Mike asked," Where in the eBay sale does Ken represent this bike as something its not?"
This is text copied directly from the auction:
"1948 Barra \u201cBarralumin\u201d Superlight Racing Cycle
Nicola Barra (France, Italian expatriate)
Number 4682 (stamped on headtube)
Original, Unrestored
Exceptional condition, light patina"
I certainly agree that it's an unusual bike. I certainly agree that the seller did a great job putting it all together. And I've dealt with the seller before and never had any problems. BUT if the seller bought a bare frame and then assembled the bike from various procured components I'd feel somewhat queasy about "Original, Unrestored" being in the auction description. Does "Original, Unrestored" only apply to the frame? If so, how were we to know without George bringing it to our attention. When I first saw the auction I assumed the entire bike was "Original, Unrestored" Of course, many potential bidders may not care as long as all the components are period correct and correct for the bike. However, I would assume that the issue of original parts would be of much more concern for a French constructeur bike than a run-of-the-mill Raleigh, Peugeot or Frejus. Just my two cents.
George Allen Lexington, KY USA
On 3/23/2010 12:00 AM, Michael Schmidt wrote:
> George,
>
> I'd buy that bike. Barra bicycles do not grow on trees these days and I
> think it is a nice example. I would think that a person like yourself with a
> top collection of vintage bicycles would know that!
>
> I know the seller. He's got good stuff in his collection as you do yours.
> So, what is the problem? Lots of stuff comes from Alex March in the form of
> a frame set. The bike is period correct and Denny did a pretty good job
> getting it together. Isn't that what this hobby is about? Restoration?
> Preservation? Where in the eBay sale does Ken represent this bike as
> something its not.
>
> George, what I really have a problem with the language of your post. I
> think your written feelings are unfair, unprofessional and well, rude. You
> are saying that the seller and the bike is a fraud. At least that is the
> way I read it.
>
>
> Mike Schmidt
> Millington, NJ
> USA
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On 3/22/10 5:26 PM, "George Hollenberg"<ghollmd@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>> eBay # 120545314639
>>
>> This "original and unrestored" Barra was purchased as a frameset by the
>> seller on eBay, I believe Alex March was the seller. I'm sure he can provide
>> photos of the frameset as sold. I, and many others, noted the frameset at
>> the time, but since it didn't represent an interesting example by this maker
>> we passed on the sale-the bike didn't make much.
>> Now, after being fixed, shown around up and unsuccessfully flogged to
>> several collectors, it appears for sale on eBay, fully polished, restored
>> and with parts original perhaps, but not to this bike.
>> I suggest that anyone really bidding on the bike ask the seller for photos
>> of the entire bike, complete with parts, before the seller's restoration.
>> I don't think that he will ever provide such photos since it's unlikely they
>> exist.
>> As for the bidding, eBay is a "free market" and has no control over the
>> true nature of the bidders, the bids themselves, or of the authenticity of
>> the merchandise on sale.
>> In short, anyone buying this cycle does so at their own peril.
>> I challenge the seller to disprove anything stated here.
>>
>>
>
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