One of the reasons why classic components are a lot cheaper here in Europe , it was made here in Europe. So it was more easy to aquire. I know of Several large suyppliers also provided private label brand bicycles to there customers with high end components. So there was these offerings besides the Likes of Bianchi, Raleigh Olmo and so on. Back then, private label bikes out numbered the norm 10 to 1. ................Almost every single high end race shop offered their own marque. Also here in Holland about every 3 years people would trade in their old frames or complete riggs for newer frame or bikes. So to say, theres a lot of bike shops here stitting on a good amount of 2nd hand bikes and once they start finding their way to the market I would say the prices will drop a little bit here and there. As for here in Holland a lot of the people are just out right ''CHEAP!'' and dosen't want pay the price for these 2nd hand bikes. I just came back from France and aquired a bunch of 2nd hand bikes, one of them a full panto Gianni Motta with 1st generartion SR rear mech for $ 75.-. I remember walking into store rooms of bike shops and could not avoid kicking a few Campagnolo seat post or rings which were tossed all over the floor, this was in 1985!!!!!!!!!!
Here in Holland and Europe the seekers are starting to discover the internet and once they do the prices here will rise.....Good example the number of Dutch buyers is rising. They are now coming our way via a few old suppliers. Many of them will tell us that they tried looking for goods with several shops but these shops will say that they don't have anything! But they do because we buy from these very same stores!......One reason for turning them away is because they are only seeking out one or 2 items and the shops just dosen't want to mess with one customer for these little items.
So to say, theres a lot of stuff here............And most of the would be dealers are still sleeping.
BC Baron Corpuz....................And the gang Eindhoven Holland, going back to France to pick up our Bounty!!
> After watching the auctions, and the thread I
> wonder why are classic components cheaper in Europe?
> Is the issue supply and demand here in the U.S. (and to
> and extent Japan, but I won't go there)?
> Are European riders just into the latest and
> greatest and yearly dump their old rides/components?
> Or are U.S. collectors just more willing to shell out?
>
> Marty " 200 bucks for H-bar plugs?" Eison
> Dallas Texas.