The Collection Reduction Support/Encouragement/Accountability thread!
#1
The Huffmeister
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: The Le Grande HQ
Posts: 3,132
Bikes: Gängl, Trek 938, Raleigh Professional, Paramount, Allez, Guerciotti, Specialized Stumpjumper, Trek 750, Miyata 1000 < Huffy
Liked 4,008 Times
in
1,618 Posts
The Collection Reduction Support/Encouragement/Accountability thread!
I have too many bikes, for various reasons.
There is no more space, they are tripping hazards, they are getting damaged moving them around, they are taking up too much time away from family, and worst of all, they are eating up my Huffy budget (BIG NO NO)
I have been tempted on several occasions to 'just put a pile of them outside w/ a tarp over them' but I know that's how 'IT' starts and it's a bridge I'm not willing to cross. Jeff (DD) and I have talked about this on several occasions and he has always encouraged a more thoughtful approach to the bicycle collection. It is a position I have admired but that also has seemed far away. But I'm not willing to become that guy that ends up dying and leaving a huge headache for relatives. So something needs to be done now. I need intervention!
It's time for a change!
My old philosophy has always been one of 'opportunistic acquisition', but I'd like to change to a more 'thoughtfully intentional' one.
Maybe this describes you as well. If so, then lets help and support one another to get closer to where we really want to be.
I wanted to open this one up to anyone on a similar path who is looking for some support. You can do it! I can't do it for you, none of us can, but we can encourage and support each other and maybe most importantly, help keep each other accountable. Here are maybe some good boundaries, just to keep things positive and intentional:
- No judgment
- Any collection size is welcome - whether you are downsizing from 2 bikes or 200
- Lets try to strike a good balance between positive encouragement and honest accountability
Now, the hard numbers.
Here are the numbers I came into the new year with:
Bikes: 22
Frames: 10
I have been spending week after week cleaning and consolidating and here is where I currently stand:
Bikes: 20
Frames: 7
Last Bike Purchased: Dec 2023
I think these are some good accountability metrics
The Jamis and Novara are now gone, and a few frames got sent out. I did get rid of a few kids bikes, but since they are not *truly* mine, they are not being counted in this list.
I have 3 more frames in the truck, with another couple of bikes to be brought to the co-op, in addition to a couple of bikes that will also be getting shipped out, so that number will continue to go down.
I plan to keep updating this thread as the numbers change to reflect the current status. Participation is HIGHLY ENCOURAGED! If you'd like to participate, then post up your current numbers along with maybe some aspirations, and keep updating the thread with your current # compared to your old #.
Here are some pictures of the shop. I'm not proud of this. And believe it or not, it was a LOT worse. This is the result of weeks of work (sadly). These pictures don't account for all the bikes, but the majority -
There is no more space, they are tripping hazards, they are getting damaged moving them around, they are taking up too much time away from family, and worst of all, they are eating up my Huffy budget (BIG NO NO)
I have been tempted on several occasions to 'just put a pile of them outside w/ a tarp over them' but I know that's how 'IT' starts and it's a bridge I'm not willing to cross. Jeff (DD) and I have talked about this on several occasions and he has always encouraged a more thoughtful approach to the bicycle collection. It is a position I have admired but that also has seemed far away. But I'm not willing to become that guy that ends up dying and leaving a huge headache for relatives. So something needs to be done now. I need intervention!
It's time for a change!
My old philosophy has always been one of 'opportunistic acquisition', but I'd like to change to a more 'thoughtfully intentional' one.
Maybe this describes you as well. If so, then lets help and support one another to get closer to where we really want to be.
I wanted to open this one up to anyone on a similar path who is looking for some support. You can do it! I can't do it for you, none of us can, but we can encourage and support each other and maybe most importantly, help keep each other accountable. Here are maybe some good boundaries, just to keep things positive and intentional:
- No judgment
- Any collection size is welcome - whether you are downsizing from 2 bikes or 200
- Lets try to strike a good balance between positive encouragement and honest accountability
Now, the hard numbers.
Here are the numbers I came into the new year with:
Bikes: 22
Frames: 10
I have been spending week after week cleaning and consolidating and here is where I currently stand:
Bikes: 20
Frames: 7
Last Bike Purchased: Dec 2023
I think these are some good accountability metrics
The Jamis and Novara are now gone, and a few frames got sent out. I did get rid of a few kids bikes, but since they are not *truly* mine, they are not being counted in this list.
