Norris
While I limit myself to bikes my size (circa 23") that does NOT mean that everyone should. My limit is simply because I don't have all that much space and my resources are limited.
But if your interest is obscure marques of limited production and less availability; it seems that to limit yourself to frames your size could easily result in you never getting your hands on one.
To score "points" with the spousal unit, I might suggest that you consider turning over some of the bikes in your collection - ie those that might not be in your size or ones that you have had for a while and perhaps don't lust after quite like you used to.
(I could probably find room in my basement for a nice 40's or 50's path racer in a 23" size...)
good luck and regards
Ken Sanford
Kensington, MD
> Date: Sun, 9 Jan 2011 10:52:20 +0000
> From: nlockley73@gmail.com
> To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
> Subject: [CR] To buy ..or not to buy...That is the question
>
> 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)