Why do we help each other out so much?
#1
Bike Butcher of Portland
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 11,803
Bikes: It's complicated.
Liked 6,164 Times
in
2,399 Posts
Why do we help each other out so much?
The generosity of our small clan continues to amaze me. I get stuff sent to me randomly sometimes, and I try to return the karma.
I think we just hate to see somebody not riding a classic bike, heck, even an old common one just because they're missing a bit or need a tool. That and I find it rare that somebody that rides old bikes isn't anything but a pleasure to meet, ride with, and talk to.
Discuss.
I think we just hate to see somebody not riding a classic bike, heck, even an old common one just because they're missing a bit or need a tool. That and I find it rare that somebody that rides old bikes isn't anything but a pleasure to meet, ride with, and talk to.
Discuss.
__________________
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Beaverton, OR
Posts: 14,960
Bikes: Yes
Liked 4,294 Times
in
1,582 Posts
It seems to me that for a lot of people here their passion for vintage bikes isn't so much about possessing said bikes as it is about keeping those bikes alive and on the road. So if I've got a part in my garage that I'm not using (and I can find it), it would have more value to me in the hands of someone else who needed it than it has for me on the shelf. A lot of the stuff I've got is still on the shelf because it's not worth the trouble to me to do all the work to sell it, but if I hear about someone who needs it to finish a better case for packing it up to ship out.
__________________
My Bikes
My Bikes
Likes For Andy_K:
#3
(rhymes with spook)
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Winslow, AR
Posts: 2,788
Bikes: '83 univega gran turismo x2, '85 schwinn super le tour,'89 miyata triple cross, '91 GT tequesta, '90 yokota grizzly peak, '94 GT backwoods, '95'ish scott tampico, '98 bonty privateer, '93 mongoose crossway 625, '98 parkpre ariel, 2k'ish giant fcr3
Liked 745 Times
in
546 Posts
simple, i think. though it may not always appear to be the truth, you/we are made of love. intelligent, conscious, self-aware love. you/we have a heart and instinctively know in order to exist and be happy you must express and expand. the easiest way is through generosity and giving. by definition, what you have is what you can give. beyond that, bikes are just cool
Likes For thook:
#4
seņor miembro
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Pac NW
Posts: 6,838
Bikes: '70s - '80s Campagnolo
Liked 6,972 Times
in
3,439 Posts
I did it for the companionship...
and money and drugs, of course.
and money and drugs, of course.
Likes For SurferRosa:
#5
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
I help folks with bikes and hifi because its fun, but also because i hate to see something perfectly good go to waste.
Likes For 52telecaster:
#6
(rhymes with spook)
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Winslow, AR
Posts: 2,788
Bikes: '83 univega gran turismo x2, '85 schwinn super le tour,'89 miyata triple cross, '91 GT tequesta, '90 yokota grizzly peak, '94 GT backwoods, '95'ish scott tampico, '98 bonty privateer, '93 mongoose crossway 625, '98 parkpre ariel, 2k'ish giant fcr3
Liked 745 Times
in
546 Posts
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Port Angeles, WA
Posts: 7,927
Bikes: A green one, "Ragleigh," or something.
Liked 644 Times
in
361 Posts
We're commies.
__________________
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
Likes For Lascauxcaveman:
#8
Junior Member
simple, i think. though it may not always appear to be the truth, you/we are made of love. intelligent, conscious, self-aware love. you/we have a heart and instinctively know in order to exist and be happy you must express and expand. the easiest way is through generosity and giving. by definition, what you have is what you can give. beyond that, bikes are just cool
I help because I can, and as a wise man once said to me:
if it makes another person smile the effort was worthwhile
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Beaverton, OR
Posts: 14,960
Bikes: Yes
Liked 4,294 Times
in
1,582 Posts
__________________
My Bikes
My Bikes
#10
Death fork? Naaaah!!
"Never shall I fail my comrades".
Top
Top
__________________
You know it's going to be a good day when the stem and seatpost come right out.
(looking for a picture and not seeing it? Thank the Photobucket fiasco.PM me and I'll link it up.)
You know it's going to be a good day when the stem and seatpost come right out.
(looking for a picture and not seeing it? Thank the Photobucket fiasco.PM me and I'll link it up.)
Likes For top506:
#11
Banned.
Even sweet misery loves company.
Why not share the pain and fun?
Why not share the pain and fun?
Last edited by RobbieTunes; 09-25-19 at 05:33 PM.
Likes For RobbieTunes:
#12
Senior Member
Because others helped us when we got started.
Likes For himespau:
#14
Senior Member
Because of the work of Sheldon Brown, at least for me.
He didn't need to put all that knowledge out there for free. I am thankful.
So, despite my still limited knowledge, if and when I know something that can help another cyclist, I offer it to them.
