>>>>>Recently I had occasion to pass a bike (that I was quite fond of ) to a new steward. As part of the deal, the buyer agreed to offer me 'first refusal rights' should he decide to sell the frame within 5 years. Now, I realize that this would not hold up in a court of law and is only a 'gentlemen's agreement', it does provide me with a certain peace od mind. I like to think that we are all honorable gentlemen and gentlewomen... (bike was a circa 1970 Cinelli SC) He is not obligated to offer it at the same price - but just to make the offer.
Works for me.
Ken Sanford<<<<
What Ken is identifying is something I've practiced on numerous occasions in the past. It certainly is just a 'gentlemen's agreement', and really means very little in the grand scheme of things, but it's worth at least a little in the karmetic world of vintage bikes. I have actually bought back several frames and/or complete bikes in this way, two Merckxs (both re-sold) and a Ryffrank and a De Rosa (both of which I still have). Sometimes the "reacquisition" has happened fairly quickly, as was the case with the Ryffranck - which I bought back for the amount I sold it for less than six months later. The two Merckxs were bought back about 6 to 8 years after sold - both at reduced cost (one - a 10th Anniv. Model - was actually NOS when sold and quite used upon return). The De Rosa had the longest life under another custodian, about 11+ years. I actually took it back in trade toward another bike. That frame, an '86 I believe, now sports a full first generation C-Record/Delta group, is one of my favorite riders, and has made an appearance at the Cirque.
First right of refusal may certainly be worth the effort for certain bikes, if only for the Karma factor.
Wayne (see how I can slip C-Rec in without really talking about it) Bingham (finally warm in) Lovettsville VA USA