[CR]Collector values of pre versus post 1980s bikes

(Example: History)

Date: Wed, 2 Apr 2008 07:47:43 -0700 (PDT)
From: "Kevin Kruger" <ktk1_7_0_2_8@yahoo.com>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR]Collector values of pre versus post 1980s bikes

Know that's it's been discussed many times before, but in my opinion one can equate the vintage bike collecting market to the vintage auto and general antique value/interest trends --- i.e., older items loose their interest and value as time goes on, or in other words, people tend to collect items that remind them of their youth.

Totally agree with Mike Kone's "collecting/value" perspective for the most part.

For example, muscle cars have far surpassed much earlier cars in value (e.g., a Plymouth Road Runner vs. a Model T). I also live in an early 19th Century antique PA German brick farmhouse furnished with period antiques, with the value of each continuing to plummet as collecting interest declines.

Now there are always exceptions to the above, but I have started to seek out 1980-90s vintage frames/machines as future "investments" --- recently came back with a HUGE SMILE on my face after riding my 1986 Serotta Team Murray (a truly fantastic riding Super Record equipped machine!!!). Suspect it's value will increase at a higher rate than my 1970s bikes at this point in time.

Do I still personally love the pre-1980 bikes --- ABSOLUTELY, but understand that they won't retain their collecting value as time moves on. I'm not too concerned about many of my bikes future value, as I will be riding them until the day I die -- then maybe some unscrupulous dealer can attempt to scam my wife by telling her they are worthless since no one rides these things anymore.

Things will always be worth what someone is willing to pay for them, like it or not.

Regards, Kevin Kruger - Grantville, PA

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