Unexpected inheritance
 

Hi, I joined Bike Forums because I am neither practical nor a great bike rider. I have just started riding a Hercules and an electric bike. I have become responsible for over a hundred old bikes and thousands of spare parts. I would like some advice as to what to do with them. There are quite a few bikes that have no makers marks. I will post one or two of them in case they can be identified. I have a google photo album showing one picture of all the bikes I have but cannot post the link to it as a new subscriber. Some of the bikes are in good condition whilst others require a bike angel to restore them to life.


If you have any ideas how to dispose of them or know of a potential charity or social enterprise that I could work with please let me know.

Thanks for reading this.

PS I am currently creating a google photo album for all the parts.

Forgot to mention I am based near Norwich, Norfolk England and the collection of bikes are in a lock up near Witham, Essex

IDK if you have a bike shop of good repute nearby, but on something like this you might do well to have an "expert" (that you at least half way trust) take a look and tell you what you have.

Many times collections like this can either be the result of a hoarder and not much more than a themed scrap pile. You also may have had an avid collector and each of them may well be valuable.

Best of luck.

I'd start taking pictures of each of the bikes in the collection. The Classic and Vintage forum here at Bikeforums will help you identify models and approximate value.

http://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage/

Even if you goal is to donate the collection to charity, it will be worthwhile to develop a list of the more valuable items in the collection.

You might want to post a blurb in the UK regional sun forum also: United Kingdom - Bike Forums Even though double posts are frowned upon, I think you might be allowed a one time reprieve.

One potential place that could take many of the parts, and some bikes as well, is a co-op near you. Not sure if this is the UK term for a local place that has volunteers working as mechanics and parts expediters/counter persons. They offer up used parts and some complete bikes as a service to the community for low prices. Sometimes that are tied to a specific place, or just a group of folks wanting to help out.

Welcome to the forum as well

Bill

From whom did you inherit them? If it was from an avid cyclist who collected and restored bikes, then you may well have some quite valuable bikes. In this case it is definitely worth having someone who knows old bikes take a look.

I did not strictly inherit them. My brother, somewhat of a strange character, has had a stroke which has badly affected him. He was a bike nut and now I am attorney for him I have responsibility for him. He is now in a care home and since his income has ceased I have to find ways of raising money to pay off his personal debts and to pay for a funeral plan( sorry to be so downbeat)

Being new to bike forums I am finding my way around so thanks for your patience and help

My first course of action in such an endeavor would be to seek the advice of an appraiser skilled in classic bicycles. Depending on exactly how one is dealing with his debts, it may assist greatly (or simply be required) in any legal court matter as well.

Make sure they are skilled in classic bicycles, though, don't just contact any shop.

Retrobike.co.uk is a British based web forum that will have some good information on where to sell the bikes as well as perhaps some hints to their manufacture.

.
...there is a lively market on e-bay for your "thousands of spare parts", but it's quite a bit of work to photograph, list and ship the stuff.

Still, something like e-bay, with its enormous audience, will probably yield the best return on those in terms of a regular income stream.

Contact either Veteran-Cycle Club or Hilary Stone @ hilarystone.com.

Eagerly awaiting pics!

Very sorry to read about your Brother. He is lucky to have you standing with him.

Thanks for the pointer

Thanks for your comment. A stroke can be a terrible thing but I am not the only person that has to take on family responsibilities.I have him settled in a home and I am straightening out his finances I have reconciled him with one of his daughters so I am not alone in looking out for him.It just makes me think I better make more of the time I have and get on with the things I want to do.

Hopefully, I should be able to post the links to the bikes and parts albums tomorrow

Art1st, I am with you on the challenges of dealing with strokes - both of my parents have suffered them this summer. I would echo 63rickert's suggestion of contacting the Veteran Cycle Club and/or Hilary Stone. Either could be an invaluable resource in helping you determine what to do with the bikes and parts he has accumulated.

my condolences, best of luck. stay strong, here's wishing you nothing but the best memories

Thanks for your wishes rumrunn6

Another condolence for your brother's plight and that your task is not an onerous one. Please take care of yourself as well, caretakers need caring for also.

One thought about the task ahead for you came to me this afternoon, U.K. Classic Lightweights, managed by Peter Underwood, has his bi-monthly Cambridge Lightweight Newsletter and I have seen him write blurbs about someone in your podition, and in encouraging others to help identify bikes, or to promote estate sales or such. It could be worth your time to use the email contact link on this website. He is well thought of and from my readings in the site, knows how to dig out the details of bikes and components. Nothing ventured-nothing gained, best wishes on the task ahead, I hope you will update us on how things proceed as time passes, for both your brother and the bikes.

Bill

Thanks qcpmsame. I will have a look at the website. I understand what you mean about carers looking after themselves as my wife and I looked after my wife's mother (who suffered from dementia) for over four years until her death. It was hard at times but we were fortunate that there were two of us and we did end up getting quite a bit of support.

Hi, I have links to two google albums. One shows a a number of bikes I have inherited and the other is the parts.

More than a dozen of the bikes have no makers marks.

I have a spreadsheet listing the bikes and another one listing the parts. I have still to photograph the wheels that are hanging by the rafters. Message me if you would like a copy.

Bikes
https://goo.gl/photos/1JDdTGRyqgNDFiHY7

Parts
https://goo.gl/photos/AWiGL3TwpmvVjnjB7

I'm sure there is a gem or two in there, but it's a large haystack with a few needles. Most of this is not worth the time of selling. A few things look possibly interesting. The Moultons are worth a few bucks in the US...not sure about the UK though, where presumably there's a lot more supply. I see a bunch of older roadsters that have some value. The parts...I'm not seeing much. Might be good for a flipper, but don't expect a good offer.

Lots of work but many have the potential to bring in some monetary funds. My opinion for the kiddie bikes, let them go. Focus on the folders, roadsters and older uprights. Don't do any repair. Clean them a little to show potential then find your best market.

Hope things work out for all.

I wonder what their market on roadsters is like...you'd think they'd have more of them there.

I think he really needs someone who knows the UK classified market (not seeing ebay bikes here...the Moultons are borderline).

As others have said sorry to hear of your families misfortune. I just hate to say this at this point since you have put so much work into the photos already but here's a tip. Take photos from the right side (chain side) of the bikes whenever possible. It will show the drivetrain which will help show any value the bike may have better.

Best regards

+1. Your brother would certainly have fit in well on this forum. I hope everything works out as well as it can.