to ride or to cherish...that is the question
03-03-08, 08:08 PM
#1
ridewhenican
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to ride or to cherish...that is the question
Hi all,
I'm a newbie here, so please excuse my ignorance. I sort of joined the C&V forum last fall after inheriting my Grandfather's mint condition 1973 Schwinn World Voyageur after he passed away. The bike is stock, except for clipless pedals, and I've really enjoyed riding it. However, I do have reservations about riding it.
The bike is my only road bike, with my other bike being a 2004 Giant Yukon. I use the Yukon for trails, commuting, and for pulling my two boys in a trailer. With the Schwinn, I have this fear (perhaps silly) of messing the bike up with dings and scratches from normal use. I am generally really particular about how I care for things that I own, but I know that general wear and tear is inevitable. However, having said that, I know that the fact that I am now riding the bike that my grandfather never did is now giving him a great deal of joy. I did 11 miles yesterday and 25 miles today. I had a smile on my face the entire time, and I know he did too.
My question is this. I have seen many on this board talk about the bikes they cherish, or the vintage bikes that they got a good deal on ebay, craigslist, or via dumpster diving. I have also seen others discuss paying upwards of a thousand dollars for rare Paramounts and the like. With bikes that are so cherished, does it make sense to ride them? I know that many of you have many bikes, so perhaps I should look into getting another road bike to lessen the ride time? With some saving, I could go out and purchase a new road bike, and, while I would take care of it, I wouldn't feel as bad if it got dinged in some way. Newer bikes can be easily replaced, assuming you have the money. But vintage bikes are not so easy to come by, at least in my neck of the woods. What is your opinion of your use of bikes? I'm never going to just hang the World Voyageur on the wall, because I don't think it necessarily belongs in a museum. However, I am not quite as convinced that the bike needs to be my primary road bike. What are your thoughts? Are your vintage bikes your Sunday drivers, or are you not afraid to use them on a more regular basis.
Thanks in advance for your responses to my off-the-wall question.
I'm a newbie here, so please excuse my ignorance. I sort of joined the C&V forum last fall after inheriting my Grandfather's mint condition 1973 Schwinn World Voyageur after he passed away. The bike is stock, except for clipless pedals, and I've really enjoyed riding it. However, I do have reservations about riding it.
The bike is my only road bike, with my other bike being a 2004 Giant Yukon. I use the Yukon for trails, commuting, and for pulling my two boys in a trailer. With the Schwinn, I have this fear (perhaps silly) of messing the bike up with dings and scratches from normal use. I am generally really particular about how I care for things that I own, but I know that general wear and tear is inevitable. However, having said that, I know that the fact that I am now riding the bike that my grandfather never did is now giving him a great deal of joy. I did 11 miles yesterday and 25 miles today. I had a smile on my face the entire time, and I know he did too.
My question is this. I have seen many on this board talk about the bikes they cherish, or the vintage bikes that they got a good deal on ebay, craigslist, or via dumpster diving. I have also seen others discuss paying upwards of a thousand dollars for rare Paramounts and the like. With bikes that are so cherished, does it make sense to ride them? I know that many of you have many bikes, so perhaps I should look into getting another road bike to lessen the ride time? With some saving, I could go out and purchase a new road bike, and, while I would take care of it, I wouldn't feel as bad if it got dinged in some way. Newer bikes can be easily replaced, assuming you have the money. But vintage bikes are not so easy to come by, at least in my neck of the woods. What is your opinion of your use of bikes? I'm never going to just hang the World Voyageur on the wall, because I don't think it necessarily belongs in a museum. However, I am not quite as convinced that the bike needs to be my primary road bike. What are your thoughts? Are your vintage bikes your Sunday drivers, or are you not afraid to use them on a more regular basis.
Thanks in advance for your responses to my off-the-wall question.
03-03-08, 08:10 PM
#2
feros ferio
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Since I own only vintage bikes, vintage bikes are my daily drivers. If I am really concerned about the possibility of either theft or damage, I ride the lowly Peugeot UO-8; otherwise, any of my bikes is fair game.
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
03-03-08, 08:14 PM
#3
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+1,
Just get another vintage bike, or three, or...maybe a dozen.
And save the Schwinn for nice days and special events.
Just get another vintage bike, or three, or...maybe a dozen.
And save the Schwinn for nice days and special events.
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I have a white PX-10, a Green Dawes Galaxy and an Orange Falcon, now I'm done.
