General Cycling Discussion - Gee, it really is all over.

Before anyone asks, no - this is not another of those "leaving bikeforums" posts OK?

Some of you may be aware that I am planning to buy a new bike this week. That basically means that my current bike is going to be relegated to the status of "shopping bike" or something unless someone else can come up with a better fate. Another couple of commutes and it's all over.

The thing is, it was only on this weekend's climb of Springbrook that the realisation really hit me. After two tours, over 1,000 commutes and an estimated 65-70,000km, it's gonna be bloody hard to adapt to life without this bike. I mean, I put this bike through so much crap (rain, hills, corrugated dirt roads, various combinations of the above) and it never complained.

I never thought one could get so attached to a machine like this.
:(

If it's a raod frame, slap some 30c knobbies on the old boy and turn him into a cross bike. Nothing like having a bike for mudding.

So, what's the new bike gonna be then?

Originally posted by Fatal Justice
I never thought one could get so attached to a machine like this.
:(
You might be surprised at how often it happens. When the frame of my first good road bike died, I sawed off the head tube and still have it. I don't generally consider myself to be sentimental with regard to inanimate objects...

Originally posted by velocipedio
If it's a raod frame, slap some 30c knobbies on the old boy and turn him into a cross bike. Nothing like having a bike for mudding.

It's not a road frame, but this does give me an idea. Maybe I could just make this my rain bike or something.


Originally posted by Allister

So, what's the new bike gonna be then?


I haven't quite decided yet. It'll be another MTB because I like the versatility of them, but beyond that, you'll have to wait to find out.

Put a basket on the front and use it to cart tinnies around to friends houses...well, that's what I'd do :D

Rich

Originally posted by Rich
Put a basket on the front and use it to cart tinnies around to friends houses...well, that's what I'd do :D

Rich

In Australia, or at least here in QLD, a 'tinnie' is a small aluminium boat. What sort of basket are you thinking of here?

(actually it does also mean can of beer. last Christmas I entered a raffle for a 'tinnie full of tinnies' , being said boat filled with a couple of dozen slabs, Either way it's a moot point: I believe Chris doesn't drink the beer)

Originally posted by Fatal Justice
It's not a road frame, but this does give me an idea. Maybe I could just make this my rain bike or something.
There you go! So you don't have to send your old steed off to the glue factory after all. You can ride it through the rain and the mud [and don't you like riding in the rain?] without having to worry about cleaning out the new bike.

Velocipedio's Law of Bike Ownership: You can never get by with one bike. Every cyclist needs at least two bike.

Originally posted by Allister

In Australia, or at least here in QLD, a 'tinnie' is a small aluminium boat. What sort of basket are you thinking of here?

(actually it does also mean can of beer. last Christmas I entered a raffle for a 'tinnie full of tinnies' , being said boat filled with a couple of dozen slabs, Either way it's a moot point: I believe Chris doesn't drink the beer)

Thanks for the info Al....

Hmm, well if Chris doesn't drink beer...can he really be an Ozzie?

Hehe...forget I said that :D maybe he could collect his groceries instead.

Rich

Originally posted by velocipedio

There you go! So you don't have to send your old steed off to the glue factory after all. You can ride it through the rain and the mud [and don't you like riding in the rain?] without having to worry about cleaning out the new bike.

Velocipedio's Law of Bike Ownership: You can never get by with one bike. Every cyclist needs at least two bike.
A friend at work used to read a publication called, well, I don't remember what it was called...

Anyway, it was about saving money, and it was really wild. I mean, smart.

So, to shorten this point, the idea went like this: when your sneakers are worn and it's time for new ones, keep the old ones.
Do this a second time, and you'll have three pair: one for clean wearing, one for dirty wearing, and one for unspeakably dirty wearing. Rotate indefinitely.

Chris, your are 2/3 of the way there. (I am still behind you...a km problem, I assume.)

I have several bikes I put into use for different reasons, one is a mountain bike for rainy days, another is one I use for sunny days. Then there's one I used for long distance training wwhen it rains a, several others that I use for sunny training. Plus I have one for just knocking around on.

yeah, i can relate. i've never gotten rid of one of my bikes voluntarily (had 2 stolen long ago)... i currently have 4:

i still have my 1st mountain bike - '89 Stumpjumper which is now my short-distance-commuter bike w/o clipless pedals for when i want to wear regular clothes or need to park in 'unsafe' places.

then my roadbike... '98 Raleigh w/ Campy/Sachs

then my old MTB - '98 Norco Torrent w/ RockShox Judy which i now use as my main commuter for getting to work - it's also used when friends visit from out of town w/o a bike

and my new 2002 Specialized FSR XC Comp which i only use off-road

it's great being able to do a ride or a commute w/o having to change tires or take off a rack or riding knobies on the road or my commuter tires in the mud -- also, only my off-road bike gets the major abuse - i find i rarely have to replace things on my commuters or road bike - back when i only had one it was a pain b/c almost every week i broke something mountain-biking and then had to commute with a blown rim or messed-up drivetrain until i found time to fix it.

then if i even want to build up a singlespeed or a trials bike or whatever i have a lot to work with...

i still love all my bikes and with so many miles on each, each has so many memories andit's just not worth the few hundred bucks i might get selling one.

i haven't had a car in 11 months now! but i do have 4 bikes, 1 push scooter, 2 pair rollerblades, snowboard, skiis, rock-climbing shoes, etc.

i'll bet your old bike will still get plenty of use. My old old MTB still gets around 1000km/year

Chris,
The others are right. Make it your errand bike. Maybe put one or two of the folding rear "saddle bag" type baskets on your rack. You could even rig one up with pannier suspension so you can put it on and off easily. Errand bike is a noble use for a retired iron (or aluminum or whatever) horse. That way you can still take him out for exercise from time to time.
Regards,
Raymond

Most of the components on old faithful are just about stuffed. I've put off replacing them so I could save some money. I think the shopping bike idea is the way to go. That way, I can get to the shops in a hurry if I need to, and don't have to worry quite as much about theft.

Of course, the bike itself might have a bit to say about that. After some of the places it's been, just doing the shopping is one hell of a relegation.

Oh yeah, Rich. I don't drink beer, but I reckon I'm pretty likely to one day uphold that other Aussie tradition - skin cancer. :eek:

Originally posted by Fatal Justice
Most of the components on old faithful are just about stuffed.

Maybe it should be your 'errant bike' instead then.

Originally posted by Fatal Justice

Oh yeah, Rich. I don't drink beer, but I reckon I'm pretty likely to one day uphold that other Aussie tradition - skin cancer. :eek:

:eek:!