Brandon Ives said: "I believe that collecting of classic bikes in general are down from everything I'm seeing and the folks I talk to."
I believe that Brandon's comment is relative. From my perspective, "collecting" of classic bikes is about the same or up. The "demand" for lugged steel bikes and the downtube shifting parts that we collect is down. This isn't because of diminishing interest from collectors. It is because other riders have a choice. Just 5-10 years ago, entry level riders were still buying a lot of steel and downtube shifting bikes. That doesn't make sense today when you can buy entry level new or used brake lever shifting bikes for about the same price as the lugged steel ones. Given the choice, I believe most new riders will opt for the later models. I have seen no drop in demand for top of the line lugged steel bikes in exceptional condition or for rare bikes in any condition. In fact, I believe the CR list itself has broadened the general knowledge of some of the makes that were little known only a few years ago, thus increasing the demand. Fortunately, prices for "mass market" Campagnolo SR/NR equipped bikes are still rather low, which I believe all of us appreciate unless you happen to be in business of selling those sorts of bikes. Lou Deeter, Orlando FL
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