Hello Sam,
I am trying to restore a little respectability to buying and selling quality bicycle parts. Your comments below do not take into account that parts are often being misrepresented on the market for quality or condition that is simply not true. Both buyer and seller can get burned when parts are in the condition that is stated before the sale is closed.
Who wants to be cheated as a buyer or a seller when a part is not accepted in its true and commonly accepted evaluation of its condition? Often times, digital pics are not available for vintage bikes and parts and the distance is too far to actually see the part or "kick the tires" on the bike to try it out. Sometimes, the pics do not clearly show problems with the item being sold. Yes, there are some hobbies that scour each collectible for a harsh numeric rating, but I have ***not*** espoused this in any way. The scale we propose should be clearly evident to an individual and ***not*** require a "team" of experts poring over the parts as you seem to think. As mentioned earlier, this scale is the start of discussion of how to improve the buying/selling process so both buyer and seller are treated equally. It is an attempt to remove some of the uncertainty and risk in buying parts sight unseen.
The creation of a condition scale endorsed by CR members will provide the start of greater ethics when buying or selling. The attitude "who gives a damn - E CAVEAT EMPTOR" sounds like a cynic who really does not care about what they buy or who they buy from - prehaps your personal choice, but one I do not agree with...
Regards, Steve Neago
"On the Dawn Patrol in Cincinnati"
> I really enjoy belonging to this list. Every once in a while it gets
weird.
> If you want to know the condition of a part ask (if you are really
concerned
> ask for close up photos) why do we kick around such silly ideas as making
up
> our own grading system. Anyone who has to have three people look over a
> part with a microscope should rethink life in general. Go outside take
your
> dog for a walk go talk to actual human beings. Sam DiBartolomeo Southern
CA