Given what French bikes actually sell for, even though I think they are bargains, $753 was reasonable and $853 was generous. You would probably have had difficulty reselling it for $853. I had a similar experience with a beautiful 1972 Falcon San Remo. The guy had been told it was worth $1000 and had a reserve close to that. My high bid was $500 or $600. I told him it was a beautiful bike, but Falcon prices just aren't that high because of some of the shoddy stuff they made during the bike boom. He was a little more reasonable than the Bertin seller, and we compromised on $750, which is probably more than I can resell it for. Of course, if you "have to have it" and don't ever plan to sell, then either this Bertin or my Falcon would give $1000 of enjoyment, but I try to avoid overpaying by too great an amount versus the prevailing market.
REgards,
Jerry Moos
Hosuton, TX
b.b.simon@att.net wrote: i was the high bidder the last time this was on the bay and my winning bid was 753.00. it did not make his reserve so i offered him 853.00 plus shipping after consulting w charles andrews; this guy would not budge an inch and both charles and i agree that he will not get what he is asking for. burl simon in los angeles 12.03.04 where i bid like reynolds steel tubesets are numbered 531.00, 753.00, 853.00 etc.
-------------- Original message from Donald Gillies : --------------
> Pretty amazing on-topic bike, very beautiul. I thought pinions and pedals
> was sold out of bikes, but i guess the owner had one more bike up his
> sleeves.
>
> < http://ebay.com/
>
> Actually, the 56cm Bertin with stronglight 93 and suntour cyclone on his
> web site (accessible from the ebay listing) is also a sweet looking bike,
> too small for me ...
>
> http://www.pinionsandpedals.com/
>
> - Don Gillies
> San Diego, CA