Economic Recovery in Action

I'm always been struck by the beauty of the French 1970s Motobecane Grand Record bicycles, particularly the black with red trim and gold lug-lining. This week a pristine 58cm frame and fork showed up on Ebay - in my size! I weighed the effect that buying another bicycle would have on my marriage... but bid anyway. There were 15 bids submitted, 6 of which were mine. At $500 (including shipping) I sadly dropped out. Past auctions have determined that that is about what it was worth, certainly no more.

The testosterone started flowing and two guys got locked into a head-to-head battle of moneyed egos. Eventually it sold for $1,425.00! By the time the new owner sorts through sales and auctions assembling the quirky French components and wheelset he'll have $2,500 to $3,000 tied up in this hot little mademoiselle. I wish him good riding... if he rides it rather than hanging on his office wall. But still, it sure is purdy (especially with the Lefol "Le Paon" fenders I had in mind for it).