Well, first, such an early Super Record RD went for $290 in '05. Perhaps old Campy peaked around then, I don't know, but the gruppo in that shape is worth more than $625.
But, speaking as a guy with no money in the budget for bikes right now (but plenty of bikes), I am wondering why I often see a tendency to want to limit recognition to frame builders who haven't already got it. Yes, I know, just last week some were making the opposite complaint regarding the late Mr. Confente, and I guess there is an inevitable vein in the classic bike nut that wants to name a top five, or a top one. I guess if someone already owns their top one or five, there is a strong market incentive to not participate in enlarging the circle.
Personally, I would prefer a slightly more elaborate seatstay cap treatment than this bike has, and am a strong believer in longer chainstays, but I think that this DiNucci/Merz is worth twice what a Trek Madone is, which makes it a steal at even $1500. Yes, that is a cheap shot and an off-topic argument, but I guess what I'm really thinking is either further afield: as long as there are a steady supply of us who can pay $40,000+++ for cars (classic or modern), I long to see greater recognition for builders, not artificially strict fame-based limits. One KOF builder for every current Chevy dealership would be about right.
Today, in fact, I nominate Jim Ready on the strength of black frame
number two: http://www.wooljersey.com/
Man, that's nice. and you, Jim, are a KOF after just two (maybe earlier)!
Jeff Slotkin a day off in Charleston, SC
On Sep 28, 2007, at 12:38 PM, Charles F Nighbor wrote:
> Dale
> Mark Dinucci 57 cm bike on eBay is not an unusual frame. It is just a
> frame built in Portland by a person working for a name frame
> builder or
> builders. Yes he did great work looking at this frame but if we start
> listing all the secondary frame builders who never built under their
> own name were would the list end. Davidsons Hand Built Frames main
> frame
> builder been there 16 years. Do we name him on a KOF list. I emailed
> seller many times and he is convinced he has the next Holy grail in
> KOF
> builders and when I was in touch wanted over $1500. Looks like his
> asking price has dropped a bit making at $635 worth considering
> Charles Nighbor
> Walnut Creek