Jerry & Liz Moos wrote:
>
> Well, I'll give the "fool and his money" sermon. As a Francophile, I have bought
> several complete, nice French bikes, each for less than that derailleur cost. I
> plan to have some of these at Cirque, and I'll guarantee I'll not trade any of
> them for a derailleur, no matter how rare. I don't mind anyone spending his
> money as he wishes, but I think I have the right to believe it is foolish to
> spend more for one component than for a complete quality classic bike. OK, end
> of sermon.
>
> Regards,
>
> Jery "Parson" Moos
OKay, my 2ยข worth... I think it is kind of silly to criticize another collector's area of interest. I know of more than one collector that likes to acquire NIP (new in package) bike parts. Obviously the older the part, the rarer and higher priced that part is going to be. Comparing seemingly related things like collecting bike parts and collecting complete bikes, is actually comparing "apples and oranges."
As I watch a Simplex 543 NIP derailleur head up above $500 on eBay, I'm in awe of the obvious passion other bike lovers have for obscure French bike parts. They have _my_ respect!
Chuck "let's celebrate our differences" Schmidt South Pasadena, California