There is a misconception by many that if you use Ebay you have buckets of money!,quite wrong for many especialy younger cyclists (under 40) who are not in a club there are few ways other than Ebay to obtain cycles/spares....I work weekends frequently so rarely if ever get to attend bike jumbles, the nearest being at the Harvey Haddon centre has now ceased to be, Birmingham (Kidderminster) is a trek and Ripley way too far as the cost of fuel alone often amounts to 50% of my available 'hobby' cash. There is also the problem of obtaining parts for foreign/rare cycles,try getting 650B parts rims/brakes etc at a UK jumble! I have just managed to get a NOS pair of CLB 650B brakes for my 1947 Semper after searching everywhere for about 18 months! I think the Internet and yes Ebay is crucial in preserving our fantastic hobby/interest for the future it is often the only way younger cyclists can 'get in' especialy if you live in a cycling vaccuum like I do ,apart that is from the too infrequent VCC rides(my fault accepted due to work) and the excellent News &Views magazine. If any older cyclist in the area wishes to leave /donate to a young(ish) cyclist any older machines to be cherished feel free to get in touch.
Steve Chambers
Chesterfield
England