I feel like a hoarder
04-19-24, 10:20 AM
#27
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I'll go only as far as doing free tune ups for friends&family on the expectation they MUST bring beer (I emphasize on it often). If the repair/parts exceed the value of beer, I stop and tell them to scrap the bike and buy a new one at a LBS I recommend.
The moral problem here is that if something is given free to someone, especially if they don't even want it, they will never value it, and treat it as trash.
....
I'll go only as far as doing free tune ups for friends&family on the expectation they MUST bring beer (I emphasize on it often). If the repair/parts exceed the value of beer, I stop and tell them to scrap the bike and buy a new one at a LBS I recommend.
The moral problem here is that if something is given free to someone, especially if they don't even want it, they will never value it, and treat it as trash.
....
It's definitely a common issue, but not a given. As you point out, it truly comes down to whether they actually want it. Communication is key here - especially if you have some doubts about whether they're saying "yes" because they're trying to tell you what you're hoping to hear, or because they feel like you're pushing them to take it. Involving the exchange of money is one way of finding that out, but I've gifted several folks bicycles and it is gratifying to see that they actually use them. There have been a few instances when it hasn't gone that way, but I don't spend time regretting that.
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04-19-24, 01:40 PM
#28
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04-19-24, 02:15 PM
#29
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7. Find a fixer-upper that might be a more appropriate commuter (presuming that's what he's looking for), and offer to work WITH him to make it road-worthy. That invests him in it.
This. Esp in this particular case. Hard-working craftsmen built that bike, and they're not making any more of them. Ever. I'd personally rather see any "basement queens" outlive me and go to an enthusiast in an estate sale than be run into the ground, which is a real possibility with anything offered free.
04-19-24, 03:01 PM
#30
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I gave a nice 26" bike to a teen kid once, only to see him resell it a week later.
I'm aware that does happen, it's the chance I take when I know the other 19/20 kids will be encouraged to bike as I did when I was their age.
So again, ya, I'm totally fine with my morals, no free bikes for WORKING adults.
Because I make my coffee at home, while folks go to Starbucks twice a day for their entire lives and complain to me that my bikes cost too much.
I'm aware that does happen, it's the chance I take when I know the other 19/20 kids will be encouraged to bike as I did when I was their age.
So again, ya, I'm totally fine with my morals, no free bikes for WORKING adults.
Because I make my coffee at home, while folks go to Starbucks twice a day for their entire lives and complain to me that my bikes cost too much.
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04-19-24, 03:27 PM
#31
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04-19-24, 08:58 PM
#32
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If you like your coworker, maybe invite them for a ride/fitting/tryout. If they actually go for a ride with you, and seem to like it enough to make a date for another, you might gain a riding buddy, or at least feel better about parting with it. It would not be unreasonable to ask for a "right of first refusal" if they decide to sell it.
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04-20-24, 10:17 AM
#33
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I once gave a homeless man a frame and fork, at the time I didn’t have many extra things . He insisted he knew people with parts and tools and would be able to build and ride it. He looked healthy and was unladen by any other possessions. When I handed it to him he proceeded to grab it by a dropout and walk away down the side walk dragging it on the ground behind him. He often walked past my house on his way to the nearby bus stop, he never said a word about the frame and I certainly never saw him riding it.
On the other hand I gave a Schwinn Stingray Krate to my friends 10 year old son and the kid loves it and rides it all the time.
Most overhyped bicycle I’ve ever owned, was fun to build though.
On the other hand I gave a Schwinn Stingray Krate to my friends 10 year old son and the kid loves it and rides it all the time.
Most overhyped bicycle I’ve ever owned, was fun to build though.
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