Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 7,699
Likes: 4,066
From: Berkeley, CA
Bikes: 72 Cilo Pacer, 72 Gitane GT, 72 Peugeot PX10, 73 Speedwell Ti,l, 75 Peugeot PR-10L, 80 Colnago Super, 81 Zinn, 85 ALAN Cross, 85 De Rosa Pro, 86 Look 753, 86 Look KG86, 89 Parkpre Team, 90 Parkpre Team MTB, 90 Merlin
I like that these bikes, for the most part, look ready to ride. The consistency of pedals and bottle cages, computers, good rubber, etc. all point to bikes that appear well-maintained and wouldn't need much service or added costs. In fact, those items shouldn't be overlooked for added value. Plus, many of the parts and tools are left unseen. I wouldn't be surprised if someone or some group turns a nice profit over time, especially if you don't put too high a value on time. I value time spent with bikes, but that's a different kind of valuation.
I'm reluctant to make any judgments without knowing more of the backstory. Maybe the seller has some reasons to sell quickly before the wife or family has to deal with offloading it in the dark. Can't fault a guy for wanting some control without the monumental effort of selling bit by bit. It's a lot less effort to click buy than to make a decent sale. If I were going through some life/health/money crisis (something severe enough to sell all these precious bikes!) I wouldn't want to spend countless hours dealing with all manner of riffraff, spendthrift, and lookie-loo in the greater ATL area and beyond.
This is one reason I don't have grievances with large-scale collectors. They're bike people, too. I prefer to think of them as conservators. Whoever buys this lot will probably offload most of it in time. In all likelihood, collections that are panned for being excessive or under-used wall hangers will someday go to new, happy owners.