Hi Norris. I think Jon's advice is very good. It sets limits that are not arbitrary and also offers a way to pay for your obsession by selling off what doesn't fit. This will also release bikes to people who covet them. W/in certain limits you might want to purchase certain marques that aren't your size to use for trade, but only if they're "bargains". Patience is a virtue that comes to any serious collector. "Better fewer, but better." Good luck. I wish i had your problem! Billy Ketchum; Chicago, IL; USA.
I'm faced with a dilemma...let me explain. I already have far too many bicycles and frames..and Yes! believe me.... it is possible to have too many . (Are you reading this, Nelson?) I am no longer a young man..and many of the frames and bikes I already own are too large for me in any case...and my wife can't stand the thought of any more bikes at home. I am in fact a perfect living example of the species - the obsessive collector.
To make matters worse, there are certain brands of frame that I have never owned, will never need, but nevertheless I would like one of them...for the collection.
Like buses in most large cities these sought-after bikes never come in ones...but in twos and threes. And so it is that I have just come across, and am negotiating for, a couple of MARCADIER racing, as opposed to randonneur, bicycles...and there is still an alloy Reyhand (?) in mind.
I have never seen a Marcadier but, tempted by the one in one of Jan Heine's books, consider that I owe myself at least one. Jan's Marcadier is an aluminium alloy one and at least one of the two I know of is of the same material...the other might be steel, as it is painted red.
It goes with the territory of such transactions that the bikes are a long way from where I live, not even in the same country, and that the photos provided are of poor quality and lack detailo. I have requested others.Oh! almost forgot...they are too large ( at about 23") for me to ride..
After finishing this heart-felt appeal to the CR Listers I think I shall have to go and lie down to consider matters further. Are there any psychologists among the CR members who could offer me some free counselling....PLEASE
I know what I should do...but please convince me.
Norris Lockley
Settle UK
(with sincere apoogies to the bard, William Shakespeare..and Prince Hamlet)