In a message dated 3/1/03 6:59:41 AM Eastern Standard Time, LouDeeter@aol.com writes:
<< Ebay has actually caused the prices to go down, not up. An explanation would be that whereas prior to ebay, the buyers didn't see many of these bikes in as relative a sense as today and felt compelled to pay higher prices just to grab the ones they did see. Now, the buyer can be much more selective as patience will pay off with the right bike in size, condition, and price. And, all these pictures being shared surely acts as a soothing salve to our collective juices. And, because of all of this, the collectors/riders are getting what they need/want, then exiting the market to be much more selective with their purchases. That logically leads one to believe that since most current riders are not riding lugged steel, that the demand is not keeping up with the supply when it comes to an 'average' lugged steel bike. I put in that category, the many late 70s, early 80s Italian frames, Paramounts, PX10s, and the like. >>
That is Captain Lou Deeter, not Albano. EBay has flooded the market. How many of these bikes would still be hanging in garages/basements with sellers having no clue where to sell them?? The average LBS? No. Yard Sale? No. eBay? YES! The ultra-rare/exclusive bikes are the ones that are insulated from this phenomenon. Not everyone on this list can own a Confente due to the math (not just production number, but $$$...or is that the same thing??) But everyone can own a PX-10 or Carlton and there will still be plenty to go around. And you don't have to decide whether to repave the driveway this year or not! I am often amazed at how many of these "second tier" or production bikes are relatively unused when you get them...original chain still within tolerances, original front tire, etc....you all know what I am talking about. Most of these bikes weren't trained on in all weather and crashed in a Cat IV criterium or taken on an extended tour. If you ride your bikes, this is where you can really get some serious bang for your buck. Or like-new parts for your Masi. And really, I'd be kidding myself if I thought an overweight, undertrained, hairy legged, pasty white guy in his late thirties (like me) would have any Mojo working regardless what I was riding? At least my dogs think I'm great... Ed Kasper Detroit Where all the salt on the road won't dissuade me from riding my recent $150 eBay acquisition: 80s Bertoni with full Columbus SL f/f, 600/Dura-Ace mix, MA-40s, etc. (Good example of mediocre production frame that rides OK.)