-----Original Message----- From: Mark Petry <mpetry@bainbridgeisland.net> To: Vance Sprock <sprocket@cupertinobike.com>; classic list <Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org> Date: Sunday, March 04, 2001 9:40 PM Subject: [CR]What to offer if I really want the bike
>
>Saw an incredible bike frame yesterday, a 62 CM Hetchins HELLENIC, this is
>the model where the seat stays intercept the seat tube about 8 in down from
>the seat lug and then terminate at the top tube in front of the seat lug.
>Just repainted, light rose/pink metallic over pearl with correct decals,
all
>very nicely done. Lugs on this bike are a Scorpion or Bonham I believe.
>
>Frame has been damaged and expertly repaired. It WAS a track frame but
fork
>has been drilled for brakes (and rear bridge as well) and it has a rear
>brake tunnel, road dropouts, and fittings to accomodate derailleurs etc.
>Repair, mods, and paint were done by Glenn Ericson, a builder of excellent
>repute here in Seattle. It seems to be straight and solid.
>
>The bike is not really for sale but I'm inclined to make the owner an offer
>on it, frame only, and my question for the list is, IF I really want the
>bike, it's my size, what do I offer without looking like a fool? There is
>almost no way to establish fair market value on such a machine, AND its
>pedigree is not immaculate, but it is a high-zoot bike and I'd really like
>to add it to my stable.
>
>=====================================================
> Mark Petry 206.618.9642
> Beautiful Bainbridge Island, WA
> mailto:mpetry@bainbridgeisland.net
>=====================================================
> "The main difference between genius and
> stupidity is that genius has limits"
>
> Albert Einstein
Well, since the person went to the trouble of repairing and repainting the bike, he or she must have a fair bit of interest in it, either as an investment or a mount. If I wanted it, I would try to find out the cost of the repairs and then offer a premium over that. Say an extra $200. That at least shows that you're serious and should get a discussion going. But if the owner paid $300 to refurbish and you offer $100, the owner's feelings will probably be hurt and the deal will flop. Just as a ball park, I would speculate that a repaired Hellenic Hetchin's frame would have a street value of only $500-$600, especially in such a large size. I watched a Hetchins on Yahoo Auctions a few months ago in that size go for around $800, but that was a curly stay frame with original paint.
Tom Adams, Kansas City