I have a white PX-10, a Green Dawes Galaxy and an Orange Falcon, now I'm done.
03-03-08, 08:19 PM
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Back In The Saddle
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If it was me, and I had your Schwinn, I think I would only ride it sparingly. It's in beautiful condition, looks like NOS and I'd want to keep it that way.
But that's just me. I have lots of other bikes to ride. If you enjoy riding it regularly, do it. Scratches, dents and digs can be all be repaired if needed.
Could we see some more pictures of it? Some close ups maybe?
But that's just me. I have lots of other bikes to ride. If you enjoy riding it regularly, do it. Scratches, dents and digs can be all be repaired if needed.
Could we see some more pictures of it? Some close ups maybe?
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In life there are no mistakes, only lessons. -Shin
In life there are no mistakes, only lessons. -Shin
03-03-08, 08:19 PM
#5
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I'd say ride it, ride it, ride it. If you ride sensibly, and take proper care of it, it should last longer than you will. Better to have your bike grow old with you, than to have it remain "pristine" until you are no longer able to enjoy it the way it was meant to be enjoyed.
03-03-08, 08:27 PM
#6
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Very nice bike. Ride it!
I bought a 1985 Merckx for my wife last Summer. It had never been ridden, and was in showroom condition. Now it is ridden frequently, just not in the rain.
Bikes are made to be ridden.
I bought a 1985 Merckx for my wife last Summer. It had never been ridden, and was in showroom condition. Now it is ridden frequently, just not in the rain.
Bikes are made to be ridden.
03-03-08, 08:27 PM
#7
Uber Goober
Back when I was a teenager, I noticed that Uncirculated buffalo nickels were selling for about $10 each. They quit making them in 1937, when my dad was 8 years old. I asked him "How come you didn't save any uncirculated buffalo nickels in 1937 so you could sell them now?" He informed me that in 1937, his family didn't seem to have ANY extra nickels.
The moral of that story is that there's a lot of stuff that I would like to save. You know, go buy a car, park it in the garage, wait 30 years, and wouldn't it be a jewel! But most of us don't have the space or money or the patience to do that.
In your case, if you can store that bike out of the way where it's protected from weather, and you don't really need it, great, save it up, and it'll be cooler every passing year (assuming it doesn't get stolen and your house doesn't burn down, that is). Especially if everything on it is the original stuff that came on it, that would be worthwhile. And, if necessary, go buy another just like it to ride. But if you don't have the room for it, or the patience to dust it for 30 years, or don't have the extra cash, then put it to work and don't feel bad about it.
The moral of that story is that there's a lot of stuff that I would like to save. You know, go buy a car, park it in the garage, wait 30 years, and wouldn't it be a jewel! But most of us don't have the space or money or the patience to do that.
In your case, if you can store that bike out of the way where it's protected from weather, and you don't really need it, great, save it up, and it'll be cooler every passing year (assuming it doesn't get stolen and your house doesn't burn down, that is). Especially if everything on it is the original stuff that came on it, that would be worthwhile. And, if necessary, go buy another just like it to ride. But if you don't have the room for it, or the patience to dust it for 30 years, or don't have the extra cash, then put it to work and don't feel bad about it.
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03-03-08, 08:33 PM
#8
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well, in addition to bikes, i collect knives, guns, books, music, stereos... plus other stuff. oh yeah, fly fishing gear. i have some great beautiful old reels and rods. i take care of them, but i also use them. if i don't i figure someday i'll die and my wife will be selling all these beautiful mint condition rods and reels for a dollar at a garage sale. the value of them for me is the memories of being on the water enjoying fishing and the beautiful quality of the gear. seriously, one of the saddest pictures i've seen is an old guy selling a mint condition rod on ebay, one that he'd never used.
it's a special bike to you because it was your grandfathers, but to someone else it's just an old- albeit mint bike. use it and enjoy it. and think of your grandfather on every journey.
it's a special bike to you because it was your grandfathers, but to someone else it's just an old- albeit mint bike. use it and enjoy it. and think of your grandfather on every journey.
03-03-08, 08:37 PM
#9
Senior Member
It's a great bike, I had one for years. I gave it to my brother who still has it and tides it now and then. My dad bought it in 1973 for $222. They were made by Panasonic I believe, for Schwinn. You should ride it, but take real good care of it.
