built Barchelli, what to do with it?

[harryf]

I have just inherited a hand built Barchelli road racer from I would guess the 1960's. A distant relative was a VERY enthusiastic amateur racer at that time and it was his pride & joy. Its in good condition & rides fine.

Unfortunately the health benefits it conferred were not enough to save the poor chap from an unfairly early passing away. As just about the only other person in the family to actually use a cycle it is now with me. I know very little about this kind of thing.

I guess I need some advice on what to do with it. If it has any sort of value then maybe I should just sell it and pass the proceeds on to his grandchildren. Or, if it has no particular value perhaps the best thing would be for me to give his grandkids some pocket money and I use it instead of my clunky mountain bike (which is harder work on road) to get to work & a bit of pleasure.

So, anybody know anything about these? If I wanted to sell it where would be best? Is it worth anything or should I just enjoy it?

I should mention I am based near Guildford, Surrey, UK

 

[kdelong]

I have just inherited a hand built Barchelli road racer from I would guess the 1960's. A distant relative was a VERY enthusiastic amateur racer at that time and it was his pride & joy. Its in good condition & rides fine.

Unfortunately the health benefits it conferred were not enough to save the poor chap from an unfairly early passing away. As just about the only other person in the family to actually use a cycle it is now with me. I know very little about this kind of thing.

I guess I need some advice on what to do with it. If it has any sort of value then maybe I should just sell it and pass the proceeds on to his grandchildren. Or, if it has no particular value perhaps the best thing would be for me to give his grandkids some pocket money and I use it instead of my clunky mountain bike (which is harder work on road) to get to work & a bit of pleasure.

So, anybody know anything about these? If I wanted to sell it where would be best? Is it worth anything or should I just enjoy it?

I should mention I am based near Guildford, Surrey, UK

Unfortunately bikes are like cars in holding thier value, they don't. This bike may be of value to a collector somewhere or possibly to a museum. Your typical rider will not be interested because of the ancient technology used on this bike.

You might try posting it on eBay with a sizable reserve just to see what kind of interest there is out there, and check out some of the vintage bicycle sites on the internet. I'm sure that there is a forum for collectors that can help you. If I were you and if the bike fit me, I would just ride it and enjoy it. I have one 70's vintage Raleigh that I take out about once a week just to pleasure ride. Can't/won't train on it, too much sentimental value to use it that harshly.

 

[Powerful Pete]

I would keep it and ride it.

If you would like a better idea of the value of the bike, enquire on one of a number of vintage cycling sites on line:

http://www.classicrendezvous.com/ (this is an excellent site)
http://www.nostalgic.net/ (found with Google)
http://www.firstflightbikes.com/services.htm (found with Google)

Remember to make, to the best of your ability, a list of the make and names of all the components possible. Check the frame and try to identify the tubing. And take a few high quality pictures.

 

[Cycler6n]

If I were you, hang on to it, and keep it in good shape.