A "real collector" also knows how to make an appropriate "best offer," possibly following some conversation with the seller or the seller's representative. There was plenty of time for that to happen, since the auction had been "live" for several days. I agree with Brian that it's extremely unlikely that someone just hit the Buy It Now for that bike. It was nice, but didn't hit all the marks (Colnago panto) that would make it 10/10, IMO. Doesn't make sense that a savvy buyer would have taken that route, - especially as buyers of Confentes are?often?fairly "investment conscious.". The bike could surely have been obtained for less. It's possible that someone really wanted the bike, figured out that it was going to take 5 figures?to get it, and simply ate the extra?3-4 hundred dollars to avoid the extra work it would take to shave that amount off the price. But I doubt it.
Ed Granger Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA
____________________________________________________________ "Hi Brian: I think that Dale frowns on too much talk about money, so I'll try to limit myself to this one post. While $13500 perhaps is a bit excessive for this Confente, a real collector knows how to pay "too much". It's a beautiful complete cycle, in a nice size, and with a lot of details certain collectors like. The white color is perhaps a bit bland, but classic notwithstanding. Its serial number places it from the Union Pacific Avenue shop. Minus some chrome and a jazzy color ( features that Mario eschewed), what more could one want? This type of economy often causes collectors to "flee to quality". All my best, George George? Hollenberg MD"