Brandon Ives wrote:
>
(snip)
> I think the Japanese collectors take a lot of $#!^ from people on this
> list. People always bitch about how they're buying up all the good stuff
> and don't have the real feel for classic bikes. If some "outrageous" price
> is paid on Ebay "of course it's a japanese collector" is always the mantra.
> These links just prove this is total bunk.
I don't think this is the case. I think it has always been an "Antiques Road Show" kind of situation. People not aware of the current market value of their possessions. The guy getting his antique saber apprased that he found in the attic and played with as a kid (even cutting watermellon with it) and being told "on today's market this piece is worth between $80,000 and $120,000!"
People have expressed their surprise on this list... not outrage.
When I hear someone say, "I could buy a whole bike for what you payed for that derailleur!" I say, "And your point is...?"
Chuck Schmidt
South Pasadena, California