Let's use this bicycle as an example to discuss the importance of provenance.
First of all it is documented that Andy actually raced on this bike.
What would you consider as proof positive? [1] Builder verified building said frame & produced build records [2] Rider recalls racing this particular frame [3] Photographs showing rider and frame [4] Eye witness accounts of seeing Andy on this bicycle [5] Ohter factors
Now lets consider the same make & model of bicycle in similar condition but without the documentation.
How much more would you be willing to spend to acquire the Hampsten bicycle?
Why would you be willing to spend more for the Hampsten bicycle?
Nick Zatezalo Atlanta,Ga
> [Original Message]
> From: <BobHoveyGa@aol.com>
> To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
> Date: 9/21/2004 1:33:12 PM
> Subject: [CR]Was: Provenance, now Hampsten/Merckx
>
> Speaking of provenance, I just took on a project for my LBS in return for
all
> the nice things they've done for me over the years. The owner's got a
> Merckx/Motorola frame that belonged to Andy Hampsten which I have
volunteered to
> help restore so that it can go on display (he's got a high ceiling and
I've been
> trying to talk him into turning the upper part of the walls into a museum
like
> Dale did with CdO). Andy's seen pics and has confirmed that the bike was
his
> (besides his name on the top tube, I guess there's just not that many
55cm
> ST/ 59cm TT Merckx/Motorola frames out there).
>
> Andy never responded to my question about what year this frame was (93?),
nor
> have I gotten any answer to my email to Merckx & Co.
>
> So here's my questions: Can anybody put a firm date on this frame? And
does
> anyone have any race photos that could get me started on rounding up a
> component group? Andy told me what size stem and what saddle he used,
and that's
> all the info I have so far.
>
> http://hometown.aol.com/
>
> Thanks for your help.
>
> Bob Hovey
> Columbus, GA