In a message dated 2/28/2003 9:36:28 AM Eastern Standard Time,
heine@mindspring.com writes:
> Or, if you just want to ride a classic bike - never have they been
> cheaper. A very nice Columbus SL-framed NR-equipped bike from a
> lesser-known maker shouldn't cost you more than $ 500. What can you
> get at your local bike store for that money?
>
Jan is right. If you ever collected coins, and most of us probably did, you
know that the difference in price between VF/XF and BU is enormous. So, if
you want a bike to ride, buy the VF/XF at super low prices today by
historical standards. If you want to buy to look at it, buy the BU. I base
that statement on having seen similar used Columbus SL framed NR equipped
bikes go for $700-800 range 10 years ago (go reread your 10 year old pricing
guide from Mike Kone's VRBN), but as Jan says, are now going for $500 (or
less). And, you get a bike that you would have saved for months to buy 20
years ago. When I was 30 years old, raising a family, single income as an
Army Captain, we could not afford the luxury of buying expensive items. My
first bike with alloy wheels was a Miyata 310. Now, things are different
with my situation. I may bid on more expensive bikes now, but, "you are what
you were when" and I still pinch pennies with my hobby purchases. I can't
imagine going after a seller after an auction to complain about them making
money. My only complaint is when the seller ends the auction early (to take
an offer off-ebay) when I planned to bid at the last second. Lou Deeter,
Orlando FL