How to look for nothing and find a Merckx
10-23-10, 05:22 PM
#1
Vello Kombi, baby
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How to look for nothing and find a Merckx
Swore I wouldn't go to yard sales today, but there was one between my house and my GFs, and this was sitting out front:
In a small, strangled, voice, I asked "Are you selling the Merckx?"
He said yes, and wanted 500$. I told him it was reasonable, but couldn't pay that much.I called a friend about it, but they were short on cash and couldn't buy a bike. Even though it wasn't my size, I made an offer of 350$, which I knew was low for a Merckx. I told him he could easily get 500$ via ebay, but would have to do the work, though I offered to help with photos and presentation.
Long story short, he sold me the bike. He said he'd had several tire kickers (read: CL dealers) who contacted him after he placed the CL ad for the yard sale, and they'd offered him 50-100$. Like Syke said when I talked to him about the buy "350$ is a steal. 50$ is like taking the seller out behind a shed and hitting him with a baseball bat."
I'd learned this from a friend who is one of the biggest sellers and buyers of comic books in the United States (maybe in the world). I've gone on several buys with him-- he trusts my eye for grading old comic books-- and he always treats the sellers with respect. He tells them what he thinks their books are worth retail, explains what he's going to do with the books, and explains to them how they can get full retail price. Then he makes an offer, and more often than not, they sell to him. Class guy, good technique. I've learned a lot from him; he sells himself a bit when he buys.
The only problem with this bike is its paltry size, a measly 55cm. I think I'll try to trade it for a properly sized 62 frame, and switch the components over. I've always wanted a Merckx.
The bike has mostly Campy Chorus, Speedplay pedals, and White industries hubs with Cinelli bar/stem and American classic seatpost. Very sweet. I also got the shoes and cleats, plus two unused Michelin tires.
A good day.
In a small, strangled, voice, I asked "Are you selling the Merckx?"
He said yes, and wanted 500$. I told him it was reasonable, but couldn't pay that much.I called a friend about it, but they were short on cash and couldn't buy a bike. Even though it wasn't my size, I made an offer of 350$, which I knew was low for a Merckx. I told him he could easily get 500$ via ebay, but would have to do the work, though I offered to help with photos and presentation.
Long story short, he sold me the bike. He said he'd had several tire kickers (read: CL dealers) who contacted him after he placed the CL ad for the yard sale, and they'd offered him 50-100$. Like Syke said when I talked to him about the buy "350$ is a steal. 50$ is like taking the seller out behind a shed and hitting him with a baseball bat."
I'd learned this from a friend who is one of the biggest sellers and buyers of comic books in the United States (maybe in the world). I've gone on several buys with him-- he trusts my eye for grading old comic books-- and he always treats the sellers with respect. He tells them what he thinks their books are worth retail, explains what he's going to do with the books, and explains to them how they can get full retail price. Then he makes an offer, and more often than not, they sell to him. Class guy, good technique. I've learned a lot from him; he sells himself a bit when he buys.
The only problem with this bike is its paltry size, a measly 55cm. I think I'll try to trade it for a properly sized 62 frame, and switch the components over. I've always wanted a Merckx.
The bike has mostly Campy Chorus, Speedplay pedals, and White industries hubs with Cinelli bar/stem and American classic seatpost. Very sweet. I also got the shoes and cleats, plus two unused Michelin tires.
A good day.
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"It's always darkest right before it goes completely black"
Waste your money! Buy my comic book!
"It's always darkest right before it goes completely black"
Waste your money! Buy my comic book!
10-23-10, 05:45 PM
#3
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Haha, I was all so excited at yard sale and pics before I scrolled down.
Still, pretty sweet to find one in the wild. I'm not sure I could have contained my excitement.
Still, pretty sweet to find one in the wild. I'm not sure I could have contained my excitement.
10-23-10, 06:17 PM
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Am I allowed to say bastard on BF? No? Yes? Ok you lucky, jammy bastard.
10-23-10, 06:21 PM
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Damn. My size, too.
You take Paypal?
You take Paypal?
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10-23-10, 06:39 PM
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Look at the chainstays on that bike!!! I have never seen a large to small taper like that. I love it! I have never seen a Merckx that made me drool....till now. WOW
My bikes on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/umpire54/sets/
My bikes on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/umpire54/sets/
10-23-10, 06:59 PM
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Buy a lottery ticket quick....!
Lovely condition on that bike too. A classic!
Would you know what the difference between the geometries of an MX Leader, a Century and a Corsa Extra? Also, did Merckx paint all his bikes in the Team Telekom scheme? And was that scheme painted only in certain years in particular?
Lovely condition on that bike too. A classic!
Would you know what the difference between the geometries of an MX Leader, a Century and a Corsa Extra? Also, did Merckx paint all his bikes in the Team Telekom scheme? And was that scheme painted only in certain years in particular?
10-23-10, 07:10 PM
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Nice haul, dude! Are you going to try and squeeze on there for a short knee-rending ride around the block? I hope you can manage a trade-up in size.
10-23-10, 07:14 PM
#11
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Beautiful Merckx - and my size. Sorry you can't ride it.
10-23-10, 07:15 PM
#12
Mostly Mischief
I paid $800 for a lowly Corsa Extra with the same group... but it was my size.
Too bad it doesn't fit you. A steal for a MX Leader.
Too bad it doesn't fit you. A steal for a MX Leader.
10-23-10, 08:12 PM
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Oh my.
10-23-10, 08:13 PM
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That is the Merckx for me! My size, my dream frame/paint job. So jealous! I really need to stay away from this forum...
10-23-10, 11:00 PM
#21
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10-23-10, 11:24 PM
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Ouch.....My size, I'm going to be watching for this on the "ISO or for Trade" thread. Beautiful bike.
10-23-10, 11:26 PM
#23
Mostly Mischief
It's in the 'for sale' sub forum.
10-23-10, 11:50 PM
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That is a great find. All I know about Eddy Merckx bikes is what I read on this forum, so I'd been led to believe NO one sells bikes like this at a yard sale. Nice to know that it does happen.