Classic & Vintage - Excuses /Responses for the bunch of bikes..

My significant other (20 years) has dealt with my other habits, including marathoning, audio gear. She tolerates bikes pretty well, if not the time I spend in the garage instead of on "necessary" tasks... But, we have had our little discussions, often starting with hand on hip and ending with rolling eyes.

I can't be the only one.

1-I'm keeping them out landfills, so there's more room for styrofoam.
"...so now you're saving the planet?..what a load of methane!"

2-I just saw it lying there, maybe someone can use it.
"...yeah, but you won't use it, you'll just work on it and talk about it."

3-It's rare.
"....so is your riding mower, try resurrecting that."

4-They're for the children.
"so is discipline. Exercise some."

Some keys to keeping peace at home:

1. Flip enough bikes that the returns on flipping exceeds what you are keeping ("Its not a collection, its an investment!!!").

2. When you decide to keep a bike (addition to the fleet), have it replace something in the fleet to keep the fleet size managable. It was really easy for me to retire (flip) the Schwinn Criss Cross I had when I picked up my Colnago. I have upgraded all the bikes in my keeper fleet a couple of times each in the last year. As long as one moves out when one moves in, you are OK.

3. Buy some bikes that are NOT your size. This makes the flip decision much easier. Its a lot easier to let something go that does not fit.

My significant other (20 years) has dealt with my other habits, including marathoning, audio gear. She tolerates bikes pretty well, if not the time I spend in the garage instead of on "necessary" tasks... But, we have had our little discussions, often starting with hand on hip and ending with rolling eyes.

I can't be the only one.

1-I'm keeping them out landfills, so there's more room for styrofoam.
"...so now you're saving the planet?..what a load of methane!"

2-I just saw it lying there, maybe someone can use it.
"...yeah, but you won't use it, you'll just work on it and talk about it."

3-It's rare.
"....so is your riding mower, try resurrecting that."

4-They're for the children.
"so is discipline. Exercise some."

I can relate. I almost got thrown out to sleep in the garage when I brought home a 1986 Centurion Elite RS last weekend. I just couldn't help myself... it was all original and needed a good home!

She's put up with my crap for 22 years... but we have an agreement. She loves old chairs... I like old bikes. I never complain when she stops to pick up old chairs beside the road... she never complains (well... not very much) when I bring home old bikes.

She just has a little trouble accepting the n+1 formula for calculating bicycle need levels...

Me: But it's Italian!
Her: Uh Huh

Me: But it's French!
Her: Uh Huh

Me: But it's Japanese!
Her: So is the TV.

Me: But it's English!
Her: Uh Huh

Me: But it's Swedish, and it was free!
Her: It looks like Sweden didn't want it anymore.

Me: But it's genuine built in the USA!
Her: Swell

Me: But it's Japanese built, but USA licensed and sold!
Her: Oh, well if it's that unique..............

Me: But it's Hand Built in England!
Her: Don't you already have one of those?
Me: But that one is a racer, this one is a Tourer!
Her: What are you, the UN?
Me: Don't be silly, more like NATO.
Her: Oh, so next you want a tank?
Me: Nah, that's what that Worksman over there is for.
Her: What? You brought home another bike!?!?
Me: :Hangs head:

Some keys to keeping peace at home:

1. Flip enough bikes that the returns on flipping exceeds what you are keeping ("Its not a collection, its an investment!!!").

I go a little bit farther on this. Since I've been " between jobs" since the end of March, I've been spending alot of my time rebuilding bikes for a friend and myself. I just flipped two Schwinns and sold them on CL. I kept half of the money for the hobby, gave my wife the other half. Being the practical one, she put the money towards bills. The thing is, she now actually helps me im my search for more bikes to flip.

1) My bike collection is my equivalent of a sports car collection (I only have one of those) at an infinitesimal fraction of the cost.

2) In the great order of things, this is nothing and a totally harmless activity. There are much worse pursuits, for example [fill in].

3) Until I cleaned out the third stall of the garage for bikes, it was simply a dumping ground for everyones' crap.

4) If you want to sit in the Man Cave, you can't complain about the bikes.

My lessons I learned on how to keep the peace:

1) Don't keep bikes in the living room
2) Out of sight=Out of mind
3) post flip spread the wealth
4) Always show her the before and after(after a couple she was kinda interested)
5) Always make a big deal of the ones she finds!

I only use one excuse anymore....

"Sorry Honey I couldn't help myself" (sheepishly grinning)

At our house...