I have 3 more frames in the truck, with another couple of bikes to be brought to the co-op, in addition to a couple of bikes that will also be getting shipped out, so that number will continue to go down.
I plan to keep updating this thread as the numbers change to reflect the current status. Participation is HIGHLY ENCOURAGED! If you'd like to participate, then post up your current numbers along with maybe some aspirations, and keep updating the thread with your current # compared to your old #.
Here are some pictures of the shop. I'm not proud of this. And believe it or not, it was a LOT worse. This is the result of weeks of work (sadly). These pictures don't account for all the bikes, but the majority -
Likes For AdventureManCO:
#2
ambulatory senior
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Peoria Il
Posts: 6,060
Bikes: Austro Daimler modified by Gugie! Raleigh Professional and lots of other bikes.
Liked 3,753 Times
in
1,716 Posts
You let me know I'm not alone.
Last edited by 52telecaster; 03-03-24 at 01:23 PM.
Likes For 52telecaster:
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: SoCal
Posts: 2,920
Bikes: Cuevas Custom, Cimmaron, 1988 "Pinalized Rockma", 1984 Trek 510, Moulton custom touring, Raleigh Competition GS, Bridgestone Mb-2 & 3, 1980's Peugeot - US, City, & Canyon Express (6)
Liked 4,837 Times
in
2,264 Posts
I will need to dig-in a bit to come up with numbers, but I have definitely made some dent in getting bikes out, less successful in not bringing in 'opportunistic acquisitions'.
Last edited by SoCaled; 03-03-24 at 06:47 PM. Reason: -ing
Likes For SoCaled:
#4
Full Member
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 270
Bikes: Bakers dozen is the limit!
Liked 540 Times
in
165 Posts
Have you set goals? I’ve long had a rule of a bakers dozen or less, frames count. Think a vague “I gotta clear out some”, or “get intentional” isn’t specific enough. Intention has changed over time as tastes and riding has changed. Have a few parts groups for when the right frame opportunistically presents.
Currently at a true dozen.
Currently at a true dozen.
Likes For VRJAKE:
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: Beaverton, OR
Posts: 1,590
Bikes: You had me at rusty and Italian!!
Liked 1,177 Times
in
611 Posts
If I counted, which is only slightly daunting, I think I’m around 22. 4 are sitting by the front door and will be listed for sale when the weather improves here in Oregon. 3 or 4 more will need some fettling before I feel comfortable selling them. A few others (frame sets, for example) need significant rehab before they go away.
That will whittle me down to some unique/rare/once-in-a-lifetime things that I need to decide if I want to keep them. The Circuit and the Allez are birds of a feather so one will likely go.
I don’t have an exact number in mind but it seems like 8 remaining is about accurate.
That will whittle me down to some unique/rare/once-in-a-lifetime things that I need to decide if I want to keep them. The Circuit and the Allez are birds of a feather so one will likely go.
I don’t have an exact number in mind but it seems like 8 remaining is about accurate.
Likes For RustyJames:
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: 700 Ft. above sea level.
Posts: 3,330
Bikes: More than there were awhile ago.
Liked 1,443 Times
in
665 Posts
Talk about timing!!!
I too have been a practitioner of "opportunistic acquisition" as evidenced by my purchase yesterday. I was just trying to come up with a list of what I need to let go after my big N-1 stumble yesterday when I saw this post.
Total frames and bikes on the premises as of 02 March, 2024 at 7:18 AM = 61.
Believe it or not that's down signiificantly from what it was a couple years ago but I didn't break it down between complete bikes and frames because I have MORE than enough parts to put almost all the frames on the road in some form or another. I worked on my shop all last year from Memorial Day on and have picked away at it through the past Winter and it has come a LONG, LONG way but still has a bit to go. I'm headed back out as soon as I finish this post to work on organizing parts, I'm down to small boxes of odds and ends now, my tools are finally done.
