[CR]Looking for some opinions

(Example: Component Manufacturers:Ideale)

From: <Marcgarcia80@aol.com>
Date: Mon, 22 Mar 2004 23:37:09 EST
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR]Looking for some opinions

I need some opinions on a few things from the wise members of the list on a few things. First, I just purchased these two items on ebay, the first being a raleigh frame and the second a campy gran sport rear derailleur:

http://ebay.com/<blah> sspagename=STRK%3AMEBWN%3AIT&rd=1

Item:3667003195

http://ebay.com/<blah> sspagename=STRK%3AMEBWN%3AIT&rd=1

Item: 3666383088

I'm just wondering if anyone could offer any insight as to the age of both of these items. The derialleur looks like it could be from the fifties, I compared it to pictures on CR and they seem to match. I'm just surprised at the price that I paid since a similar derailleur sold for 3 or 4 times as much a few days before. But ebay is fickle right? Maybe people were turned off because the item is being shipped from england?

The second is a raleigh frame. The seller does not know the model, he said its a clubman style? He was not sure of the age either, he also said its made with reynolds tubing, do you guys think this is true? I've got a set of moustache handle bars waiting for it and who knows maybe it will be a fixed gear or maybe the gran sport will find its way onto it.

Finally, my girlfriend and I are thinking about attending Cirque. I was looking over the info website and it looks great and I think that we would both have a great time. I'm the collector obviously but she enjoys bicycles as well, but looking over the site it is a little intimidating as I am fairly new to the hobby and don't have nearly the caliber of bicycles that are pictured. Also, my girlfriend is a little worried about the rides, she's afraid that she might be a little slow. That's really not a concern for me but I don't want her to wind up sitting in the hotel room for the weekend. I guess my question is, Is it ok if I show up on something else than a rene herse? also, what are the paces of some of the rides? is there one that a casual rider like my girlfriend would be comfortable with? I've had my eye on a gitane tandem at a local shop, maybe I should pick it up and haul it to cirque. Anyone's honest opinions are gladly welcomed.

marc garcia
chicago IL