I must say that I feel that many of the same people who often advertise their excess stock, and/or tip us off to Ebay auctions, are the same people who will post frequently about points of history, physics and other non profitable topics. If their sole purpose were to make money, then why do they spend hours reading and posting about non-sale issues? Hardly a list member has not bought or sold something here. In the case of classic merchandise the issue is even more perilous. There is no current manufacture of classic parts, Sooooo... those who plan to renew an old dream must, by necessity, deal in finds, either by buying or by selling. A lot of the list members have helped me out with their postings, and have not received one penny for their efforts.
I conclude that this list is not primarily about buying and selling for profit, but about the enjoyment of mechanical beauty and the poetic thoughts it stirs. I hope I have done my part with my frequent postings.
On another point, I do recall that Bicycling magazine was once more philosophical and appreciative of the art of bicycle frame and part manufacture. As the bikes have become more functional, but less artistic and shapely, so has the magazine become more crass. The articles from the 70's and 80's included musings about the sheer beauty of this or that stem shape or frame detailing. Now that the bikes are industrial and not pretty, the writing has become functional window dressing in support of the way the industry has moved. I may be wrong, but do any of the contributing staff ever question the value of 10 cog freehubs or robot weld displays?
Garth Libre in windy South Florida (Surfside Fl) with several 0.75 mile sprints at 32.5 mph on level ground this morning.