My post was not about me or my bank account so I'm not sure why you keep going there. Obviously BH has been on here a while and isn't a newb. His bank account or credit line seems to be pretty healthy if he's in the market for these sorts of things. He also has access to the same folks I, or you do through PM so I'm not sure where your perception comes from. I answer email and phone calls daily from people I have never met and freely offer my advice as do many others I know. Again, it was simply advice to be taken or discarded it makes no difference to me. I won't even go into the "Getting Burned" comments you make because its obvious that you think everyone should either perform a thorough inspection of every item or just not sell. BTW let me know when you find another Robin that nice. I know of at least a few Rangers as nice as the one shown. This is where a little knowledge or at least knowing who to reach out to can help you make a good decision. Building a collection whether you have a couple hundred or many thousands to spend should be about satisfying yourself not the masses.
Hey Shawn, thanks for your reply and input. It's not news that your "time is money" as you referred to inspecting a bicycle you'd sell would warrant $25.00 hr., & was not close to your daily wage/worth your time, and you obviously have a huge blue chip collection of bikes. Anyone on the Cabe have seen pictures, I assume some have been seen in person. Cool.( I wanted to buy a Calendar last year from you, but it wasn't worth $$ your time to ship to Canada)
That lifestyle and success you enjoy probably came from hard work and education. I salute that, your collection and lust for the hobby, PLUS helping others. Not everyone has your "people skills" and outgoing bravado, and can reach out one on one or rally the troops ( no pun intended) on a prospective $10K ride. Lets say BH has a roll of dough$$. He chose ( as others have) to "put it out there" for the masses to help him decide. He has given me the public "nod" ( "like " if you wish?) and Pm'd his confirmation of that. My perception was right. Some of us do things "our way" not your way. You have your advice, and we have ours. We listen and make a choice.
Getting "burned" is a whole different topic and does anyone like getting "burned"? Irresponsible and lazy sellers could minimize that, or just be honest and say you don't have the time or knowledge to effectively represent this item, so "buyer beware".
To assume there is not a nicer example out there is wrong. Are we all that sure? Is anyone's ego that BIG? Do you have a crystal ball? If Shawn doesn't know of one, then it doesn't exist? It's the nicest "known" in the hobby, but beyond that is just speculation. Not everyone displays or shares their treasures, and even with the internet, some people don't even know what they have. Many people don't care what it's worth, or choose to share it's existence. I see some rare bikes show up on the Cabe all the time. Not everyone is on the communication/ social media highway. I don't have a cell phone anymore/hate 'em. I don't need one. I like my privacy. I don't do Facebook. Am I a "Rube"?,.... maybe. That doesn't make me any less a person than those that do.
BH did reach out. He has a little knowledge ( like me) but wanted to "tap" the common man/woman, and the experts all in one swoop. One statement I do agree with is after all is done, you need to be happy if that's your goal, not what others think you should have. Some people collect for status though, or investment, and it's all about "the money".
I'm glad we can "agree to disagree" on a few points Shawn? Have a great day! Bob