Sell Whole Bike or Just Frame?

[itself]

I am curious how many of you have stripped a bike down to use the parts for another bike. And have you been able to successfully sell the bare frame?

Thanks!

[indysteel]

It depends on the frame. The nicer the frame, the greater your chances of selling it without components, especially if it's a brand or type worth collecting, e.g., vintage steel. I wouldn't try to sell an entry level bike stripped of its parts. It's generally not going to be cost effective for the purchaser and the parts are probably not worth keeping.

[itself]

Good news. It's not vintage but its a Trek Fuel 98 carbon fiber frame.

[indysteel]

I'd be inclined to sell that as a complete bike.

[eofelis]

My bf, who is the resident bike mechanic, likes to part out bikes instead of selling as a whole bike, usually. We have sold many frames and parts over the years. Some we didn't get much for, some we made substantial profit on. A lot depends on the item, your market and the economy (we haven't sold as much lately).

Post up a pic of the frame and maybe we can help more?

[indysteel]

That's really the crux of it: How much do you want to get for the bike and what do you intend to do with the components if you keep them? If the components are nearing the end of their life span and/or I really had no use for them on another bike, I'd rather maximize my profit and sell a complete bike for more money than I'd likely get for just the frame.