Originally Posted by
jimfern
When i read this, it made me think, sometimes free isn't cheap enough. I did like the idea of rebuilding it, but it still needs the parts I mentioned to be ride worthy and I'm not in love with it at this point. Thanks for your advice.
If I were an LBS owner, I would give away (or sell at super low cost) beater bikes obtained for free or at super-low cost.
That way, some of the people who take them will eventually come back to me for replacement parts and upgrades. The bike is given away and taken as a charitable contribution tax deduction and I make money on parts upgrades. Let's call it a "marketing strategy".
Note that branko's GP is really nice. Also note, as nice as it is, it does not have its original seat post, saddle, crank, bottom bracket, wheels, tires or derailleurs. The fenders are aftermarket (not stock).
So, it IS a hobby and he has had fun upgrading his GP. He did a nice job. I bet it's a nice ride.