Awhile back there was some discussion about the relative merits of Dutch eBay sellers.
Whilst I am reticent to recommend anyone to this list based on my own experience, I took delivery of a TI Raleigh Team Pro yesterday. Yes, the "Gerrie Knetemann" bike that was kicked around a month or so ago. And no, I really don't care who was alleged to have owned or ridden it. It is c. 1975 (SB 159), 59 cm and is Reynolds 753 tubing with what must be 531 forks. Cost me $1176.00
The dealer's eBay handle is: GABGOGH
The good news: excellent communication. Took a plain 'ol personal cheque on an American bank with no nonsense or added "fees". Superb packing job by a cycle shop, no extra charge. Low shipping cost ($70 when the box said 80 euros and thats still lots cheaper than any other UK or European dealer). The company that did the shipping is amazing... this box was totally unmarked, just pristine and perfect. Bike was as advertised. Has mostly non original (or at least later than the frame date) NR components which I plan on replacing with 1st gen. SR if I can get it.
The not so good news: through no fault of the dealer, this took six weeks to be delivered. Why? Same reason I've had stuff from Renaissance Cycles delayed: US customs. Anything from the Netherlands is assumed to be packed with Ectasy or something and they just sit on it forever. You just have to be aware of this potential delay. Apparently all of the bikes from this dealer's auctions destined for the US were equally delayed. And I see one buyer gave the dealer a "Neutral" feedback owing to the delay. Personally, I don't think that's at all fair. But that's just me. He has 180 perfect feedbacks and to blot his copybook over US customs nonsense is bad form methinks.
I would gladly buy from this seller again. Not a recommendation, just an opinion. Mine.
Peter Kohler Washington DC USA
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