Mark Petry wrote:
>
> All right, if we state that classic / vintage bikes are a collectible and
> prices behave according to the perfect market model (probably a flawed
> assumption) here are 2 questions
>
> Where is the market on the appreciation curve (beginning, still rising,
> topped out)
> can we think of any BETTER bike to buy than a confente IF appreciation in
> cost (for ultimate resale) is the objective?
> How are we affecting the market for vintage bikes by RIDING our bikes (IMHO
> this is the coolest thing about collecting bikes - you can ride them rather
> than just let 'em hang on the wall.)
>
> Anything else ?
Market: still rising.
As the population increases, so does the market. Of course it doesn't hurt that as bicycle marketing focuses on more rapid, and silly changes each year, more and more "retro-grouches" are created.
Each year the visual differences between robot-built and hand-crafted frames become more stark and apparent to even the most casual of observers!
What to buy if appreciation in cost is the objective? I'd say any bike owned by someone famous (be ready to document the fact). Of course, the value would rise and fall with that person's "public recognition factor" at any given time ;)
"What am I offered for Da Vinci's wood bike?" (just a joke; the bike was a documented hoax)
Chuck Schmidt South Pasadena, California
"...fishing the past, from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth." --Kurt Vonnegut