If I had a co-op closer than 100 miles away I'd load up a couple (that's all my vehicle will hold) and some boxes of parts and donate them but I don't. I may put some of them on Marketplace dirt cheap or even free but even then with the current market I'm not optimistic of finding any takers. That leaves the better stuff most of which I really hate to part with and even when I do make that hard choice I have the added handicap of riding tall frames. Those, as we all know, take a long time to sell. More than enough time for me to change my mind which as you may have noticed I do frequently.
It's good to know I'm not alone in my obsession.
Total frames and bikes on the premises as of 02 March, 2024 at 7:18 AM = 61.
Believe it or not that's down signiificantly from what it was a couple years ago but I didn't break it down between complete bikes and frames because I have MORE than enough parts to put almost all the frames on the road in some form or another. I worked on my shop all last year from Memorial Day on and have picked away at it through the past Winter and it has come a LONG, LONG way but still has a bit to go. I'm headed back out as soon as I finish this post to work on organizing parts, I'm down to small boxes of odds and ends now, my tools are finally done.
If I had a co-op closer than 100 miles away I'd load up a couple (that's all my vehicle will hold) and some boxes of parts and donate them but I don't. I may put some of them on Marketplace dirt cheap or even free but even then with the current market I'm not optimistic of finding any takers. That leaves the better stuff most of which I really hate to part with and even when I do make that hard choice I have the added handicap of riding tall frames. Those, as we all know, take a long time to sell. More than enough time for me to change my mind which as you may have noticed I do frequently.
It's good to know I'm not alone in my obsession.
Last edited by Murray Missile; 03-04-24 at 11:58 AM.
Likes For Murray Missile:
#7
Edumacator
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Goose Creek, SC
Posts: 7,560
Bikes: '87 Crestdale, '87 Basso Gap, '92 Rossin Performance EL-OS, 1990 VanTuyl, 1980s Losa, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 1987 PX10, etc...
Liked 3,590 Times
in
2,254 Posts
I am beginning the process....this was posted in another thread, but feel pretty good about the garage menagerie. I still have a utility trailer to empty...
Not all will end up up being keeper, but I need to build up everything to see how they compare.
Pretty interesting row of frames
Not all will end up up being keeper, but I need to build up everything to see how they compare.
Pretty interesting row of frames
__________________
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super, 1971 Raleigh International, 1998 Corratec Ap & Dun, 1991 Peugeot Slimestone
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super, 1971 Raleigh International, 1998 Corratec Ap & Dun, 1991 Peugeot Slimestone
Likes For jdawginsc:
#8
Bianchi Goddess
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Shady Pines Retirement Fort Wayne, In
Posts: 28,119
Bikes: Too many to list here check my signature.
Liked 3,263 Times
in
1,645 Posts
You just need more space! I was messaging this guy about a Mixte and this is part of his current collection and a suprising number have C-Rec kit. IIRC the room is 12-18
The rug is sweet too!
The rug is sweet too!
__________________
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
Likes For Bianchigirll:
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: SoCal
Posts: 2,920
Bikes: Cuevas Custom, Cimmaron, 1988 "Pinalized Rockma", 1984 Trek 510, Moulton custom touring, Raleigh Competition GS, Bridgestone Mb-2 & 3, 1980's Peugeot - US, City, & Canyon Express (6)
Liked 4,837 Times
in
2,264 Posts
Likes For SoCaled:
#10
Full Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Redwood City CA
Posts: 365
Bikes: 57 ExpressWerke, 58 CinelliB, 62 CinelliB Altenburger, 73 Stout, 76 Masi, 77 Colin Laing, 78 Ritchey, 80 Jack Taylor, 82 Appel, 82 Davidson, 85 Ironman, 83 Della Santa, 92 Andy Gilmour, 04 P. Johnson, 91 Litton, 11 Bianchi, 23 Open UP
Liked 568 Times
in
169 Posts
This is an excellent thread start. Thank you for kicking this off!
Guy
Guy
Likes For cinelliguy:
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Posts: 20,949
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones
Liked 4,321 Times
in
2,381 Posts
I like to think of this as the recovering cat lady thread . . . except just swap too many bikes for too many cats,
I got rid of 10 bikes last year. I'll get rid of 10 more this year.
I got rid of 10 bikes last year. I'll get rid of 10 more this year.
