Hi Richard:
With all due respect (which is a lot IMO) to Peter Weigle (I saw that gorgeous early one on eBay - very tasty - I would have been very aggressive on it if it had been my size), he:
A) Didn't die suddenly at a very young age after creating only 135 works of art (he's still creating works of art),
B) Isn't Italian (not that it matters, but you know these collector-types!)
C) Wasn't intricately involved in the Masi "mystique" (not that there is one!)
D through Z) What else am I leaving out, Masi-philes?
The only Confente I've seen up close is Mike Kone's green one. It is absolutely stunning, I must admit..... But so are Hetchins, Ephgraves, Hurlows, Singers, Herses, Uragos, Gillotts, Sachs, Baylis, Columbines, Pop Brennans, DeRosas, Pogliaghis... (well, you probaly get the point. Sorry for rambling).*
I sometimes wonder about Herse prices, but I am beginning to better understand that, and I do appreciate the cubic work and time he and his people must have put into those bikes as a "constructeur..."
Cheers,
Greg Parker A2 MI USA
*and probably dozens I'm forgetting or am not even aware of....
Richard R. wrote:
> I get that it is rare. I get that it is cool. But I don't get "it". A
> friend just picked up a late '70's Wiegle (Weigle?) on e-bay that is
> just about perfect, with full NR group for just a small fraction of what
> this one is already up to. Arguably as rare as the Confente? It even
> came complete with built up grime - trust me it looks better cleaned up!
> Anyone on this list could have an equal or better ride just by ordering
> a frame from one of the several excellent, without peer framebuilders on
> this list. (Peter, Richard, Brian, Curt, David, Phil etc...). Heck, if
> you have to have "vintage" you could go with Richard's 30'Th anniversary
> model with a lower number than "35". Perhaps other of our esteemed group
> of builders would do something similar? Then you could build up your own
> grime.
> I am not a "collector" in the same vein as others on this list, and I do
> not want to be unkind but what exactly did this guy (Mario) do besides
> die?
> BTW, here is the e-bay link for those who want to see what all the fuss
> is about.
> Richard Rose (Toledo, Ohio), now donning my flameproof skivvies.
> http://ebay.com/