If we consider retro MTBs versus some other markets I am into, I don’t think it’s too bad. Look at classic cars and price movements there over the last decade or so.. More recently vintage watches. Forget about anything approaching value for money, no matter how hard you hunt.
We are fortunate that we have, and retain, a thoroughly niche hobby. One with high barriers to entry, from a knowledge if not financial, perspective. Whilst prices may increase with time here, as interest grows or supply diminishes.. the hobby will never have mass market appeal. Hence price growth is probably capped.
I know some members reference supposed hipsters as a driver of higher prices, but I don’t see it - and I spend a lot of time in Hackney, Dalston etc. I don’t see dudes with big beards and sleeve tattoos debating the merits of a Yo versus a DB at the local coffee shop, nor decorating their single speed with Grafton.
I would say that eventually pricing will increase at the extent and speed that we ride our parts into the ground, on one hand.. and will decrease at the extent to which older members die out (sorry) and their wives dump their collections onto the Bay. Somewhere in the midst of this we will hit a clearing price.
We are fortunate that we have, and retain, a thoroughly niche hobby. One with high barriers to entry, from a knowledge if not financial, perspective. Whilst prices may increase with time here, as interest grows or supply diminishes.. the hobby will never have mass market appeal. Hence price growth is probably capped.
I know some members reference supposed hipsters as a driver of higher prices, but I don’t see it - and I spend a lot of time in Hackney, Dalston etc. I don’t see dudes with big beards and sleeve tattoos debating the merits of a Yo versus a DB at the local coffee shop, nor decorating their single speed with Grafton.
I would say that eventually pricing will increase at the extent and speed that we ride our parts into the ground, on one hand.. and will decrease at the extent to which older members die out (sorry) and their wives dump their collections onto the Bay. Somewhere in the midst of this we will hit a clearing price.