Likes For bikemig:
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 1,029
Bikes: 1964(?) Frejus Tour de France, 1967(?) Dawes Double Blue, 1979 Trek 710, 1982 Claud Butler Dalesman, 1983 Schwinn Paramount Elite, 2014 Brompton, maybe a couple more
Liked 752 Times
in
365 Posts
This is great, but could somebody please start a thread to encourage the buyers who are gonna take all these bikes off our hands?
Likes For albrt:
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2022
Location: California's capital
Posts: 637
Bikes: Litespeed Firenze, Spot Acme, Specialzed S Works Pro Race, Davidson Stiletto, Colnago Superissimo
Liked 417 Times
in
242 Posts
I don't have a clue but most assuredly am bookmarking in order to show spouse when it seems appropriate.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Likes For Rick_D:
#14
Bike Sorceress
Last year I had ~40 bikes and ~50 frames, then the landlord land parasite got greedy and jacked up the rent enough to force us to move with little warning. Managed to get down to 8 bikes and 6 frames in the span of a month, almost everything was donated to the various coops and used bikes shops in the area. It was exhausting to do, but having a much smaller hoard is nice. You can only ride one or two bikes at a time, may as well get the extras into the hands of people who will actually use them.
Likes For Arrowana:
#15
The most bicycles I have ever owned at one time was “only” seven, but I consider myself very fortunate to have been able to afford that many.
These are the self-imposed rules that have kept me at or below that number over the last decade:
1. Nothing bought unless it gets ridden at least once a month over the course of a year. My two bicycles for racing don’t get much winter riding, but they do get used 12-plus times a year.
2. Nothing bought unless it is the right size. Not very nearly the right size, but very actually the right size. This has really kept a lid on things.
3. Total value of all bicycles remains less than the price of the single most expensive racing bicycle locally available. Right now that’s about NZD20-25k, I guess.
4. No impulse purchases. I’ve refined a pretty clear idea of the very few bicycles I would still like, and if I see something else a wait of 24-48 hours is usually enough to realise it wasn’t one of those and wasn’t quite right. No regrets so far…
Even with a relatively small number of semi-collectable classic/vintage/retromod bicycles, I have no idea how I’ll ever eventually sell them within New Zealand. The market for such bicycles in 60cm size is pretty small, and the cost of international freight is prohibitive. I guess I’ll just have to keep riding them all once a month.
These are the self-imposed rules that have kept me at or below that number over the last decade:
1. Nothing bought unless it gets ridden at least once a month over the course of a year. My two bicycles for racing don’t get much winter riding, but they do get used 12-plus times a year.
2. Nothing bought unless it is the right size. Not very nearly the right size, but very actually the right size. This has really kept a lid on things.
3. Total value of all bicycles remains less than the price of the single most expensive racing bicycle locally available. Right now that’s about NZD20-25k, I guess.
4. No impulse purchases. I’ve refined a pretty clear idea of the very few bicycles I would still like, and if I see something else a wait of 24-48 hours is usually enough to realise it wasn’t one of those and wasn’t quite right. No regrets so far…
Even with a relatively small number of semi-collectable classic/vintage/retromod bicycles, I have no idea how I’ll ever eventually sell them within New Zealand. The market for such bicycles in 60cm size is pretty small, and the cost of international freight is prohibitive. I guess I’ll just have to keep riding them all once a month.
__________________
Nothing quite says wall hanger like drillium toe straps
Nothing quite says wall hanger like drillium toe straps
Likes For seagrade:
#16
Senior Member
I am getting up in years and don't want my kids to have to deal with disposing of my bikes. In the last year I have sold 10 'keepers'. All were pretty high end vintage steel. I have 6 bikes left. I plan to sell at least 3 more this spring/summer. Once that is done I will tackle selling the tons of parts that I have accumulated over the years. I have thought about doing this for a couple years because I didn't want to burden my kids. I thought it would be painful to get rid of my collection but I am feeling really good about selling them.
Likes For rjhammett:
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: Beaverton, OR
Posts: 1,590
Bikes: You had me at rusty and Italian!!
Liked 1,177 Times
in
611 Posts
Keepers, so far;
1 of the Legnanos
Merz
Chrome-frame old (50’s?) thing with BSA crank and pedals
1965 Schwinn Traveler
Rod-brake Bianchi (50s?)
