cream

So i am trying to wrap my hear around this. Used somewhat beat up modolo levers start at around $60 and go up form there. At least from what i have noticed, and here someone is selling 10 sets all NOS for about $40 each, shipped. On top of that he has good feedback and a ton of other vintage bike gear, so its not a scam.

What am I missing? Can anyone shine some light on the subject for me? I am not familiar with the history of Modolo and their levers, are these bottom of the line versions? Only thing i can think of is that they look like they dont have quick release. Does QR really hold that much value? The real kicker for me is that the other stuff this guy is sell is all pretty up there in price. So whats up with these:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/MODOLO-WHITE...e79fc0da6#shId

Oh, and the answer is "nothing, buy em", please dont buy them all up on me. haha...

oddjob2

Silver is preferred to black, probably 75% advantage.

Bianchigirll 

I think these have a plastic/nylon lever giving them a cheapish feel. Personally I don't think the ergonomics looks comfortable.



PS there isn't a QR feature so you couldn't use them with a C-Rec era brake.

cream

Well thank you, that pretty much explains it. I have center pull brakes, lacking a QR on them. So I think not having QR on the lever is a bit of a deal breaker for me. Its a shame because i have a black and white motif going and these would work well. I also think they are pretty cool looking. at the end of the day its function over form, i dont want anything that feels cheap and doesn't do the things that i need it to.

oddjob2: unfortunately from my findings, I think we need to factor in the rareness of black and white levers. Maybe that will throw off your percentage? That is making it quite difficult for me to find something that isn't $150+. I think i am going to give up the dream of getting vintage levers, in the mean time. Yet always be on the look out for that perfect deal or find.

I had some black and white tektro's that i found on ebay (which are also hard to find, considering what they are), but they were not packaged right and they were chipped by the time they made it to me. I figured that was sign of the paint job's durability, so i returned them without exchanging. Oh well, off to get some silver ones and call it a day i suppose...

gomango

He's been a great source for me over the years.

As for the Modolos, I like them quite a bit.

Look great, work fine.

Chombi

Modolo also made the plastic Orion/Kronos model line levers. Those in similar NOS condition, easily sell for over twice these are being sold for.....even though I suspect, they aren't functionally different or better, except maybe weighing a bit less. In fact, the Orion/Kronos brake levers are well known for cracking up on owners......but those still sell for lots of money because they are connected to the much worshiped Modolo Kronos line (a Delta style brakeset known more for their looks than their braking performance)......go figure, but that's how it usually works in the gearhead world of cycling....

Chombi

cream

I am starting to notice that. Expensive doesn't necessarily mean better, and a lot of that price gouging is based on looks. Yet, I find myself doing the same thing. Why am i trying to get a hold of some vintage levers for the looks of them, rather than just rather than just buying some tekro's and being done with it? oh well, back to eBay...

BTW: i think i decided to do both, get some tektro's for now and then continue to look for vintage levers till i find the right ones.