Interesting thoughts shared on affluence and the bicycle purchase. I am grateful for the buyer with expensive impulsive spending habits that vastly outpace their athletic convictions. The only thing that gets to enjoy their Italian jewels so often is dust, until the ungracious owner decides to sell a bicycle that is pristine with the exception of rotted tires. Lets face it, this may be reason for some of the "old regulars" to abandon the forum, but it must be said; " there are posers out there with money". There are also people of modest means that want more than anything to ride, ride, ride.....If not for the extravagant buyer, how else can I afford an alloy Campagnolo six-speed freewheel from a swap meet for only $40. Or, NIB Record low flange hubs also for only $40. Or, a Unicanitor saddle for $17. I simply can't afford the dream items that I don't need, if not for those who's value for a dollar is so much less than mine. It's not that I appreciate their buying style; it's just that I appreciate the opportunity they make available to myself. Eventually, the expensive ride that the rider can never hope to truly appreciate, or deserve will eventually be in the hands of the truly deserving, if the original buyer is careful not to crunch.
I can hardly wait for the next swap meet, "Dust off your jewels, you fat posers with your big asses and way to few spokes, I'm-a-comin with singles and coins and a whole ear full of talk. I'll help you make space in the garage/hallway/ or where ever your stuffing your dusty treasures. If its in the way, then you don't and probably never did deserve such a wonderful possession. I worked for my first real rode bike at minimum wage ($2.85/hr) for two years before finally paying for a top-of the-line Trek with full Nuovo Record. Now that was money well spent. I must have rode it fifty-thousand miles. Now, how many loops around Central park would that be....
Rain, or shine. It's ALL riding weather, Carl Kamenzind Seattle WA USA
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