Mike Schmidt wrote:
>
> Chuck,
>
> I am both delighted and disappointed about this article being published.
> Delighted that the attention it brings to the KOF builders, and in a
> publication whose readership has a net worth many times that of mine.
>
> Disappointed that the Confente brand name is being outed to these same
> readers which potentially makes it that more difficult for me to acquire a
> Confente. Imagine, there are now 135 people that disagree with me however
> as their investment in a Confente, just got goosed.
>
> How much of a bump will depend on if the collectors market is hard or soft?
>
> Well, I enjoyed reading the article and thank you for sharing.
>
> Mike Schmidt who is still hurtin from a night with the boyz from the
> (B.V.V.W) hood.
> Stirling, NJ
The Confentes are still out there to be found. Ask Wayne Bingham.
And Confentes were not "easy" to get when Mario was alive Mike. It wasn't a matter of getting in an order with Mario... it was a matter of even knowing about the bikes in the first place.
The "knowing" situation is actually no different today. As an example, Richie Sachs gets lots of press. How much press do you think Peter Johnson gets?
The advice I'd give the younger guys on the list? I had Mario build me
a bike to ride; that's what a Confente is to me. Go out and get to know
the guys building steel lugged frames and step up to the plate... have
your dream bike built. Here's one list of some of them out there that
would be a good place to start:
http://www.sandsmachine.com/
or at the bottom of my Links Page:
http://www.velo-retro.com/
Some of the greats aren't so easy to find though... that's what makes it fun!
And an Investor wouldn't know a great bike if it bite him in the ass!
Chuck Schmidt South Pasadena, Southern California
.