Mike Kone wrote:
'Seeing the results of the the eRICHIE Masi sale made me also think about selling some Masi stuff - but I think this one is a fluke. There is only one ERICHIE!'
and that is one reason I think the bids got so high, I also don't think a restored Masi would sell for more than $7000. The one question I do have concerning John Barron's bikes is that they were Carlsbad Masi (or Cali Masi), and would that have been a factor in the price difference (e-RICHIE's being italian)?
"Obviously, people wanted to own the very bike that Richard poured so much effort and time into. It isn't a Masi bike anymore - it is Richards interpretation of a restored bike. "
I think I've heard Richard use these exact words in describing his project.
"In a way, I really hope this is a fluke. I have no doubts that the bike needed a full restoration and Richard did right by it."
A week or so ago we were discussing framebuilders and marketing etc. and I used Richard as an example of a successful market campaign. I believe that also played into the ebay bid up. Richards bike (and build process) is detailed on Campy Only, Linked to in Richard's site, was linked to in his auction, was discussed here on the list in detail. The bike was seen at how many Cirques and Velo Rendezvous' ? I think it was at Nahbs last year altough I might be mistaken. Alot of people know about that specific bike and I believe it makes it more desireable.
I too would hate to see the restoration become more valuable than the original, I really do prefer a good patina over a pristine clearcoat.
BTW, e-RICHIE has another, he built 2 of them, one in my size.
Marty Eison
Frisco, Texas