Sorry for my delay in sending out a report on this swap. Most everything has already been covered but thought I'd mention how nice it was to meet Tom Adams (KCTOMMY) and spend some time with him. Tom's Bennotto was quite nice and the Major Nichols was very handsome with nicely finished Nervex Pro lugs. His table had many very clean and nicely presented goodies for sale. I think it was a crowd made up of people really looking for super duper bargains; Tom's clean, organized and reasonably priced parts stood out from the "get on your knees, dig through a box, hold the part up in the air while still on your knees and ask for a price" typical of most vendors. There seemed to be about 10 people seriously looking for vintage lightweight goodies and every time a new vendor came in we all stood around waiting to dig in. I must have left before Peter Naiman arrived and would not know Peter Weigle even if we were digging through a box together! I would have loved to meet him along with any other CR'ers that may have been there.
This leads me to agree with a previous suggestions of name tags. I would like to suggest (if not already done so) that we make up some CR logo'd tags so that regardless of the event, we could wear them and be identified by name and as a CR list member - that would be a wonderful ice breaker and reason to introduce oneself even if you did not recognize the persons name. I'd be happy to purchase a name tag to bring to events - what about it?
The vintage lightweights were already mentioned but just a note that the "Team Raleigh" was a "Team Record" not a "Team Pro." A number of you know I am a big fan of the Team Pro bikes; the Record is a nice bike but not nearly as nice as the Team Pro - lesser finish work and full mid-level Japanese componentry. Regarding Team Raleigh's, one individual there was a rider for the Raleigh Ti Team when it was established here in the US in 1975. He still has all his original paperwork, memorabilia, clothing, etc, etc. We're going to get together later this winter to dig through everything and I'll do my best to document everything. He was able to tell me how things got started here, who rode what years, bicycle specs and changes, etc, etc. Should be some new and interesting info for us Raleigh fans.
On the "what did I purchase" topic, I did ok. Best deal was a 1962 Raleigh Dealer binder filled with all it's original pages, dividers, etc. There are about two hundred pages full of 1962 - 1965 Campagnolo, Raleigh, Phillips, Rudge, Cyclo, Simplex, Brooks, Sturmey Archer, etc., pictures, parts breakdowns, prices, even brochures. It was really grungy when I bought it for $35 but once cleaned up she is a real treat. Other purchases include a nice 1973 Brooks Pro saddle for $25; a counter top box of Cateye cloth tape in dark blue (thought it was black) for $10; a mostly complete counter top box of Tressostar tape for $10 - inside were various colors including two boxes of kelly green - never saw that color before and will now have to build a bike up around that tape(!); an unboxed and apparently never used Campagnolo NR headset in a baggy for $15; an ancient (1950's?) NOS boxed Regina chain for $20; two Campagnolo NR 52 tooth chainwheels for $40ea; and finally two Campagnolo Musette's for $10.
Not bad for a show/swap where vintage lightweights were certainly in the minority.
Nice way to spend a Sunday morning!
Looking forward to Copake now.
Eric Elman
Somers, CT