Trek 420
Not sure;
1 of 3 MTBs
Raleigh Int’l frame
Cilo
Bianchi step-through
The other Legnano
Nishiki Mixte
A motivator is I am biased to less “serious” bikes. I just wanna hop on and ride. No special clothing required.
Likes For RustyJames:
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Bloomington, IN
Posts: 3,192
Bikes: Paramount, Faggin, Ochsner, Ciocc, Basso
Liked 2,173 Times
in
1,270 Posts
For those of you who want to talk me into more; Please don't! I have owned some really nice specimens such as factory issued Trek team bikes, and a couple of nice Schwinns. I now have a handful of Vintage Italian and even a few hand-made ones. I can't imagine letting go of chrome Faggin a gift from jdawginsc , or the Ciooc that was a gift from SwimmerMike , or even the Rossin still in the build process. I am not going to give up Ochsner, or the trek 950 (a gift from AdventureManCO ). I gave away likely seven bikes to our local Co-Op last year, and am thinking about downsizing the parts stash. So help a brother out, and talk me down from acquiring another. I am still sitting on a 1973 "Old Nago" that needs to leave. I guess it is a case of "First World Problems". Smiles, MH
Likes For Mad Honk:
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: SoCal
Posts: 2,920
Bikes: Cuevas Custom, Cimmaron, 1988 "Pinalized Rockma", 1984 Trek 510, Moulton custom touring, Raleigh Competition GS, Bridgestone Mb-2 & 3, 1980's Peugeot - US, City, & Canyon Express (6)
Liked 4,837 Times
in
2,264 Posts
The Allez rides sooo nice and kinda ticks the box for “spritely 80s steel” but I also have my Strawberry that was made the same year and is almost finished. The Circuit also rides very nice and the indexing is nice. Arrggghhhh…
Keepers, so far;
1 of the Legnanos
Merz
Chrome-frame old (50’s?) thing with BSA crank and pedals
1965 Schwinn Traveler
Rod-brake Bianchi (50s?)
Trek 420
Not sure;
1 of 3 MTBs
Raleigh Int’l frame
Cilo
Bianchi step-through
The other Legnano
Nishiki Mixte
A motivator is I am biased to less “serious” bikes. I just wanna hop on and ride. No special clothing required.
Keepers, so far;
1 of the Legnanos
Merz
Chrome-frame old (50’s?) thing with BSA crank and pedals
1965 Schwinn Traveler
Rod-brake Bianchi (50s?)
Trek 420
Not sure;
1 of 3 MTBs
Raleigh Int’l frame
Cilo
Bianchi step-through
The other Legnano
Nishiki Mixte
A motivator is I am biased to less “serious” bikes. I just wanna hop on and ride. No special clothing required.
We seem to be on a very similar page (although I think your Strawberry and Merz trump my keepers - Cuevas and Raleigh GS comp)
For road bikes, I still have some work to do but the path is mostly clear
MTB's - I am in the weeds
Cimmaron is a keeper - wasn't planned to be
Need to decide between 1988 Rockhopper comp (bought painted as a Pinarello) & Shogun Prairie Breaker Pro - basically same bike, don't need both
Collection of Peugeot ATB's - that all need work and should probably all go
Pair of Bridgestone MB's 2 & 3 - at least one needs to go
Tiny Bianchi Grizzly - Tried and failed to not buy
Schwinn Sierra MOS - have tried to sell and give away
Specialized Rockhopper - Is still "mine" but lived for 3 years in one neighbor's garage on semi-permanent loan, got it back for a week and now has been with another neighbor for 2? months.
Likes For SoCaled:
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PDX
Posts: 13,501
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
Liked 6,806 Times
in
3,890 Posts
Most all buyers for our stuff have the same and that isn't going to change I think.
Pretty sure we're coming down the backside of all this now for the most part.
No body is lining up to save us from ourselves, let alone going to make any of the $$$$$$ expended return.
My son has been advised to bail on whats left as he sees fit, no expectations, he knows what it is so he can make the call.
