"I'm upside down moneywise but I don't care what people think I like the bike" thread
12-02-14, 05:49 PM
#51
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this is my best example; my commuter. Bought the bike original and complete for 250 (which some would argue is too much...lol) and after evolving for a couple years, well, you get the idea. The front wheel alone cost twice what I paid for the complete bike. While I'll never get my money back by selling it, I've recouped my money by commuting. I figure it's paid for itself a couple times over by now. Just this year alone, I've saved over $1,500.00 in gas and tolls.
12-02-14, 05:52 PM
#52
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Compared to boat fishing, bikes are positively virtuous! Even if your current frame is wearing a gruppo several times it's value with no hope of recouping the cost if sold 'as is' - by buying a bargain upmarket frame and swapping the parts over, the position is reversed. Also, the same bike parted out and sold returns a lot more in cash terms. Can't do that with my boat.
12-02-14, 06:04 PM
#53
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Did I spend a lot for my Jack Taylor and Mercian? When I think of what I paid for my Mercian relative to a high-end new bike, it was a relative bargain. Compared to typical mid-range Craigslist bike? A lot. But as long as it remains collectible and in good condition, I'll likely be able to recoup my investment. So I'm probably right-side-up there. The JT is less clear. I spent more on that than I did on the Mercian, but then JTs currently fetch more than Mercians of similar vintage. If I can assume that JTs will only increase in value over time, I'll recoup my investment in it.
As for my commuters and other bikes, yeah I'm upside down but who cares?
As for my commuters and other bikes, yeah I'm upside down but who cares?
12-02-14, 06:24 PM
#54
Still learning
Agreed, boats are not only money pits, they are 'time vacuums' too. My experience has been that I have always spent at least three times as much time maintaining, caring for, upgrading and preparing my boats as I ever have spent afloat on them. Also time spent learning and brushing up on navigation, chart work and corrections, marine band VHF qualifications, rope work, safety gear certification and checking, engine servicing. Then there's the storage, towing car & gas, safety kit, launch and recovery fees - it just goes on. Not complaining though, it's a great feeling at the helm of your own small boat completely free on the sea. Better still to catch your own fish for free - free in this instance probably works out at around $300 per pound, but don't tell the wife!
Compared to boat fishing, bikes are positively virtuous! Even if your current frame is wearing a gruppo several times it's value with no hope of recouping the cost if sold 'as is' - by buying a bargain upmarket frame and swapping the parts over, the position is reversed. Also, the same bike parted out and sold returns a lot more in cash terms. Can't do that with my boat.
Compared to boat fishing, bikes are positively virtuous! Even if your current frame is wearing a gruppo several times it's value with no hope of recouping the cost if sold 'as is' - by buying a bargain upmarket frame and swapping the parts over, the position is reversed. Also, the same bike parted out and sold returns a lot more in cash terms. Can't do that with my boat.
12-02-14, 06:43 PM
#55
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GPS has been a boon to ocean navigating. Over Labor Day weekend, we enjoyed some Long Island striped bass my friend caught on a charter outing. These beauties were 36" or more each. I think he got his money's worth at $10 or more per pound at retail. Not a fish story, I have pictures!
GPS is great - until someone else finds out your favourite "marks", then the commercial boys move in to net them and they become unfishable with rod and line. Suffice it to say, among our select group of sea anglers, a lot of covert chart markings and coded VHF messages take place!
12-02-14, 07:21 PM
#56
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Utter junker with hundreds of dollars of parts on it. Got it for free from a local bike dealer and have spent far too much on it (jaysus, but I love it-- it rides great)
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12-02-14, 07:22 PM
#57
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This '86 Team Fuji is the only bike I'm not upside down on. I have already bought the consumables needed to put it back on the road and picked up an OEM Fuji saddle for $20. It's going to take quite a bit of elbow grease but it shouldn't need any more cash outlay. Everything else in the fleet is worth much less than I have in it and I don't really care.
Here's the saddle before I cleaned it up.
Here's the saddle before I cleaned it up.
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Last edited by Murray Missile; 12-02-14 at 07:27 PM.
12-02-14, 08:12 PM
#58
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Out of the five complete bikes and one frame set I currently own, I'm upside down on one. I've come across good deals, and wheel-and-deal the rest as far as parts. I bargain shop as much as possible, and trade when I can. That being said, paying good money for good parts is fine, and I do it when the situation calls for it.
The one bike I'm upside down on is the one I truly enjoy riding the most, oddly enough.