Bikes=Barbies:D

We both have our weaknesses and FWIW I spent less and made more on playing with bikes last year than she did with her Barbie Collection:innocent:

Aaron:)

3. Buy some bikes that are NOT your size. This makes the flip decision much easier. Its a lot easier to let something go that does not fit.

This is always easy for me since I need jumbo sized bikes. If I were a more normal size it might be harder to decide whether or not to keep or flip a bike. I went to a garage sale today that advertised bike parts (yes I did buy some) and the seller and I were talking about bike collections. It is the truth and he mentioned it first as to have enough of a collection to be able to add another and no one notices. Then if asked about the "new bike", respond no I have had that one awhile.

Just show the wife what this guy (http://www.velodramatic.com/thetab) spends on bikes, end of discussion. Well unless you are that guy or can beat him.

And, take all of this with a grain of salt because I am single and no one ever has complained when I bought another bike for a flipper or for myself. But, my flipping pretty much does pay for all of my own personal bike spending.

My greatest results for keeping peace wasn't by keeping the collection down or making money with them.
It's been by bringing her along when I go pick something up, make an afternoon or evening of it.

I figured that out a few years ago when I picked up a shaper on Ebay and had to make a 1200 mile trip to pick it up. Knowing I wanted/needed a co-driver I asked her along, she never once asked what I spent on it, and often asks when/if we're going on another road trip. Since then, I make sure I involve her in the pick up and delivery of things which keeps the peace.

A related 'unhappy other half' story, a few years ago I was repowering an old willys jeep. Found a guy that was parting out a newer jeep with a V6, had the engine($250),trans(175), transfer case(200) and axles(150 each) listed. I went down with enough money to buy the engine. I wanted to hear the engine run so we were trying to get it to start, we could get it to turn over but not fire.
We played with it for about a half hour when I heard a car pull in, then the garage door opened up and this very pretty girl was standing there. She looked at the car parts laying around, looked at him, started going off on him about all the 'junk' in the garage, then said: "I told you if I can't get my car in the garage tonight I'm moving to my moms!" then turned around and walked into the house. Feeling a bit uncomfortable I was about to offer him $250 for the engine and trans, which I figured was a very good offer without hearing the engine run, and a spare trans for a 50 year old jeep is always nice to have around. But before I could say anything he looks at me and says "give me $100 and you can have everything here" I took it all, but ended up giving him the $250 I'd brought just because I knew it was a great deal at twice that.

Ken.

I built my wife a really nice mixte and its her favorite bike. She would rather ride it than her other bikes (she has three) bought by me of course. She doesn't complain. She has her checking account and I have mine. We also have a household account so all is well.

when I heard a car pull in, then the garage door opened up and this very pretty girl was standing there. She looked at the car parts laying around, looked at him, started going off on him about all the 'junk' in the garage, then said: "I told you if I can't get my car in the garage tonight I'm moving to my moms!" then turned around and walked into the house

If their continuing relationship was based solely on her having a garage in which to park her car, I believe your purchase did nothing to give him marital bliss....but at least you made out on the deal.

Great suggestions, some of which I've followed:

soonerbills - Every flip that makes money buys 1 dinner out.
stringbreaker - Building her a mixte. Finally got the blue cable housing today. We'll see how that goes.
RFC - Tried the "I don't golf, bowl, or drink to excess" one. Rolled eyes, "and I don't scrapbook." Zing.
wahoonc - My sister has Barbie #1. Our family doesn't talk about it.
txvintage - I tried the head hanging martyrdom thing. Then I tried the hat. Now you have the hat.
wrk101 - Buy one not my size? The potential is what draws me in. Sorta like girls when I was young, but more predictable.

4) If you want to sit in the Man Cave, you can't complain about the bikes.

Let me know how that one works out for you;)

Great suggestions, some of which I've followed:

soonerbills - Every flip that makes money buys 1 dinner out.
stringbreaker - Building her a mixte. Finally got the blue cable housing today. We'll see how that goes.
RFC - Tried the "I don't golf, bowl, or drink to excess" one. Rolled eyes, "and I don't scrapbook." Zing.
wahoonc - My sister has Barbie #1. Our family doesn't talk about it.
txvintage - I tried the head hanging martyrdom thing. Then I tried the hat. Now you have the hat.
wrk101 - Buy one not my size? The potential is what draws me in. Sorta like girls when I was young, but more predictable.

