I think a main point of the original post was that the older man who owned the Raleigh didn't want to part with that particular old bike because it was such an integral part of his life-changing story. I returned to cycling in 1996 after walking away from an exciting musical career, knowing that I would need another passion to replace my music. Cycling filled that gap and "saved my life" as others have mentioned, and because I associate so many good feelings with that first GT Outpost mountain bike, I still use it as my main ride. It'll be 25 years old next season, and as long as I can keep it running well enough to carry me over state lines and suspension bridges, I have no plans to replace it with any younger, prettier model out there.