I was the high bidder on the Confente for about a day I think..<g>
I took one more swing at it today, but the current high bidder wants it more than I do.
After giving it a lot of thought, I've come to the conclusion that it makes a whole lot more sense to order a Richard Sachs (expect an order soon, Richard!). Somehow it began to stick in my craw that I was going to line the pockets of someone who happened to be smart enough to order a Confente when Mr. C was still alive, rather that the pockets of the builder himself. From the Sachs frames I've seen, Mr. S. makes frames equal or superior to Mr. C's in every aspect.
Of course, I know the Confente is an irreplaceable rarity. Makes me wish he'd lived longer and built more of them, then they wouldn't cost so much.. ;> More of us could enjoy one. Because they are very beautifully made; real eye-candy.
It is a beautiful bike. Someone will have a nice toy. At that price though, I'm afraid that in my case it would have remained a wall-hanger. Try riding a $6000, irreplaceable, uninsurable bike down Sepulveda sometime (I have); too nerve-wracking for my autonomous nervous system..<g>
Oh, btw, I'm louislot on ebay.
Charles
PS: Duane! What do you have over there, a warehouse or what? <ggggg> ;> (I'm TEASING...!)