Originally Posted by denada

i hear that said on this forum from time to time. a bike is more like a vehicle than a tool. a reasonable level of cosmetic upkeep is good for a vehicle. while i haven't read any peer reviewed studies on the subject, i've heard that if you keep your vehicle looking nice, you tend to be more attuned to its overall condition -- including its mechanical condition. all within reason, of course. i don't wipe dirt off my hammer with a baby wipe; i don't use leather cleaner on by bicycle saddle; i don't let peoples' dogs into my apartment because my couch is made-to-order from bright red italian leather. i find these levels of care appropriate to their respective objects.


edit:
i realized that third example does not follow the formula of the preceding two. how about ... i don't make peoples' children put a cloth down before sitting on my couch. that's purely illustrative, of course; the couch is off limits to children.