There is potential in the hat. Potential for what, I have no idea, but potential none the less. We do now know of two women in the world who are completely immune to it's charms, however.

I'm getting this kind of talk even though I use all the bikes in the garage except the track bike. If they aren't in the garage, they wouldn't be used and thus I might as well not have them. I did rearrange the storage so it requires a little bit more skill to park my car, but everyone likes my car best. I wanted to be able to use the bikes more easily.

bikes...shoes....whats the difference really? :lol:

bikes...shoes....whats the difference really? :lol:

Bikes last longer and are a lot more fun!

Her: "Why the hell do you have to have all these bikes!" My response: "Babe! Their like the ophans that no one loves!" :D She laughs, mission accomplished! :thumb:

I really feel lucky. I really don't get any grief, as long as the bikes are just in the basement and on my side of garage. The rule is her car can always fit in the garage.

That said, we both get a little fed-up when too many of them pile up.

I have a 38' X 50' shop with a lot of hiding places. :) This works well for the out of sight = out of mind.

Right now the bikes are for me and the kids and eventually they will be for flipping.

My SO encourages my passion for bikes and was dismayed when I told her I had decided to sell some of my personal bikes...

...she's a keeper.

I got Mrs. K her own chrome Paramount and she frequently rides with me. She never complains about my bike habit, as she knows it is pretty healthy as far as habits go.

I'm keeping her!

My S.O. NEVER complains about the stash of bikes in the basement. NEVER.
She just smiles are reminds me "WHen you die, I'm going to have a yard sale. Bikes, $10 each." I told her to be sure to call Robbie Tunes.
Actually, she supports my cycling because I finally got off the sofa and put down the remote to do something healthy. Also, I lost 30lbs this year due to cycling. She likes it.

Point out that you could be screwing around with 30 year old cocktail waitresses instead of screwing around with 30 year old bikes.
This line of reasoning never worked for me, but give it a shot anyway:D
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You know, I walk into my house, and there are five bikes in the dining room along with one tandem. Two more in the laundry room, and five more or so in the basement. My sink usually has a bike part or two in it, and my kitchen table usually has a tube of grease and a nice assortment of tools on it.


Being single does have a couple of benefits!

I have nothing much to contribute. I'm single.
I just have me, to convince me. :)

me#1: How's that one any better than the one you already own?

me#2: Its not any better, but it looks nice and Friday is pay day!

me#1: okay, buy it!

:D

Note: I, most of the time, stay below the $150 limit, that makes it easy. I don't complain too much.

At our house...

Bikes=Barbies:D

We both have our weaknesses and FWIW I spent less and made more on playing with bikes last year than she did with her Barbie Collection:innocent:

Aaron:)

Barbies? Your wife is what, nine years old? Talk about robbing the cradle...:)

Barbies? Your wife is what, nine years old? Talk about robbing the cradle...:)

At least it isn't the Homeless doll. http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=590992

http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/ktla-homless-doll,0,5872943.story?track=rss-topicgallery

That said, my wife does complain about the sheer number of bikes, which have exceeded the confines of the garage and are now lined up in the alley. She dislikes that they make it impossible to reach any storage on the wall. But I don't like it either. On the other hand, she has alerted me to a bike in the trash and another at a yard sale. She does appreciate the before-and-after of bike restoration. And she especially likes the sale. I haven't bought dinner with bike money, but on the other hand, when our daughter suddenly needed a piccolo for marching band, I had the cash on hand to buy one on the spot.

Let me know how that one works out for you;)

It's all about the delivery. Light humor, but a subtle reminder of courtesy.

"...yeah, but you won't use it, you'll just work on it and talk about it."

Man, does that sound way too familiar... ;)

My wife has horses, so I'm the one that complains.

On the other hand, she has alerted me to a bike in the trash and another at a yard sale.

Wife bought a Columbia at a sale for $10 and I felt obligated to clean it up. I squeezed $50 out of it.

When asked why the wood shed was full of bike parts: "spare the air"

Hey, I think I can make 75 bucks on that one works every time.

After a particularly intense argument about something unrelated and bikes were brought in by his wife, this line, used by my childhood friend, reverberated in our circle of friends for years and was added to the balls hall of fame: "yeah, well, those bikes ride better than you."

I loved that boy...

Point out that you could be screwing around with 30 year old cocktail waitresses instead of screwing around with 30 year old bikes.
:D
Well now, a sure fire way to make my wife laugh.

Your home girl was one of the greatest additions to San Francisco. I adored her.