Of my hobbies, this is the healthiest. Over the last six months, I've really culled the car parts, narrowing my focus in the process. The model kit collection is next to go on the chopping block.
The one bike I'm upside down on is the one I truly enjoy riding the most, oddly enough.
Of my hobbies, this is the healthiest. Over the last six months, I've really culled the car parts, narrowing my focus in the process. The model kit collection is next to go on the chopping block.
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12-02-14, 08:25 PM
#59
Hump, what hump?
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I'm probably upside down in my Pinarello Montello (eB@y purchase) as I bought it without a wheel set to get a lower price. I just couldn't resist that red paint! It still looks wet just sitting there. It's running on Atlanta rims and Campy hubs right now, of which I can't recall the cost. I even had to pay someone to mount the Michelins on those rims!
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12-02-14, 08:43 PM
#60
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12-02-14, 08:49 PM
#61
Still learning
12-02-14, 10:12 PM
#62
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At this point I only keep track of is how much I initially bought the bike for. I figure, whatever upgrades I may do (new wheelset, better derailleurs etc) could always be moved to one of my other bikes if I intend to resell down the road.
I also stopped keeping track of how much I spend on consummables. My rationalization is that they pay for themelves- the more i use my bike the more exercise I get and the more i save on gas.
12-02-14, 10:18 PM
#63
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I am upside down on one of my Circuits that I built up from a frame. I have added and changed so many things I lost count. I have sold off parts on the way, added parts from other bikes I purchased or purchased parts on here or ebay. I am probably going to change it again as well. I am a plus on so many other bikes I have sold that it offsets my sickness to upgrade my main ride.
My French bike is a money pit but I am enjoying the build to much to stop. The old old 50`s parts are expensive. I have no idea what the bike is worth so I do not know if I am upside down or not? Who cares? With these two bikes, it is all for me, not the resale. They are mine.
My Schwinn Voyageur will be a small plus even though I do not intend to sell. The Trek 560 should be a big plus if I sell it. My second Circuit will be a big plus if I sell it. It all evens out.
My French bike is a money pit but I am enjoying the build to much to stop. The old old 50`s parts are expensive. I have no idea what the bike is worth so I do not know if I am upside down or not? Who cares? With these two bikes, it is all for me, not the resale. They are mine.
My Schwinn Voyageur will be a small plus even though I do not intend to sell. The Trek 560 should be a big plus if I sell it. My second Circuit will be a big plus if I sell it. It all evens out.
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Last edited by Steve Whitlatch; 12-03-14 at 06:28 AM.
12-03-14, 06:32 AM
#64
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$ is a means not the end for me and finding a perfect DA BB in an all 105 bike somehow makes up for finding a cracked Campy DS dropout when the gunk is cleaned up.
12-03-14, 06:44 AM
#65
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this is my best example; my commuter. Bought the bike original and complete for 250 (which some would argue is too much...lol) and after evolving for a couple years, well, you get the idea. The front wheel alone cost twice what I paid for the complete bike. While I'll never get my money back by selling it, I've recouped my money by commuting. I figure it's paid for itself a couple times over by now. Just this year alone, I've saved over $1,500.00 in gas and tolls.
.
12-03-14, 06:47 AM
#66
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12-03-14, 06:59 AM
#67
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I'm on the total opposite end of the spectrum. I rarely buy parts and definately no new stuff. I use hockey tape or vinyl electric tape on my handlebars. Pick the best used tires from my bike flips. Piece together Simplex Prestige derailleurs from my parts bin. All my bikes have the cheapo cables from Wallyworld. I have a set of brakes from the 60's with the original brake pads. In fact most brakes I have on my bikes have original pads.
But then I have a kid in college. The great education scam I call it. Hard to believe there isn't some sort of investigation into what these universities are doing. I'll be depending on my kids to support me in my old age, 'cause its going to break the bank for their "education". Had to vent there.
But then I have a kid in college. The great education scam I call it. Hard to believe there isn't some sort of investigation into what these universities are doing. I'll be depending on my kids to support me in my old age, 'cause its going to break the bank for their "education". Had to vent there.
12-03-14, 08:44 AM
#68
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A month ago I bought a bike off CL for $100. Cheap, right? And it looked a pretty red in the picture.
To make it rideable, I ended up straightening the dropout, adjusting the RD (the FD was gone so I just made it a 6-speed), replaced the brake cables and housing, shifter cables and housing, front tire and tube, bar tape, front wheel bearings and headset bearings.
