I tend to think we're living in the golden age of steel bike collecting for those who what to acquire them cheaply. The new frame materials and component standards have combined to "obsolete" almost all lugged steel bikes in the minds of the general public. That, combined with the fact that the old bikes are practically eternal results in a glutted market. So it is very reasonable to expect to acquire a lugged steel double butted frame from a quality builder for around $100 dollars and complete bikes for about $500. Only a very few old builders have sufficient "mojo" to make their frames desirable enough to excite buyers into opening their wallets. Everything else goes for relative peanuts as their only value is as a user to retro grouches like us. Cuevas bikes have almost all the proper ingredients (Euro heritage, good reputation, good ride & solid workmanship) but are caught in this black hole of low prices.
Now as a user these low prices are to my benefit. But I admit to being sad that these fine bikes are held in such low esteem, as it means that nice bikes will not be preserved. It also means modern builders of lugged steel bikes have a tougher row to hoe, as they are competing to a certain extent with bikes made 20 to 40 years ago. How often does a prospective customer say "Yes, I could buy a Sachsbaylisbohemianrivendell, but heck, I could get a used Cuevas for under $500 dollars." No wonder most builders are single person operations making "luxury" level machines for the customers who want and can afford the best. I wonder how often they get called on to make an "affordable, basic daily user"? Pretty rarely, I'd imagine.
I am still kicking around the idea of ordering one last custom frame in my declining years, but it hard to save up for it when I keep acquiring old frames and bikes. But some day all the old bikes will be in the hands of CR members and then sales of new lugged steel bikes will skyrocket. So you see I'm really doing it for the good of the builders on the list. ;)
Tom Adams, Kansas City
snipped I mean, I can figure out a lot of the reasons, quality, scarcity, and of course, a segment of the population with enough money to indulge their whims.
But here's what finally moved me to comment: I've been watching that auction for the Cuevas bike. Yeah, I know it was a tourer, but so are some of the other big ticket bikes. The Cuevas reached $440 and stalled. Never reached it's reserve. Now, I own a Cuevas frame and would love to have another. Maybe I should just collect those frames, how many could be out there? So why was no one interested in this bike? Are his frames poorly regarded? I'm asking this question in all sincerity, I really want to know. I've enjoyed the miles I put on my Cuevas. And enjoyed getting to know, and working with Francisco. Probably my feelings about the bike are colored by my feelings about the builder.
snip