Re: [CR] To buy ..or not to buy...That is the question

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Date: Sun, 9 Jan 2011 13:30:34 +0000 (UTC)
From: <billydavid13@comcast.net>
To: Norris Lockley <nlockley73@gmail.com>
In-Reply-To: <AANLkTin+Vs=5fDqrVQu+ESFaPCxbk2LNkNJcV9+nGjxH@mail.gmail.com>
Cc: classic rendezvous <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: Re: [CR] To buy ..or not to buy...That is the question


Hi Norris. I think Jon's advice is very good. It sets limits that are not arbitrary and also offers a way to pay for your obsession by selling off what doesn't fit. This will also release bikes to people who covet them. W/in certain limits you might want to purchase certain marques that aren't your size to use for trade, but only if they're "bargains". Patience is a virtue that comes to any serious collector. "Better fewer, but better." Good luck. I wish i had your problem! Billy Ketchum; Chicago, IL; USA.


----- Original Message -----
From: Norris Lockley
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Sent: Sunday, January 9, 2011 4:52:20 AM
Subject: [CR] To buy ..or not to buy...That is the question


I'm faced with a dilemma...let me explain.  I already have far too many bicycles and frames..and Yes! believe me.... it is possible to have too many . (Are you reading this, Nelson?) I am no longer a young man..and many of the frames and bikes I already own are too large for me in any case...and my wife can't stand the thought of any more bikes at home. I am in fact a perfect living example of the species - the obsessive collector.

To make matters worse, there are certain brands of frame that I have never owned, will never need, but nevertheless I would like one of them...for the collection.

Like buses in most large cities these sought-after bikes never come in ones...but in twos and threes. And so it is that I have just come across, and am negotiating for, a couple of MARCADIER racing, as opposed to randonneur, bicycles...and there is still an alloy Reyhand (?) in mind.

I have never seen a Marcadier but, tempted by the one in one of Jan Heine's books, consider that I owe myself at least one. Jan's Marcadier is an aluminium alloy one and at least one of the two I know of is of the same material...the other might be steel, as it is painted red.

It goes with the territory of such transactions that the bikes are a long way from where I live, not even in the same country, and that the photos provided are of poor quality and lack detailo. I have requested others.Oh!    almost forgot...they are too large ( at about 23") for me to ride..

After finishing this heart-felt appeal to the CR Listers I think I shall have to go and lie down to consider matters further. Are there any psychologists among the CR members who could offer me some free counselling....PLEASE

I know what I should do...but please convince me.

Norris Lockley

Settle UK

(with sincere apoogies to the bard, William Shakespeare..and Prince Hamlet)