On Jul 12, 2007, at 1:47 PM, loudeeter@aol.com wrote:
> I insure my bikes.? Not cheap, but they are?covered at the stated
> value.? Regarding value, if you want to know what something is
> worth, all you have to do is ask a few individuals in a private
> email (as mentioned by someone earlier).? If they don't know,
> they'll usually guide you to someone who does.? Having said that,
> I've given my opinion freely to people who ask for it and for the
> past two years, I've been low on value.? I think that is because I
> have likely misjudged how some prices have risen, particularly
> Campagnolo parts.? I think I'm still a pretty good judge about most?
> frames, but, if you have something that is very rare or niche
> market, you need to find the right specialist to advise you.? If
> you are that skittish about it , then?ebay will?determine the
> market?value for you.? But?even there, you have to know how to do
> it--good pictures, accurate description, right finishing time--all
> those things can affect the bid.? But, when the ebay bids are
> topping out at $300, you can't expect to believe that the frame is
> worth $1000.? Dashed expectations are not uncommon in?our hobby.?
> Lou Deeter, Orlando FL USA??
When people ask me to tell them what their stuff is worth I always ask, "Do you mean at a yard sale, or at a flea market, or at a swap meet at a bike show, or to a friend, or on the CR list, or on eBay, or at Christy's, or to me?"
I guess most don't really care for my answer in the end <grin>.
Chuck Schmidt
South Pasadena, CA USA
http://www.velo-retro.com (reprints, t-shirts & timelines)