I have a summer bike...I need a back-up for it when I'm over-hauling it.

I have a winter bike...I need a back up for that one. In case I have a problem with it, I don't want to ride a summer bike in the winter.

I have a rain/snow bike...I need a back up for that one. Can't ride dry weather bikes in the rain.

I have a Saturday "cruiser". Look, I don't need a back-up for that one. Aren't you happy.

Oh, the five extra frames? Just in case I bent or crack the frame on one of the "working" bikes.

Barbies? Your wife is what, nine years old? Talk about robbing the cradle...:)

Nope she has the high dollar ones (http://www.barbiecollector.com/showcase/gallery.aspx?y=t150008&t=modern) Several of her Barbies are probably worth more than most of my bikes:o:roflmao2:

Aaron:)

Two things are key to having a bike collection. One is to have enough bikes in one place, that to her, it is a crowd, but she doesn't notice the exact number. Up to three, she can still see them as individual bikes. When you get past four or five, it becomes "all those bikes". Second, you have to keep the bikes out of her way. Nothing will raise her frustration level more than if she has to park outside in bad weather or squeeze past them to get through the hallway. These two rules apply to any income level, but if you are short of funds, then spending money on bikes better be to help with the situation or no excuse is going to help.

My wife's dad was a golfer and her brothers still golf, so I can always use that. I don't spend all year what they can spend in a weekend of golf. She also scrapbooks, so I have fixed up a room in the basement for her stuff. With all the tools and supplies, I figure it has cost about $50 a page for the pages she has made so far.

Our pre-nuptual aggreement had a "cycling comes first" clause. It was my one and only stipulation.

Nope she has the high dollar ones (http://www.barbiecollector.com/showcase/gallery.aspx?y=t150008&t=modern) Several of her Barbies are probably worth more than most of my bikes:o:roflmao2:

Aaron:)

And at least cycling represents independence and health.

Barbie represents a cookie cutting mold of subserviant, unhealthy women.

Just a little secret...Eventhough it probably doesn't make the most sense, frames without wheels don't really count as bikes. At least I've gotten away with this warped logic.

I now keep a few sets of wheels, and move them around various bikes. It saves some on storage. I don't have many bikes - just a bunch of frames.

Point out that you could be screwing around with 30 year old cocktail waitresses instead of screwing around with 30 year old bikes.
This line of reasoning never worked for me, but give it a shot anyway:D
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I liked the sound of that - until I remembered that my Claud Butler's 74 years old :mad:!!!

And at least cycling represents independence and health.

Barbie represents a cookie cutting mold of subserviant, unhealthy women.
You mean the "Girls Next Door" aren't the girls next door? :eek:

Just a little secret...Eventhough it probably doesn't make the most sense, frames without wheels don't really count as bikes. At least I've gotten away with this warped logic.

I now keep a few sets of wheels, and move them around various bikes. It saves some on storage. I don't have many bikes - just a bunch of frames.
Great idea, and one I kind of stumbled upon...I strip them when they arrive, and they store easier if I keep all the wheel sets in one place, and the frames in another, and only I know how many bikes there are....:innocent:

Collect bikes of all the same color. Then it will be less apparent to the casual observer how many you have.

I find that being seen bringing a new one onto the property is the problem. Once its there, it seems pretty benign. Therefore, avoid being seen bringing them in. Nightime, storage at work, hiding them in the basement, and off-site storage are all worth considering.

We all know there is a slippery slope between a pile of parts and an actual bike. Legally speaking a bike is complete. I would not suggest you lie, but I do suggest you look with clear eyes at how many "complete" bikes you own. I own just one bike, for example.

jim

You mean the "Girls Next Door" aren't the girls next door? :eek:

Off topic -- Not intending to derail this thread -- but I have to say, I learned recently that the main audience for that show is not men, but women aged 18-34. My son's girlfriend is a big fan of the show.

Back on topic -- I do have so many bikes that I was able to hide a new acquisition amongst the others. For awhile. My wife isn't that unaware, unfortunately. She eventually spotted the new one and is now on to me.

Don't get me wrong, she is very pleased when I sell a bike at a "profit" (that is, labor is free). She's also pleased that our daughter likes the vintage Schwinn Collegiate 3-speed I bought nearly pristine at a yard sale for $10. But she'd like to see fewer bikes in the garage and none in the alley.

Eye rolling is an intense sign of contempt. I personally would have a very hard time maintaining a relationship with someone who treated my preferences so rudely.