Okay, so I followed the whole Confente discussion, agreeing, disagreeing, rolling my eyes, etc. I even thought of a few things to say, but in the end I spared you all. I've been fascinated and shocked since joining this group and viewing the E-Bay links you post. Wow, the prices! I've refrained from asking why a Rene Herse sells for so much. And the Confente....holy crap!
I mean, I can figure out a lot of the reasons, quality, scarcity, and of course, a segment of the population with enough money to indulge their whims.
But here's what finally moved me to comment: I've been watching that auction for the Cuevas bike. Yeah, I know it was a tourer, but so are some of the other big ticket bikes. The Cuevas reached $440 and stalled. Never reached it's reserve. Now, I own a Cuevas frame and would love to have another. Maybe I should just collect those frames, how many could be out there? So why was no one interested in this bike? Are his frames poorly regarded? I'm asking this question in all sincerity, I really want to know. I've enjoyed the miles I put on my Cuevas. And enjoyed getting to know, and working with Francisco. Probably my feelings about the bike are colored by my feelings about the builder.
I suppose I value my bike because of what it represents to me. The places I've been on it, that part of my life that I put it together. I doubt anyone would ever be willing to pay what it is worth to me. I would love to see my son ride and appreciate it some day. I'll bet a lot of you have one bike in your collections that you feel the same way about. Never mind the dream bikes, let's hear about the one bike you'd never part with.