03-03-08, 08:42 PM
#10
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Back when I was a teenager, I noticed that Uncirculated buffalo nickels were selling for about $10 each. They quit making them in 1937, when my dad was 8 years old. I asked him "How come you didn't save any uncirculated buffalo nickels in 1937 so you could sell them now?" He informed me that in 1937, his family didn't seem to have ANY extra nickels.
The moral of that story is that there's a lot of stuff that I would like to save. You know, go buy a car, park it in the garage, wait 30 years, and wouldn't it be a jewel! But most of us don't have the space or money or the patience to do that.
In your case, if you can store that bike out of the way where it's protected from weather, and you don't really need it, great, save it up, and it'll be cooler every passing year (assuming it doesn't get stolen and your house doesn't burn down, that is). Especially if everything on it is the original stuff that came on it, that would be worthwhile. And, if necessary, go buy another just like it to ride. But if you don't have the room for it, or the patience to dust it for 30 years, or don't have the extra cash, then put it to work and don't feel bad about it.
The moral of that story is that there's a lot of stuff that I would like to save. You know, go buy a car, park it in the garage, wait 30 years, and wouldn't it be a jewel! But most of us don't have the space or money or the patience to do that.
In your case, if you can store that bike out of the way where it's protected from weather, and you don't really need it, great, save it up, and it'll be cooler every passing year (assuming it doesn't get stolen and your house doesn't burn down, that is). Especially if everything on it is the original stuff that came on it, that would be worthwhile. And, if necessary, go buy another just like it to ride. But if you don't have the room for it, or the patience to dust it for 30 years, or don't have the extra cash, then put it to work and don't feel bad about it.
And believe me, the "wait 30 years and it will be worth a lot" mentality can be overdone. My parents are packrats from that mode of thought. My old bedroom is currently occupied by Smurfs, broken toys, and Wheaties boxes. Yes, a pristine Wheaties box with a future hall-of-famer on the front might be worth something, someday, but at what hidden cost to those that have to care for it until it reaches its ultimate value?
03-03-08, 08:47 PM
#11
The Improbable Bulk
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One question...
What would make your grandfather happier, to have it sit and be potentially more valuable some day, or for you to ride it?
My guess is he would want you to ride it.
I think that by riding it you are paying tribute to your grandfather.
What would make your grandfather happier, to have it sit and be potentially more valuable some day, or for you to ride it?
My guess is he would want you to ride it.
I think that by riding it you are paying tribute to your grandfather.
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Slow Ride Cyclists of NEPA
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- Ralph Waldo Emerson
03-03-08, 08:52 PM
#12
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I vote "Yes". Ride it, and cherish it.
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In search of what to search for.
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03-03-08, 08:54 PM
#13
Bike Junkie
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I would ride the bike, at least part of the time, and I'd also buy another, inexpensive road bike. Bikes have a nasty way of getting even with owners that neglect them. Tires rot, grease hardens, lube dries up, then you go to ride it and nothing works right. If you want a beater so you don't have to worry about scratching the Schwinn, then buy one. BUT, don't fall in love with that one so you need another beater and fall in love with that one so you need another beater, then fall in love with that one.......and on and on.
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03-03-08, 08:56 PM
#14
ridewhenican
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Thanks, all, for the feedback. I've been wiping it down after every ride, just as another forum member suggested. It hangs in the garage out of the way of my adorable (yet destructive) kids when I'm not riding it. I'm also on the lookout for a bike to be a beater, or at least a decent frame that I might outfit with modern components.
As requested, you can find some close-ups of the bike on my flickr page. Click here for the photos.
As requested, you can find some close-ups of the bike on my flickr page. Click here for the photos.
03-03-08, 09:15 PM
#15
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Thanks, all, for the feedback. I've been wiping it down after every ride, just as another forum member suggested. It hangs in the garage out of the way of my adorable (yet destructive) kids when I'm not riding it. I'm also on the lookout for a bike to be a beater, or at least a decent frame that I might outfit with modern components.
As requested, you can find some close-ups of the bike on my flickr page. Click here for the photos.
As requested, you can find some close-ups of the bike on my flickr page. Click here for the photos.
btw - Welcome to C & V.
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In search of what to search for.
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03-03-08, 09:33 PM
#16
WV is not flat..
