I'm for anything that raises the bar of respectibility within these collecting issues. I've long thought that all these new/near new/rare parts should go for much higher values that most were traded at. If and when that happens though, all these people who moaned about the escalating fees, the shortages, the raritys and other issues related to our small world here--these folks will likely really turn up the volume when the everything, not just the 'good stuff' goes off the charts in terms of cost. If everyone involved works towards a useable grading system, sooner or later the inevitable will happen: outsiders will discover antique bikes/parts and it will be the next hot investment. Today's thread is not that removed from the 'Collecting versus hoarding' thread, the 'Do i use it or do i fondle it?' thread, the 'Why are the Asians paying so much?' thread, and several others from years past. I'm not interested in suppressing this market nor am I going to resist the need to help develop this grading system on everyone's mind today. If it happens, when it happens, well, let's put it this way: buy what you want now. If this hobby gets sophisticated, the typical CR listee won't be able to compete. e-RICHIE
On Mon, 26 Nov 2001 14:08:14 -0800 (PST) Fred Rafael Rednor
<fred_rednor@yahoo.com> writes:
> > You don't spend rare coins and you don't post
> > mail with rare stamps. If a part is shopworn and also
> > listed as mint, it will still perform its function as
> > if it just arrived from the factory.
> Richard,
> If coins/stamps aren't related closely enough to bicycles
> for your tastes, how about cameras? In fact, I'm sure I was
> on a camera auction Web site when I noticed the rating system
> that I think would best apply to classic bicycle stuff.
> In that system (as with every system I've seen used to
> seriously grade a collectable item) Mint meant unused and
> essentially perfect cosmetically. NIB is a specialization
> of Mint - i.e. unused and in the original packaging. There
> was a Near Mint category for items that are unused but with
> _very_ mild blemishes. I suppose that the Simplex derailleur
> which prompted this discussion would be considered Near Mint.
> No doubt a shop worn but unused item will function as
> well as a cosmetically perfect one. But cosmetic damage
> (that's what shop wear is) reduces the value of any item.
> Otherwise why should a manufacturer even bother to package
> items like cranksets so as to prevent scratches during
> transit?
> Best regards,
> Fred Rednor - Arlington, Virginia
>
>
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