I SHOULD have also had the front wheel trued. And I should have serviced the BB but didn't touch it 'cause it seemed to spin okay. At least the bike was rideable now.
So I touched up the paint with some fingernail polish. Then I sold it to a college student . . . for $100. :--)
To make it rideable, I ended up straightening the dropout, adjusting the RD (the FD was gone so I just made it a 6-speed), replaced the brake cables and housing, shifter cables and housing, front tire and tube, bar tape, front wheel bearings and headset bearings.
I SHOULD have also had the front wheel trued. And I should have serviced the BB but didn't touch it 'cause it seemed to spin okay. At least the bike was rideable now.
So I touched up the paint with some fingernail polish. Then I sold it to a college student . . . for $100. :--)
Last edited by Duane Behrens; 12-03-14 at 08:49 AM.
12-03-14, 08:47 AM
#69
Still learning
A month ago I bought a bike off CL for $100. Cheap, right? And it looked a pretty red in the picture.
To make it rideable, I ended up replacing the brake cables and housing, shifter cables and housing front tire and tube, bar tape, front wheel bearings and headset bearings.
I SHOULD have also serviced the BB but didn't touch it 'cause it seemed to spin okay. Finally, I touched up the paint with some fingernail polish. Then I sold it to a college student . . . for $100. :--)
To make it rideable, I ended up replacing the brake cables and housing, shifter cables and housing front tire and tube, bar tape, front wheel bearings and headset bearings.
I SHOULD have also serviced the BB but didn't touch it 'cause it seemed to spin okay. Finally, I touched up the paint with some fingernail polish. Then I sold it to a college student . . . for $100. :--)
12-03-14, 09:02 AM
#70
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12-03-14, 12:37 PM
#71
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I'm upside down on any bike I have because I build them from the frame up. I would be upside down if I got the frame for free and I source a lot of parts from bike swaps. And I keep tweaking them. It's a hobby, a great hobby. I'm constantly learning.
12-03-14, 02:05 PM
#73
No one cares
everything will be worth the same to you when your dead.
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12-03-14, 02:13 PM
#74
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Truth
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12-03-14, 02:26 PM
#75
Senior Member
Here's my 1974 or 1975 Motobecane Grand Jubile - my first ever CL purchase. Paid $249. Someone had "upgraded" to 700c wheels, generic Shimano derailleurs.
Here it is now, along with the rundown of what's gone one with it in it's current state.
Okay, here's the list:
-custom wheels - H Plus Son TB14 & Velo Orange high flange Grand Cru hubs, double butted spokes, (paid wheel builder to build)
-Pasela Tires
-Brooks B17
-Carradice roll bag
-VO hammered fenders
-VO French thread bottom bracket, VO Grand Cru Mark II crankset, MKS Sylvan Touring pedals, VO toe clips
-Used front/rear Huret derailleurs off a crashed frame & cables/housing
-KMZ chain
-Tektro R559 brakes & pads/cables/housing
- Nitto Technomic stem
-VO Porteur handlebars
-VO City brake levers
-Suntour friction thumb shifters
- Crane brass bell
- Dimensions black cork blend grips (great)
-Huret spoke protector from bike coop. Removed the larger clear plastic part of it, so just the metal.
-Campy seat post binder
OK, that's it. So you see, don't you, that I've spend way more than I'll ever get for it? It rides nicely. It's more of a "Sunday" rider as I'd never leave it locked anywhere where I couldn't keep my eyes on it.
Here it is now, along with the rundown of what's gone one with it in it's current state.
Okay, here's the list:
-custom wheels - H Plus Son TB14 & Velo Orange high flange Grand Cru hubs, double butted spokes, (paid wheel builder to build)
-Pasela Tires
-Brooks B17
-Carradice roll bag
-VO hammered fenders
-VO French thread bottom bracket, VO Grand Cru Mark II crankset, MKS Sylvan Touring pedals, VO toe clips
-Used front/rear Huret derailleurs off a crashed frame & cables/housing
-KMZ chain
-Tektro R559 brakes & pads/cables/housing
- Nitto Technomic stem
-VO Porteur handlebars
-VO City brake levers
-Suntour friction thumb shifters
- Crane brass bell
- Dimensions black cork blend grips (great)
-Huret spoke protector from bike coop. Removed the larger clear plastic part of it, so just the metal.
-Campy seat post binder
OK, that's it. So you see, don't you, that I've spend way more than I'll ever get for it? It rides nicely. It's more of a "Sunday" rider as I'd never leave it locked anywhere where I couldn't keep my eyes on it.