Originally Posted by
sbarner
Exactly what I was going to write. When I see bikes like this, I wonder if the builder senses a bit of disappointment to see that, after all the communication and work in building the frame, the customer never actually rode the bike very much. With a bike like this, it isn't likely because there was anything wrong with it. You like to think that your effort was more than just to obtain a fee for service. I suppose the bike did serve a function in providing an aesthetic pleasure for the owner, but some chainring wear would also communicate that there were a bunch of happy miles experienced, as well.
Care to weigh in, PortlandJim? You're the only one who can enlighten us.
When I was building Merz bikes, starting around 50 years ago, I don't remember ever worrying about if my bikes were put to good use or not. As I mentioned in an earlier comment, almost all my customers were avid bike lovers. My bikes were expensive, but I didn't seem to get any rich dilliatants as customers. The man who I made this bike for did ride it with great enjoyment for 2 years. He had a medical issue and that ended his cycling days. As far as I'm concerned this wasn't a great outcome for him, but don't loose sleep over the bike not being used during the next 47 years. I was never very emotionally invoveled with any bike I have owned or built, to me they are tools, not art works. Jim Merz