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The Rich Oral History: Nuggets of Imparted Wisdom

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The Rich Oral History: Nuggets of Imparted Wisdom

Old 08-02-20, 08:17 PM
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Narhay
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The Rich Oral History: Nuggets of Imparted Wisdom

Sometimes when I purchase a bike the previous owner can be a font of wisdom, imparting a rich oral history in regards to the bike. Most of the time I have to bite my tongue but here are some of my favourites.

"This [Bottecchia] uses MAFAC tires. It is a Russian brand."
"My grandfather bought this [1982 Peugeot] in the 50s.
"My father was immaculate in maintaining this [the worst mechanical nightmare of a Super Course I could imagine]. It needs nothing"
"I've done a lot of research and this bike is from this year - [not that year]"
"is the bike in your photo the one you are selling? -yes. [Not that bike]"

I'm sure you guys have a couple gems.
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Old 08-02-20, 08:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Narhay
"My grandfather bought this [1982 Peugeot] in the 50s.
I’m just here to see what can top this.
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Old 08-02-20, 08:30 PM
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BFisher
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"Frame's made of aloonumin" (visible rust)
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Old 08-02-20, 08:40 PM
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"This bike was raced in the Tour de France"

"It's ready to ride"
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Old 08-02-20, 08:45 PM
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Rare
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Old 08-02-20, 08:58 PM
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“Previously owned by a former racer”.

“Needs nothing”.
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Old 08-02-20, 09:34 PM
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Reynolds 
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Low end "racer" '60s bike:
No, I didn't weigh it, but it weighs next to NOTHING! I don't know, maybe 10 lbs?
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Old 08-02-20, 10:55 PM
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SurferRosa
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Originally Posted by Wildwood
Rare
Yeah. Not sure I have experienced much (any?) of seller embellishment.

The last bike I bought, an '87 Trek 560EX, I paid what he asked and got some good info. He surely messed up on some things, like the condition of the spare wheelset (clinchers I threw away -- couldn't even use the axle parts), but he mailed me a package of other stuff a couple days after the sale. It wasn't really stuff I can use personally, mind you, but the gesture was appreciated.
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Old 08-03-20, 05:24 AM
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I’ve learned not to ask.
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Old 08-03-20, 08:06 AM
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This bike weighs 9 lbs.
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Old 08-03-20, 08:55 AM
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Yes, it’s missing XXX part, but it will only cost you XX cents to replace!.
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Old 08-03-20, 09:25 AM
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Originally Posted by nlerner
I’ve learned not to ask.
Some people just can't help sharing some hard won wisdom.
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Old 08-03-20, 09:29 AM
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This bike is aluminum. See the decal? Reynolds Aluminum.
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Old 08-03-20, 12:48 PM
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"This bike cost $650 new..." during negotiations for an early 80's Schwinn World Sport. I do think a lot of people, when they purchased that new bike for themselves decades ago, have memories of it being expensive. I think this was the biggest delta between memory and actuality, at least that I can recall.
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Old 08-03-20, 12:51 PM
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The breaks work fine.
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Old 08-03-20, 01:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Mr. Spadoni
This bike is aluminum. See the decal? Reynolds Aluminum.
Possibly the most-quoted misinformation ever; I'd swear it's been around since before aluminum was on the Periodic Table... then again, maybe not.
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Old 08-03-20, 01:13 PM
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Originally Posted by Wildwood
Rare
Rare, ie gently cooked, Might well be true.
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Old 08-03-20, 01:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Mr. Spadoni
This bike is aluminum. See the decal? Reynolds Aluminum.
I'd hear that one all the time. A classic, so to speak.
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Old 08-03-20, 02:20 PM
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"Campagnola frame."
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Old 08-03-20, 03:49 PM
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"It is either metal or aluminum"
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Old 08-03-20, 03:51 PM
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The tires are alloy.
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Old 08-03-20, 04:07 PM
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Verbal
"Of course the seat post will come out. Wait, why do you want it to come out?"

From actual ad
"Handmade Japanese bike"
(Marinoni)

Current listing on Goodwill Auctions
"Fuji Berkeley Penny Farthing"

Reply email from seller
"The wheels are square, but that's just from sitting a long time"

Verbal
"That's not rust. It's called Patina"

Reply email from seller
"No the wheels are steel. Steel wheels are stronger than aluminum"

Ad copy
"You can sell this bike and make a lot of money"

Last edited by WGB; 08-03-20 at 04:45 PM.
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Old 08-03-20, 04:27 PM
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From today, “ what length is the seat tube?” Reply “ The seat tube is long.”
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Old 08-03-20, 05:13 PM
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https://buffalo.craigslist.org/bop/d...170660436.html

The Ad - High lites are mine

New ,used ,take offs;

I have a lot of parts Schwinn and higher quality parts all from a closed up bike store.
Too much too list Look At Pics.
Much money to be made for the bicycle shop owner or backyard fixer.

Seats, Brake pads, Brake hardware, Seat posts, Adj. goosenecks, Forks,
Shock forks. Hubs, Cranks newer and
old . Spokes(new in box).
Cables: Shimano

Brand new with part#’s
Misc Fasteners bolts axels
Cassettes 5,6,7 gears.
Worth thousands to the guy that does bikes.
Mostly Mountain bike and street bikes
26”&27” primarily.
This is a lot of stuff !

The Reality




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Old 08-03-20, 07:01 PM
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Originally Posted by Wileyone
The breaks work fine.
And it peddles well.
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