Likes For merziac:
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Saratoga, CA
Posts: 938
Bikes: 1981 Bianchi Specialissima, 1971 Bob Jackson. 2012 Kestrel 4000. 2012 Willier. 2016 Fuji Cross 1.1, 1950 Hetchins, 194X James Fothergill, 1971 Paramount P15, 1973 Paramount P12, 1963 Legnano
Liked 1,148 Times
in
446 Posts
I'm getting much better at looking at the collection and making decisions. I've sold 3 bikes/frames recently that I thought would be keepers. The 1948 Bianchi was at the house for no more than 2 weeks, it was just too small. The '69 Paramount frame was redundant to my 2 other Paramounts, and the Colnago was a tad small and I always went for my '81 Bianchi over it when I wanted to ride a racy bike of that era. They all found good homes around the country with BF members. Unfortunately, two other bikes with very expensive tastes made it into the garage for a net of 0 on the bikes and a lot more cash outgo.
Likes For SwimmerMike:
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 1,029
Bikes: 1964(?) Frejus Tour de France, 1967(?) Dawes Double Blue, 1979 Trek 710, 1982 Claud Butler Dalesman, 1983 Schwinn Paramount Elite, 2014 Brompton, maybe a couple more
Liked 752 Times
in
365 Posts
I've been making a pretty consistent effort to reduce the number of bikes over the past several months. I sold two for disappointing prices, and gave away a third. The giveaway was much more satisfying.
I never expected to make money on any of these, but I expected to be able to mitigate the damages a little bit if a bike did not turn out to be among my favorites. If vintage mid-range bikes in good working order are truly worth $0 on the open market that puts a little bit different perspective on things.
I never expected to make money on any of these, but I expected to be able to mitigate the damages a little bit if a bike did not turn out to be among my favorites. If vintage mid-range bikes in good working order are truly worth $0 on the open market that puts a little bit different perspective on things.
Likes For albrt:
#23
Senior Member
I sold one last year and may sell at least one more this year. The market is as bad as ever but , other than a few of my bikes , it really doesn’t matter. I really only have one bike that I went all out on and that one is staying with me. If I sell more I will probably strip them down and sell all the Campy stuff separately and donate or sell the frames for a reduced rate. Seventies Campagnolo stuff is still worth something , so it doesn’t make sense to sell bikes complete for $100 . There is a 70’s Motobecane Grand Jubile with Campagnolo NR derailleurs for sale in my area for $99 and it has been lingering for months. Joe
Likes For Kabuki12:
#24
The Huffmeister
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: The Le Grande HQ
Posts: 3,132
Bikes: Gängl, Trek 938, Raleigh Professional, Paramount, Allez, Guerciotti, Specialized Stumpjumper, Trek 750, Miyata 1000 < Huffy
Liked 4,008 Times
in
1,618 Posts
Keepers, so far;
1 of the Legnanos
Merz
Chrome-frame old (50’s?) thing with BSA crank and pedals
1965 Schwinn Traveler
Rod-brake Bianchi (50s?)
Trek 420
Not sure;
1 of 3 MTBs
Raleigh Int’l frame
Cilo
Bianchi step-through
The other Legnano
Nishiki Mixte
A motivator is I am biased to less “serious” bikes. I just wanna hop on and ride. No special clothing required.
or the trek 950 (a gift from AdventureManCO ).
Interesting that you mention the Cimarron, and more than a few have mentioned a Circuit. Both of those bikes have been on my short list after hearing such glowing things about each. But really, what I'd like is to get to a place where if I happen to find either one in my size, that I could 'opportunistically yet intentionally' purchase either and have enough room in the shop where I'm far the limits. Sort of an 'overflow/surplus' bike spot if you will.
I sold one last year and may sell at least one more this year. The market is as bad as ever but , other than a few of my bikes , it really doesn’t matter. I really only have one bike that I went all out on and that one is staying with me. If I sell more I will probably strip them down and sell all the Campy stuff separately and donate or sell the frames for a reduced rate. Seventies Campagnolo stuff is still worth something , so it doesn’t make sense to sell bikes complete for $100 . There is a 70’s Motobecane Grand Jubile with Campagnolo NR derailleurs for sale in my area for $99 and it has been lingering for months. Joe
__________________
There were 135 Confentes, but only one...Huffente!
There were 135 Confentes, but only one...Huffente!
Last edited by AdventureManCO; 03-03-24 at 10:56 PM.