RA13513960

I am now turning 79, and my riding days are finished. I have had to revert to rowing sculls. It was a sad day a few years ago when I knew my legs were gone, and the aches grew worse. I have a wonderful bike that I love, and my son who is a rower wants no part of biking, that was my love. I went into a bike shop in 1985 and told the guy to build me a bike that I would ride the rest of my life after riding others for years. He took a large gray Cinelli frame off the wall and added Shimano Durace components. I put it on my rack, and the next day I rode it 125 miles in a race/ride from Mexicali, Mexico to San Felipe, Mexico. It began a love affair that was only surpassed by my wife an son. It is soooo smooth. I had it repainted Ferarri red about 15 years ago, a top, expensive job, and the bike looks a good as new yet. I paid $1,850 for the package in 85' and have not paid any attention to bike prices since I had no thought of ever buying another one. I have decided that I want to sell it since seeing it sit in my closet makes me want to cry. It belongs on the road with someone who will appreciate it. While I have no pictures, I can only tell you that it is in very good condition, actually I think excellent, but does have a few minor scrapes on it. After all, I rode it a lot. Does anyone have any idea how much it is worth. I don't know anything about the model, etc, if that is an issue. I think the price of the frame was $850 at the time. Where do you think it would be best to list it or whatever. I just can't look at her much longer, too many great rides, friends, many of whom are gone, spills, speeding rides down hills praying I would not hit a rut, etc. She always brought me through. Sorry to muse, but I think you understand.

CliffordK

Great story,
Sorry to hear you're hanging up the spurs.
Perhaps it is time for a radical change (since 85), such as a tadpole trike.

RA13513960

Nah, I enjoy rowing now although the competitive ambiance between friendly riders is gone. Rowing is a different esoteric thing, but it is similar to riding when out alone on a country road.

Deal4Fuji

Sorry to hear you've reached a point where you can't continue. My Mother died young at 57 (I was 22) but she did such a great job of always looking at the ½ full glass. It was a long prolonged death by cancer, so she had time to reflect on her situation and comfort us by reminding us of how many people don't make it out of their childhood, or are born into such hardship as war, oppression or poverty. She had a great life and was always thankful for what she had. I'm sure you've had many good memories cycling, and riding to age 79 is surely longer than 99% of the population, Continue to do what you can do. It's great that you have rowing as a activity to keep you exercising. Reflect on the good cycling memories and set a goal of rowing till you're 99....and you can ride vicariously through Bike Forums

jet sanchEz

In 1985 there were a few different models of cinelli bikes, we'll definitely need a photo or two to help you assess the value of the bike.

miamijim

$750-1000 depending on condition.

Put an ad up your local San Diego Craiglist for $975 and walk with $900. If it doesnt sell in 7 days it's priced too high.

uncle uncle

Better to have rode and have bitter sweet memories of it now, then to have never rode. When the time comes for me, when I've decided that I've pumped the tires up for the very last time, one of my bikes will become wall art. And I intend to bore the hell out of anyone curious enough to ask about it, so I can continue to remember what bicycling has meant to me in my life's journey. I will let my spouse, or my children, or that person doing my estate sale decide where the last one should go. Good luck my friend.

Kactus

This is a decision we all will need to make in time... hopefully many years from now. I like how you are going to do it and think I probably will do something similar. I don't have any children however so hopefully one of my nephews will be into old bike and would like to have a reminder of his old uncle.

inkandsilver

I can't help, but thank you for sharing this beautiful story and I hope you are able to find a great home for your bike.

thenomad

Perhaps a nice wall hanging of a wheel free frame and a framed photo from the younger days is a more fitting retirement that will motivate you in your next 20 years of rowing.

vintagepedals

I guess we do have our own time to call it a day, but as you look back unto those riding days, you could probably utter these words " wow those were the best days of my life". anyways, love to see your buddy hopefully you can share a picture of it one of these days!