Originally Posted by
cpsqlrwn
Lobsters,
ducks, and dead cats! Who'd have thunk it?
In plainer language, being a "nice guy" has worked for me. Rudeness never does. If I were to interpret your initial email as rude, then I would probably not respond.
As for the bike, it is always advantageous to say you are an enthusiast. I think a $2000+ vintage frame is probably unreasonable for all but the most unusual of marques. While I don't know the actual value of this DeRosa frame, maybe it's in the $400-600 range. So, the seller would be sellling at a 75% discount. I think it is not only unrealistic that he would sell at his listed price but also that he would give such a large discount, even if you are in the know.
I'm sure it's a nice bike, but I would let this one go. One of the nice things about vintage bikes is that there will always be another.
Edit: I see my estimate was off per the post below. I think a 50% discount is still too much, however.