I have a few takeaways from this thread:

- Firstly, I'm humbled. You guys just really love BIKES! Any kind of bike! Any odd combination, frame, handlebar configuration or manufacturer. You just clearly love bicycles and riding. I've seen a ton of bikes that I wouldn't look at twice being lovingly and painstakingly restored to glory. Typically, in whatever area of interest I personally have, I tend towards snobbery and focus only on a small subset that I consider interesting or worth my attention. I've been challenged to broaden my scope and be open to new types of riding, or to at least try riding them first!
- Secondly, I'm inspired to really get my bikes to shine! I've always wondered how to make the bikes and components look better and now I have a few good tips.
- Thirdly, I'm motivated to actually get out and ride! I tend to obsess over bikes as aesthetic objects and that wholly guides my choices in how I build them (hence my propensity towards stripped-down fixies), that I sort of forget to ride them very much. This year I'd like to ride to work every day or try!
- Fourthly, I joined BF a while back, but jumped back on after some questions about a recent Battaglin purchase and having moved away from my bikey neighbour who's helped me in all my builds, and I've super appreciated the help and community since then. I've already picked up some components cheap and continue to be inspired to develop my own bike-culture. Thanks for that!