You wrote: "The whole idea of the auction is to let the highest bidder win and avoid other forms of haggling and interaction."
The whole point of an auction, for me, is to get rid of crap I don't want anymore. If this was ten years ago, there was a specialty newspaper just for film collectors I could place an ad in. eBay killed that, and every other outlet for 'collectibles' so unless I want to waste a Sunday at the flea market, it's an eBay auction or nothing. And if I am bored or lazy or don't feel like taking some fools money, I end the auction early. If I want a COMPLETE derailer set instead of half, I ask. It has nothing to do with anyone else.
I don't think it is appropriate, or healthy, to take it so personal. Sometimes you get lucky, sometimes you don't. That's what makes collecting fun.
Anyway - I have a newbie question. I am fitting a 70's Campie derailler to my Clubman and I have big ol' commute tires on the bike. If I use the little screw to hold the derailler in place, it pushes the tire too far forward. Is it dangerous to leave the screw off? I put the wheel on nice and tight, and this is a temporary situation until the correct derailler turns up.
Also - a big, big thank you to Mark Stonich for taking the time to talk me thru making my 3 speed into six speed. It is the coolest thing I have ever ridden. I am going to add a derailer to my hill-climbing '51 Sports model when I finish with my Clubman.
Mark
--
mark assaf
109 clarendon road
burlingame ca 94010
(650) 343-7068
http://www.sciencemonster.net
ebay:sciencemonster
aim:evldad666
yahoo:notmathbright