On what has to be considered spectacular fall weather--mist and cold in the morning, brillant sunshine buring the mist off and warming to the low seventies on a virtually cloudless day--Trexlertown Swap Meet took place Th e usual East Coast suspects were there, as were a few from Ohio, one notable from West Virginia, and other folks from the CR list.
In my estimate, the number of vendors was significantly down. I remember last year's fall one had vendors all around the perimeter of the track as well as the interior being full. This year not as full. Perhaps this can be attributed to the two swaps Trexlertown added to its schedule.
In spite of that, I thought--perhaps coming from a highly caffinated moment , after two double shots of expresso--there was more vintage stuff, more vendors selling classic parts and bikes than in past. Some I thought were interesting: a Colnago decaled track bike that the owner said was a Whitcom b USA track bike, Steve Maasland had his array of interesting and little-known-to-me Italian bikes, Joe Z.'s table looked like the parts boxe s in my garage, a Windsor track bike, saw an early seventies Cinelli being rolled away, saw lots of interesting parts--a 150 mm Campy Gran Sport crankset.
I sold a few frames, bought a set of wheels that I cannot possibly use, and a Cyclo hand threading spoke tool missing one die--what every tool chest needs.
As I commented last year, I do indeed find it interesting that the younger folks--the late teens through late twenties--who show the most interest in the vintage stuff are of the messenger crowd. That, I think, is a slick, unexpected phenomena.
I cannot tell whether this year was successful or not: this was the first time going to a swap that I came home with less than I brought. Usually, that would qualify as unsuccessful; this time, however, I am very happy wit h the result of the day. And the drive through Pennsylvania both on Friday an d Saturday was all one could want.
And if the person who was selling the Colnago track--whitcomb--is on the list and it did not sell, please contact me, I add sheepishly after saying I came home with less than I brought.
A good swap.
Cheers.
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Tom Hayes
Chagrin Falls, Ohio