[CR]Was: Heiden's bike, now; eBay cynicism.

(Example: Books:Ron Kitching)

Date: Tue, 14 Jun 2005 16:28:02 -0400
From: <oroboyz@aol.com>
References: <1ac.39fb89ba.2fe08370@aol.com>
In-Reply-To: <1ac.39fb89ba.2fe08370@aol.com>
To: PBridge130@aol.com, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR]Was: Heiden's bike, now; eBay cynicism.

<< If one were actually interested in the frame, rather than just armchair-quarterbacking, that would be easy enough to check into, wouldn't it? I don't think it would be terribly hard to look up Serotta's phone number (maybe even Heiden's, if one were curious enough).

There's a very unpleasant rush to cynicism here, and a fairly direct smear of the seller's honesty, all based, far as I've seen, in absolutely nothing but guesswork. I'd call that rather less than cricket. >>

Cynical about eBay representations? Yes, Peter, we do rush to that on occassion. It's a cause and effect due to unscrupulous sellers. Rather than be peevish about observations we make about items offered for sale (that armchair quarterbacking) you might try to offer a productive comment or just delete. In this case, the seller forgets to mention that a seat tube had to be replaced, hence a trip to the repaint shop. Hardly guesswork. Now that does tend to make one cynical doesn't it?

In fact, it is a hazardous affair buying on eBay. Every transaction bears the risk of being ripped off by an increasing number of con artists and shysters. It is the seller's obligation to provide accurate and complete information. It is naive and to suggest that purchases should be ented into without the maximum caution and care.

Peter, if you would like to continue this discussion, I suggest we do it offlist.

Dale Brown
Greensboro, NC USA