In a message dated 1/7/03 10:45:29 AM, Ron Gurth writes:
>>So the question is: Are there fellow list members in
the Indianapolis area, and, are there any 'real' bike
shops?? So far I have only found the 'bicycle
boutiques', with the latest, greatest,
AL,Ti,Carbon,etc. abominations, one 'Bikes-R-Us'
mega-store ("How do we do it?...VOLUME"), and nothing
resembling the elegant ridable art we all love.<<
Possibly the best place to look might be some of those very same bike shops... except of course the newer ones (like the Mega-Store). You wouldn't believe the stuff that collects in the back rooms of established shops that customers never see until maybe they ask... and you might never guess what's back there just by looking at the new stuff that's out front. Make friends with the owner and he'll not only let you take a peek but he'll keep you posted on your area's (probably large) contingent of bikers who constantly buy the latest and newest and thus have nice old bikes up for grabs. (I got my Masi from a guy who decided a Litespeed was in his future). If a customer's purchase of an expensive new bike hinges on his first getting a decent price for his old one, you can bet the shop owner's going to refer him to you.
But the backrooms can be the REAL goldmines... shop owners who have a bit of extra room and a love for bicycles regardless of age often can't bear to throw stuff out and will keep it around even after finding there's no local market for it... so there it waits. Case in point.... in dark and crowded back room of one shop I found a couple of nice old Ralieghs, an all-Campy Viner with nicely cutout lugs, an older Serotta, and a Masi Volumetrica. That was after five minutes and I didn't even bring a flashlight. (and in case some of you out there are starting to drool, let me tell you that I've already spoken to the owner about offering some of these items to you wonderful CR list members once we have a free weekend or two to sort things out... he hates Ebay and doesn't want to go there, but he really warmed up to the idea of offering vintage bikes to a select group that will restore and take care of them).
So, Ron, my best advice is don't give up on those shops in your area just yet... Make friends, ask questions, and make sure the owner (and mechanics) know that you're a fan of vintage bikes. You might be amazed at what turns up.
Best wishes,
Bob Hovey
Columbus, GA