Your help on a Bob Jackson tourer I can buy. Would be really appreciated!

Hi .gaz and anidel, thanks for your comments!

I did try to negotiate on the price this morning before taking the six-hour journey and she wrote in polite, but no uncertain terms that the deal was off. She probably has so much interest and maybe she felt she had answered enough questions, that I'm guessing she just wanted to sell to that price. First come, first serve. Fair enough.

I do feel pangs of regret now. But trying to see this positively. Maybe someone in the UK is prepared to send to Germany at some point (I've done my research on the new customs charges and accepted that), or maybe I just save a bit and get a dream bike from a UK frame builder. I've found a few frame builders in Germany, but so far out of my league.

Anyway, for those of you who thought I should have just bought it - please be gentle on me. I guess it's a lesson for life, and who knows - maybe I do find that bike someday...

Thanks for all your help!

If it’s any consolation I wouldn’t have bought it at €450.
Much much nicer stuff around at that price point. Keep your eyes peeled and something will appear that ticks all the boxes.

Agree. Keep an eye on here or retrobike and something for you will come up

Thanks edmundro and anidel. That does help!!

Hi HarmanMogul, thanks for all your tips. I really like the Dave Yates! Lovely colour and excellent components. I'm a 56cm (c-t) bike person though and after more of a tourer, but I'm definitely going to start looking at Yates bikes from now on. And your comparison, in terms of value for money, is really helpful!

Agree with all the others. That's a £3-450 bike to my mind and I wouldn't have been surprised to see it sell for a little less either.

I would look out for a Mercian, Yates or many other UK small volume/custom builders, or even a Raleigh Randonneur or Dawes Galaxy, in addition to BJ.

Yes. Also check out the older Thorns, they come up a bit.

CTC forum is also a great place to find tourers. Obvs.

Thanks for your encouragement!

I see a lot of 'personal collection only' or 'UK posting only'. One didn't even reply when I asked if he would be open to sending a frame to Germany.

I have accepted that this could take a while. I'll save in case a small builder becomes my best option.

Thanks. You're right! I did once see an older Thorn I really liked. The TT was horizontal and it looked a bit 80s or 90s. I know that all Thorns are great bikes though, so am keeping an open mind.

Will check out CTC. Thanks for that tip too : )

I have a daughter in Mainz, frequently ship stuff over to her.(including the occasional bike )
Happy to pack and forward a frame or bike to you.
London based but family in Leeds,Liverpool and Manchester so happy to collect something for you on my travels if possible.
Drop me a pm if you find something you like but the seller will only ship within the UK and I may be able to help.
Good luck.

Hi mig! What a wonderful and kind offer!! Thank you. This is amazing : )

If things do get desperate, then I'll drop you a message. Perhaps it does work out and I don't need your help. Your offer is very welcome though, just in case!

Oh, and Mainz is almost 'down the road' for me : ) Been there a number of times - it's a nice city!

You’re very welcome. They’ve renamed ctc to ‘Cycling UK’ which is an attempt to not just be about cycle touring. Good forum for bikes & bits.