In a message dated 5/10/03 12:56:57 PM Eastern Daylight Time, sachs@erols.com writes:
I can agree with most Criteria, but have to resemble the next part! F'rinstance, i have two possible Eddy Merckx labelled machines. One is a euro style mixte with crude welded bent laterals. The other is a $99 American (North American, from Mexico) made bike
> The manufacturer must have made no really desirable bikes marketed under
> the same label.
> Must be era.
> Accurate restorations or good original overall condition - but patina is
> cool, if its not dropping parts everywhere.
> Original equipment - within reason. If it came with 27" wheels, no 700c
> rim upgrade, but newer, almost correct tires and brake pads are ok.
> Must be actually ridable - now, and as new. I'm not sure if "safe" should
>
> be a requirement here.
> Actual original quality features and materials, hidden behind cheesey paint
>
> or odd componentry are worth points.
> Rarity/uniqueness
> Documentation is worth points - catalog pages, original advertising stuff,
> bill of sale...
>
> Or you could just have a weigh off and the heaviest drop bar road bike
> without a pedigree wins!
>
> Dale asked what to call the award, if offered. I like his suggestions, all
> are better than my thought of "Worst in Show," for which I could qualify
> sometimes. Maybe Dale forgot his counter-suggestion of "Lanterne Rouge..."
> harvey Sachs
> mcLean va
>
>
I'd a;so consider things 'out of context' like a John Deere bike, but maybe another castegory for these. These days there are bikes labeled Mercedes Benz, Land Rover, Jeep, Filo, Paul Frank, just like we used to have Maserati and Bugatti in the 780's. like so many an unwary Ebay buyer and a savvy ebay seller, the word might be 'duped' or whatever the association brings that leads the seller and often buyer to believe what might be isn't.
Larry black
Mt Airy, Md