If your buddy wants the most money, then I'd say the moral thing to do is part out. It's his bike, and he's entitled to say what becomes of it.
To further the discussion though, I would say that an 80's Paramount is common enough that no ethical considerations against parting it out apply. Especially if the frame is a mixed group, presumably done by the owner and /or shop who built it up. It isn't "factory spec original", so part away.
The only thing that would restrain me would be if this exact bike was used as is to win an important race or has some other historical significance (rode by a famous person, etc etc). If not, fair game.
BTW, how big is the dent? If it's pencil eraser sized, I'd say it's only a $100 deduction on what will be a user frame anyway. There's not a substantial collector premium (ala Herse, Masi, Hetchins, etc) for Paramounts. I'm assuming the dent didn't fold the tube, or knock the frame out of alignment.
Tom Adams, Shrewsbury NJ
Brook Watts <brook.watts@comcast.net> wrote: Some of you may have noticed some of my sales recently to shed some equipment owned by a recently retired buddy who hasn't ridden for a decade or more. He was a bit of a hoarder and kept lots of spares around. I have more to sell as time permits photo taking and listing. And all of it goes directly to a guy's retirement savings.
One of the items he entrusted me to sell requires a hard decision for a special reason. It's a mid-80's Paramount with a mix of SR and OT Campy. All of the components are pristine as is the frame except for 1 fault: a top tube ding that occurred when he pulled it out of the basement. So now I've got what would be a great trophy that has a blaring defect. Less visible because of the black finish but dented none the less.
I could part out the bike to get the most for his bank account but then I'd have a damaged frame that would be virtually worthless. Then again, who wants to buy a complete bike with a dinged tt. I need some fresh ides about what my next move should be.
Thanks
Brook Watts Longmont Colo USA _______________________________________________
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