ByTheLake wrote:I didn't feel that $68 with free shipping for a brand new part was being "butchered" - seemed like a very reasonable price. In the days before the Internet, you'd have to attend swap meets to find these parts, and negotiate with smelly guys that live in their vans.
I quite agree on both counts.
The internet certainly has made it much more feasible to restore bikes. The fact that folks are reproducing vintage parts and selling on the internet (like that coil pack for $68) is one great example of how the internet has really helped this hobby. However, I do like going to the swap meets - good camaraderie and deals to be found for sure.