Re: [CR]Bike Boom Bonaza?

(Example: Framebuilders)

Date: Fri, 8 Jul 2005 10:02:33 -0700 (PDT)
From: Jerome & Elizabeth Moos <jerrymoos@sbcglobal.net>
Subject: Re: [CR]Bike Boom Bonaza?
To: kohl57@starpower.net, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
In-Reply-To: <380-22005758162543456@M2W093.mail2web.com>


As with all fads, a lot of guys bought the most prestigious item, then soon lost interest, and left it gathering dust. Since a lot of Americans didn't know much about lightweight bikes other than Schwinn and Raleigh, the #1 fad status purchase was probably the Paramount, with the Raleigh Pro second. There do seem to be a lot around in remarkably good condition, including two Paramounts I bought last year.

Regards,

Jerry Moos Houston, TX

"kohl57@starpower.net" <kohl57@starpower.net> wrote: When relating high-end "pro" lightweights to the Bike Boom in the USA, is it a valid assumption that a fair number (and considering the market/population, "fair" is pretty considerable) of guys who bought these

bikes didn't really use them?

I ask because eBay (USA) seems chockful recently of minty, original Raleig h Professionals, PX-10s, Cinelli SC's etc. etc. whereas eBay (Europe) ha s far fewer such machines and when they are offered, they seem full of patina (o r just plain beat to death) from hard use or updated with non-original components etc. Or is that eBay Europe isn't the way these bikes are bou ght and sold?? The last place I'd look for a primo French racing bike is e Bay France; you just don't seem them.

Judging from the debris field of the Bike Boom which constitutes the goodies we all covet, it appears that there were a lot of guys who decided

to "get the best", plopped down $240-350 for a top-notch road bike, rode i t until they got their first sew-up puncture and hung it in the garage. It

sure seems the case with a lot of Raleigh Pros and Internationals of late.

Peter Kohler Washington DC USA

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