Ya know,
Were I interested I would be thinking great, the more alleged strikes against this sellers auctions in terms of attracting a wider market, the better. I would also wish he specify the frames must be picked up in person, on a wednesday morning by a person wearing a vintage Man City jersey who can prove he (or she?) is circumcised whilst surrounded by a band of merry gypsies belting out recent Romany tunes. That makes those who are now interested narrowed down to about ... oh ... only 150 or so.
Who cares ... his auctions, his terms and you know .... sometimes it matters not with regard to price (he's hardly asking a lot for most of his wares) but more that they fall in the right hands. We all can guess that they cost the seller a great deal less than he'll likely get. And perhaps too much emphasis is placed on the highest price fantasy that pervades this list. Honestly, I wish I could sell things by saying I have great stuff if I have to prove it to you then your better off buying from somebody else. If you need to be spoon fed 47 detailed pictures and the semantics that go with them then your hardly in the spirit of being a collector and passionate about these things. Check the auctions and how many pimp frames he's offing - I'd say his word for 'em is better than any pics and in all I know exactly the kind of buyer Im dealing with and wouldn't hesitate for a minute. That there may be extra hoops to jump means I'll be paying less for his wares.
The facts: nobody with half a brain will ever lose money on any high caliber vintage frames and parts. This is history, what you pass up as being too expensive now, you'll rue for paying a helluva lot more later.
Me thinks .... maybe the seller is hanging up his cleats. It's probable American's will end up with them, there are more important things in life than playing domicile when in effect giving away things of beauty and rarity. He is selling some rather nice old bikes not pandering to those who lack faith, expect the earth without having to exact some effort, or have developed some ebay neurosis that precludes them from trusting anything or anyone. It's only money and Im a firm believer of the customer not always being right, those of you who disagree should be scouring the vintage bike aisle in WalMart.
Whoever the seller is good on him, if not least for providing opportunity to listen to some nancy's get their knickers in a twist. Im thinking about being post modern in my next auction and just listing pics of my fridge, cupboard and bathroom cabinet contents .... ummm ... maybe not, I need the money and you all don't need proof of just how strange I really am ;)
Ciao,
Ben "PG Tips drinker" Kamenjas
Sydney, Oz