I was fortunate enough to attend both swaps. As described before here, Saturday at the Velo was great if you were a duck. I endured till closing because I lack the sense to get in out of the rain and my enthusiam would not wane with just a little water. I saw plenty of great stuff. Scored a nice Benelux derailleur and pretty much added to my riding wardrobe. I saw with interest that interesting Windsor bike for the second show in a row. Guess the price must have scared every one away. The Batevus track bike (hope I spelled that right) showed up at the antique show the next day right next door. As bad as Saturday was weather wise, the Antique show on Sunday had near perfect weather. Both shows seemed to have a lot more attendance than previous few. I talked with quite a few dealers who were telling me that they had an okay day to a great day sales wise despite the weather. That Batevus track bike seller was not really a seller. I talked with them at the Antique show and they told me that basically they brought the bike down just to tease everyone. They had a few bikes at the Antique show but they were not for sale either. They were just parting them out to make one good bike of the few they had. They did have a small box of stuff, mostly junk so if you are pining for any of those bikes, you did not have a chance. Also at the Antique show a guy that I did not see on Saturday showed up with a DaCordia 50th anniversary bike that looked beautiful but had lousey componentry. Obviously swapped out for some reason. He also had a Viscount with upright handlebars that looked pretty much original. The DaCordia was priced at $500 while the Viscount was $200. Both went home with him as there were no takers. Overall I enjoyed both shows and saw some interesting stuff at both. Two comments, the curved seat tube Paramount on Saturday was dubious at best. I saw decals in the wrong places and even some decals that only came on Balloon bikes from the 50s-60s. I suspected it to be a Schwinn Sprint dressed up. I am told that it was possible that it was a Paramount but I guarantee one thing, those decals were not. I also spotted a nice Chrome Paramount early in the morning, when asking the price I was quoted $300, as I was reaching for my wallet I spotted the nice dent in the top tube. Well better luck next time. Also at the Antique show, I did see some interesting road stuff. I just missed a real Schwinn Spring with curved seat tube. Someone scored it for $50. Sam Fitzsimmons also had some real great older road stuff and I saw him score a vintage RaceCycle with what had to be an 18 inch diameter chain ring.
Ray Homiski
Elizabeth, NJ