It is not uncommon to see an ebay listing that includes somthing like: "frame is perfect except for a small ding on the top [or down or seat] tube, that does not affect the ride."
Are these dings really just cosmetic? I can anticipate the answer that there are dings and there are dings, and that some are bigger than others. Do these small dings affect ride, or strength, or expected longevity of a frame? How big does a ding/depression/valley/crater need to be in order to be considered significant from a performance standpoint?
It seems clear that from a sales standpoint an undinged frame should bring a higher price than an otherwise identical dinged frame. Or, that a dinged frame should sell at some discount. How much? I know, it depends on the ding, and the desireability and/or rareness of the bike. But really, how much?
yr obt svt,
Marcus Helman
Huntington Woods, MI