If I don't know, I can guide them toward those who do - thecultists enthusiasts at bikeforums.net.
He didn't need to put all that knowledge out there for free. I am thankful.
So, despite my still limited knowledge, if and when I know something that can help another cyclist, I offer it to them.
If I don't know, I can guide them toward those who do - the
Likes For BFisher:
#15
aged to perfection
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: PacNW
Posts: 1,927
Bikes: Dinucci Allez 2.0, Richard Sachs, Alex Singer, Serotta, Masi GC, Raleigh Pro Mk.1, Hetchins, etc
Liked 1,345 Times
in
715 Posts
it's an interesting question. All of the answers in line above form pieces of the puzzle. I think people like to hang out with "their own" like dogs in a pack or orcas in a pod. What I'm aware of from years of following CR and this list is that we are a lot more alike than different. We are experts on nothing with opinions on everything!
Now and then however a real "nugget" of knowledge comes along, that makes the trip worthwhile.
I think one ongoing problem is that a lot of questions get asked (mostly by newbies) that are so ambiguous or devoid of detail that they cannot be answered with precision. Not sure that's solveable - I simply mention it.
Loved the pics of the turntables and the green Nikon and Canon F-1. Didn't know they made those.
we now return to regularly scheduled programming
Mark Petry
Bainbridge Island, WA USA
Now and then however a real "nugget" of knowledge comes along, that makes the trip worthwhile.
I think one ongoing problem is that a lot of questions get asked (mostly by newbies) that are so ambiguous or devoid of detail that they cannot be answered with precision. Not sure that's solveable - I simply mention it.
Loved the pics of the turntables and the green Nikon and Canon F-1. Didn't know they made those.
we now return to regularly scheduled programming
Mark Petry
Bainbridge Island, WA USA
#16
Semper Fi
Two reasons, its how I was raised, and its repaying all of the good that I received here from the good folks that congregate in the C&V Forum. My parents, and the other adults around our neighborhood always taught us that if someone is in need, and you have what will get them going, you give it to them and don't worry about payment. If they do pay you eventually, that is your decision as to whether you keep it or pass it on to a worthy charity. Really saw this in the dirt biking community, as a teenager, in the early-mid 70's.
The good I receive here is not only material things, its also the knowledge and support that comes from most folks here. I try to return these, and to treat others the way I want to be treated. What goes around, comes around, I suppose.
Bill
The good I receive here is not only material things, its also the knowledge and support that comes from most folks here. I try to return these, and to treat others the way I want to be treated. What goes around, comes around, I suppose.
Bill
__________________
Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
Likes For qcpmsame:
#17
Senior Member
Two reasons, its how I was raised, and its repaying all of the good that I received here from the good folks that congregate in the C&V Forum. My parents, and the other adults around our neighborhood always taught us that if someone is in need, and you have what will get them going, you give it to them and don't worry about payment. If they do pay you eventually, that is your decision as to whether you keep it or pass it on to a worthy charity. Really saw this in the dirt biking community, as a teenager, in the early-mid 70's.
The good I receive here is not only material things, its also the knowledge and support that comes from most folks here. I try to return these, and to treat others the way I want to be treated. What goes around, comes around, I suppose.
Bill
The good I receive here is not only material things, its also the knowledge and support that comes from most folks here. I try to return these, and to treat others the way I want to be treated. What goes around, comes around, I suppose.
Bill
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Northern Shenandoah Valley
Posts: 4,176
Bikes: More bikes than riders
Liked 800 Times
in
591 Posts
I was just telling my wife the other day that this C&V subforum casts a sustaining bright light on humanity. Here lies a group of thousands of people who have generally not met in person (though I know strong friendships have been made here), who genuinely care enough to help others, and who even support the concept of shipping bike parts around in a box to the next stranger, even adding parts to it! Few internet forums operate like this one, especially the C&V subforum.
The social experiment is working.
The social experiment is working.
Likes For hokiefyd:
#19
Semper Fi
Bill
__________________
Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,830
Bikes: too many sparkly Italians, some sweet Americans and a couple interesting Japanese
Liked 676 Times
in
463 Posts
For me, as a life long tinkerer bumping 70 I have found bikes meet my tinkering needs, get me out in this beautiful World and the exercise is a pleasure. When I stumbled onto this place with a problem I found I can have a directly related and consistently pleasant experience. Thank you.
Likes For easyupbug:
#21
Senior Member
Part of it is the natural need for humans to be part of a community and share.
Part is probably the subtle social cue of helpfulness expressed by regulars in this sub forum.
Part (for me) is living in a rural setting where there aren't other enthusiasts to share the passion with IRL.
Part is the give and receive of researching information about obscure bikes. Knowing how hard it is to find out you offer when you know.
Part is probably the subtle social cue of helpfulness expressed by regulars in this sub forum.
