Originally Posted by
joesch
Doc is correct.
I follow and participate in the C&V sales of both bikes and sports (mostly tennis) sales pretty closely and know that there is a market for famous items especially used by famous players. It is a little sad that some of the later famous riders and players may not have appreciated or sell for as much as more recent star performers.
I see this as well and find it particularly disappointing. Sports memorabilia is a massive industry. And even accounting for the relative popularity of cycling versus other major sports, I'm shocked at the the low price for some items. Trying to view it objectively, with a bike you are purchasing the actual tool an athlete used to perform his/her craft. It's almost like having the Indy Car driven by Mario Andretti. It would seem to be much more connected to the athlete and the sport's history than a game-worn baseball or basketball jersey, or a pair of shoes, but that's not what the market says. (Probably should be on another thread at this point.)