I had this explained to me very eloquently once. I haven't seen anyone allude to this yet so I'll try to recall what I was told but I know I won't capture it entirely:
The high prices result from a certain segment of Japanese cycling enthusiasts who are enamored with the elegant "lifestyle" that French bikes, like Herses and Singers, of a certain era (1950s-60s) represent. Owning and riding such bikes, allow these well-to-do enthusiasts, who live in an comparatively homogeneous and regimented culture, to exhibit their individualism in a social setting by recreating their idea of a certain period of French culture. Imagine: a small group of friends, dressed up in stylish cycling togs (knickers, etc.), going for a leisurely ride in the countryside on their stylish bicycles, stopping for an elegant picnic along the way.
Anyone care to elaborate?
Lee Berg Palo Alto
Huemax@aol.com wrote:
>
> I personally do not know why Japanese collector pays such huge prices for
> French parts.