One thing I like about having a few different bikes..I can go to the basement look around and decide what kind of mood I'm in and pick the bike that fits. If I want to be nostalgic and remember the day my friction shifter worked loose climbing and I layed the bike over, I pick the old Ross. If I feel like riding to see the shimmer of Schwinn Le Tour blue, that's what I pick. My point is that I'm going to care for them all the same and enjoy them all the same. I'm still looking for that bike that I really don't care enough about to beat the heck out of. I don't think I will ever find it..(I like bikes too much for that.)
03-03-08, 09:37 PM
#17
Run What 'Ya Brung
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I'm sure I'm just echoing other sentiments here, but the value of that bike is basically what it's worth to you, because a Schwinn World Voyager isn't anything that special, even if it's NOS. I think you should ride it and put it to good use. Bikes are made to be ridden, and unless you have Eddy Merckx's hour record bike or Fausto Coppi's TDF rig, then you should have it out there on the road, but take good care of it.
03-03-08, 09:44 PM
#18
WV is not flat..
Wait I take that all back, I just looked at your pictures. I would never ride that bike again. It's just too nice. Ok just kidding, I'd be proud to ride that one. Very nice ride..!!
Ok just kidding, I'd be proud to ride that one. Very nice ride..!!
03-03-08, 09:53 PM
#19
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If it were mine I would ride it.
I have three Paramounts including one in chrome. The chrome one is very low mileage and I ride it less than my other bikes but I still ride it. I don't own anything I don't ride.
By the way, that is a beautiful Schwinn. I love the orange color. It looks great with the chrome stays and lugs.
When I am gone or disabled, I want my bikes to go to people who will ride and enjoy them as much as I did.
I have three Paramounts including one in chrome. The chrome one is very low mileage and I ride it less than my other bikes but I still ride it. I don't own anything I don't ride.
By the way, that is a beautiful Schwinn. I love the orange color. It looks great with the chrome stays and lugs.
When I am gone or disabled, I want my bikes to go to people who will ride and enjoy them as much as I did.
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1971 Paramount P-13 Chrome
1973 Paramount P-15 Opaque Blue
1974 Raleigh Professional Blue Mink
1991 Waterford Paramount
Holland Titanium Dura Ace Group
Holland Titanium Ultegra Triple Group
1971 Paramount P-13 Chrome
1973 Paramount P-15 Opaque Blue
1974 Raleigh Professional Blue Mink
1991 Waterford Paramount
Holland Titanium Dura Ace Group
Holland Titanium Ultegra Triple Group
03-03-08, 10:24 PM
#20
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Welcome to C&V...Oh and Riding = Cherishing. Bikes hung forever on the wall cry all day, every day.
03-03-08, 10:45 PM
#22
Villainous
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Not an exact analogy, but I inherited a bunch of my grandmother's cast iron cook wear. I take very good care of it, because I hope to be able to give it to my kids some day, but I absolutely use it. When I use it I almost feel like it's something we're doing together.
I say ride it and think of your grandfather every time. (and take good care of it so your kids can know their great grandfather just a little bit).
I say ride it and think of your grandfather every time. (and take good care of it so your kids can know their great grandfather just a little bit).
03-03-08, 10:49 PM
#23
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What are you gonna do, give it to your grandkids?
Bikes are meant to be ridden. So ride and enjoy!
Bikes are meant to be ridden. So ride and enjoy!
03-03-08, 10:50 PM
#24
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That bike is just like a beautiful woman, it is built to be ridden.
I never quite understood collectors, of anything, that don't actually use the things they collect. What enjoyment do you get from just looking at it? Well, to each their own, I guess. Just not me.
I never quite understood collectors, of anything, that don't actually use the things they collect. What enjoyment do you get from just looking at it? Well, to each their own, I guess. Just not me.
03-03-08, 11:32 PM
#25
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collectors=addicts
I tend to have two collections of things...the usable one & the "investment" one.
Campy for example...
MOST of my rides have Campy something somewhere or other.
A couple have ti Super Record.
They all get ridden, just the prior more than the latter.
Note to strawboss,... I have ridden the rims off a bike that belonged to the oldest brother of the family I grew up across the street from. When he passed from diabetes, he left the bike to a younger brother. He also left instructions that if he were to ever sell it, he had to offer it to me first.
I bought it 15+ years ago. Still have it. Still ride the rims off it.
I think he likes that.
in spite of the drunken Sunday neon grafitti paintjob I slapped on it one day. 
Here's to riding..you & Grampa! Enjoy.