Vintage French randonneuer's and porteurs.

[Woz]

I have a profound appreciation and love for the old stuff but struggle to find 4400 euros relatively cheap. Maybe just because I don't believe in the economic principle of "it is worth what someone wants to pay for it." I think at some point the price exceeds the true value of the thing in my view.

This.

My "old" max budget which would get out of hand would be around 1000 - 1500€ mark starting from a 2nd hand frame-set.

Now with more age, wisdom, and my ability, and how much cycling I do I feel I can be happy on virtually anything for 1/10th of that. Always at the back of my head is almost like a € / Km / enjoyment thing which an accountant bean counter would find it necessary to decide things.

Still a treat is a treat. Don't see any point to de-privilege oneself and do agree to just push the boat out once in a while is fine.

I find everything new today is either expensive or simply utter shit. I have difficulty to adjust to this "disposable" society being raised on a principal of "buy once, save thrice". Quality (or rather to specification) will never be an entirely cheap option.

 

[non-fixie]

My "old" max budget which would get out of hand would be around 1000 - 1500€ mark starting from a 2nd hand frame-set.

Exactly. €1,000 if you're patient, €1,500 if you're not and have to pay eBay prices.

Getting back on topic: I just bought this for mrs non-fixie. Not in my hands yet, but I believe it to be a mid-seventies Super Evry. Full Reynolds 531. Even with a nice new B17s and a guidon à trois positions it will be comfortably within budget.