As we are now into the new year it prompts me to ask the question, what is the future for Greeves bikes (and indeed the club) in this new decade?
Looking back into 2019 we saw dozens of Greeves come up for sale on eBay, with dealers, and other adverts, many were basket cases or barn finds, many of these turned up again and again on eBay with none or little work being done to them, but with often a higher price tag. Many were being traded between 'back yard dealers' obviously seeking to make a quick buck but not doing any or little restoration work to the bikes. Restored bikes that were for sale were in the main overpriced and being sold by dealers, indeed there are a lot still on ebay that have been on there for months with no takers. These dealers don't seem to have got the message that they are overpricing their bikes and they are not 'a financial investment and better than money in the bank'
On the Greeves Enthusiasts Facebook page there is a constant stream of bikes being offered for sale, many that have only been bought a few months previous, no one seems to be buying bikes for 'keepers' and to ride.
So where are the new owners who generally want a bike to ride? There are also those that are trying to restore bikes & finding it difficult to obtain parts, which, like the bikes are now being advertised for silly money, often just piles of rusty metal. All making for a very expensive restoration. Requests for parts often go unanswered on the forum with suggestions to contact Villiers Services, or other commercial parts suppliers. What has happened to the club spirit ie helping fellow members with parts at a realistic price, parts that you may have had lying around under the bench for years and will never use.
Finally drawings appear still to be an issue, (see Bigduke's recent post How to obtain drawings). Gary Bamford has agreed to take on the drawings and I know Gary is raring to go and get this vital service back on track. But he has to wait until the next committee meeting for arrangements to be made for the transfer of the drawings, why the wait? Gary has volunteered to take the job on so why cant the drawings just be passed over to him. This is a vital service and a reason why a lot of people join the club, so lets as Boris might say "Get the drawings done"
Looking back into 2019 we saw dozens of Greeves come up for sale on eBay, with dealers, and other adverts, many were basket cases or barn finds, many of these turned up again and again on eBay with none or little work being done to them, but with often a higher price tag. Many were being traded between 'back yard dealers' obviously seeking to make a quick buck but not doing any or little restoration work to the bikes. Restored bikes that were for sale were in the main overpriced and being sold by dealers, indeed there are a lot still on ebay that have been on there for months with no takers. These dealers don't seem to have got the message that they are overpricing their bikes and they are not 'a financial investment and better than money in the bank'
On the Greeves Enthusiasts Facebook page there is a constant stream of bikes being offered for sale, many that have only been bought a few months previous, no one seems to be buying bikes for 'keepers' and to ride.
So where are the new owners who generally want a bike to ride? There are also those that are trying to restore bikes & finding it difficult to obtain parts, which, like the bikes are now being advertised for silly money, often just piles of rusty metal. All making for a very expensive restoration. Requests for parts often go unanswered on the forum with suggestions to contact Villiers Services, or other commercial parts suppliers. What has happened to the club spirit ie helping fellow members with parts at a realistic price, parts that you may have had lying around under the bench for years and will never use.
Finally drawings appear still to be an issue, (see Bigduke's recent post How to obtain drawings). Gary Bamford has agreed to take on the drawings and I know Gary is raring to go and get this vital service back on track. But he has to wait until the next committee meeting for arrangements to be made for the transfer of the drawings, why the wait? Gary has volunteered to take the job on so why cant the drawings just be passed over to him. This is a vital service and a reason why a lot of people join the club, so lets as Boris might say "Get the drawings done"
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