Good answers from all.

My concern is the fact that I can no longer search out and nab a good deal. Nobody, well almost nobody, is giving anything away for less than top dollar in a BIN. Many are sheer fantasy. And many items, I mean many, sit for weeks and months or never get sold. In a bid, I had a shot at scoring, and so did the seller. We both took the risk.

Why not put a bike out for bid with a reserve? Maybe it can drum up some interest and become a bidding war. That's a lot more fun for all IMHO. And if it doesn't, then go BIN...