Originally Posted by
EjustE
. . .in 2009 $1000 can buy about 10 frames (instead of this one) each more appropriate for use than this one. It does have collective value, but not much use value. Take the "Paramount" sticky off and it changes a whole bunch of things.
Tourist bikes with 3-speed hubs may not be popular but they sure would be practical for bridging the market gap between impractical cruisers and derailleur-equipped "fitness" bikes. I've met so many potential customers who want practical bikes but are scared of derailleurs, unguarded chains, and unfendered wheels.
I guess you had to grow up before the 1970s to see firsthand how useful this kind of bike can be.