Part (for me) is living in a rural setting where there aren't other enthusiasts to share the passion with IRL.
Part is the give and receive of researching information about obscure bikes. Knowing how hard it is to find out you offer when you know.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Lacey, WA
Posts: 1,707
Bikes: Stevenson Custom, Stevenson Custom Tandem, Nishiki Professional
Likes: 0
Liked 197 Times
in
129 Posts
We spend so much time detached.
You look at a cell phone dozens to hundreds of times a day, but miss the sky, the sunset, the seasons changing.
You take your family and/or loved one out to dinner and are surrounded by the noise of a dozen or more TV screens.
You watch a football game, but must have the "Red Zone" switching between ALL games so you don't miss the action, but miss the game.
But a bicycle is a simple thing, a vintage bike even more simple. It takes you back into your body, into the world and if you have a friend along into conversation.
It's not just endorphins that come home after a ride, it's you..
Oh, and why we share what we know and give what we can, if you've ever gone to an estate sale, you know your treasures are just ten cents on the dollar if you keep them, but if you give them away to a person who wants or needs them you never know how many doorways your giving has opened, but you do know what you get back: "Grandpa, it was hard, but I did it, I rode around the block all by myself."
Priceless.
You look at a cell phone dozens to hundreds of times a day, but miss the sky, the sunset, the seasons changing.
You take your family and/or loved one out to dinner and are surrounded by the noise of a dozen or more TV screens.
You watch a football game, but must have the "Red Zone" switching between ALL games so you don't miss the action, but miss the game.
But a bicycle is a simple thing, a vintage bike even more simple. It takes you back into your body, into the world and if you have a friend along into conversation.
It's not just endorphins that come home after a ride, it's you..
Oh, and why we share what we know and give what we can, if you've ever gone to an estate sale, you know your treasures are just ten cents on the dollar if you keep them, but if you give them away to a person who wants or needs them you never know how many doorways your giving has opened, but you do know what you get back: "Grandpa, it was hard, but I did it, I rode around the block all by myself."
Priceless.
Last edited by since6; 09-25-19 at 08:37 AM.
Likes For since6:
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Central Florida, USA
Posts: 2,106
Bikes: Litespeed (9); Slingshot (9); Specialized (3); Kestrel (2); Cervelo (1); FELT (1); Trek (2)
Liked 3,933 Times
in
1,104 Posts
And chicks. Don't forget the chicks.
__________________
WTB: Slingshot bicycle promotional documents (catalog, pamphlets, etc).
WTB: American Cycling May - Aug, Oct, Dec 1966.
WTB: Bicycle Guide issues 1984 (any); Jun 1987; Jul, Nov/Dec 1992; Apr 1994; 1996 -1998 (any)
WTB: Bike World issue Jun 1974.
WTB Litespeed head badge (1 1/8" head tube)
WTB: Slingshot bicycle promotional documents (catalog, pamphlets, etc).
WTB: American Cycling May - Aug, Oct, Dec 1966.
WTB: Bicycle Guide issues 1984 (any); Jun 1987; Jul, Nov/Dec 1992; Apr 1994; 1996 -1998 (any)
WTB: Bike World issue Jun 1974.
WTB Litespeed head badge (1 1/8" head tube)
Likes For SpeedofLite:
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Beaverton, OR
Posts: 14,960
Bikes: Yes
Liked 4,294 Times
in
1,582 Posts
For a more academic leaning explanation, I would suggest that what we have here is a gift culture. I first heard about this concept in Eric Raymond's book on open source software, The Cathedral and the Bazaar, and Raymond's explanation is a lot easier to digest than the Wikipedia article. I highly recommend this page here as an edifying read: The Hacker Milieu as Gift Culture
tl;dr --> "Gift cultures are adaptations not to scarcity but to abundance. They arise in populations that do not have significant material-scarcity problems with survival goods. ... Abundance makes command relationships difficult to sustain and exchange relationships an almost pointless game. In gift cultures, social status is determined not by what you control but by what you give away."
I think this is actually pretty common in Internet subgroups, where sharing of intellectual property is its own reward. The fact that we've extended this to material goods is interesting though.
tl;dr --> "Gift cultures are adaptations not to scarcity but to abundance. They arise in populations that do not have significant material-scarcity problems with survival goods. ... Abundance makes command relationships difficult to sustain and exchange relationships an almost pointless game. In gift cultures, social status is determined not by what you control but by what you give away."
I think this is actually pretty common in Internet subgroups, where sharing of intellectual property is its own reward. The fact that we've extended this to material goods is interesting though.
__________________
My Bikes
My Bikes
Likes For Andy_K:
#25
Senior Member
I have always enjoyed “paying it forward”. Giving without expectation or patting myself on the back for being a “good person”. I have been on the receiving end of other’s acts of kindness and generosity and it gives me hope for mankind.