hi garth,
after reading your email i couldn't really tell if you feel bargains are still out there or not, but i pondered for a few moments and considered a marque i felt might fit your criteria.. the first name off the top of my head was Mercian, and i immediately searched recently completed ebay auctions. i came up with this item ended September 24:
a clean full 531c soft pink example with nice blue outlining on the lugs, built with a cool mix of campy parts w/ cinelli bars and stem.
it was listed as a 56cm, but that was measured center to top, so it might've even been right in your 54cm comfort zone.
if you had been the winning bidder the whole thing would've cost you a grand total of 481 dollars shipped to your door. and, if you happened to be local to atlanta, you probably could've picked it up for a mere $406.
what do you think ?
andrei padlowski glen ridge, nj
On 10/7/07, Bianca Pratorius <biankita@comcast.net> wrote:
>
> To anyone who thinks the market still presents any bargains, I present
> my situation. I look for any machine that is made with quality double
> butted tubing, and lugs. Then I look for my size and intended
> application (I am the most common size -54 cm and I prefer racing to
> touring). I check to see that construction methods were attentive to
> detail even if somewhat mass produced -( Colnago factory level of
> construction is good - I don't need but would appreciate the Eisentraut
> or B. Gordon level but cant find it or haven't been willing to pay
> double for it up to this point in time). Next I look for general
> condition and a nice assortment of components ( I like a bike that's
> not rusty, dented or bent. I would accept any quality components in
> good condition whether French, Italian or Japanese). After finding this
> I DON'T CARE if the manufacturer is McRenolds, Fuji, Fanchista or Brand
> X. Please show me anything left on Ebay that meets these requirements
> for less than 800 to a 1,000. As soon as the photos and descriptions
> are good enough to ensure that all these elements are met the price is
> often double that. Why do we need a price guide if we already know what
> elements comprise a valuable bike?
>
> Garth Libre in Miami Fl USA