Roger M 

Me, I've learned that it's not about the bike so much.

*The ride is much more fun and rewarding.
*I rode twice the mileage of years past(and still have over two weeks to pile on to that). 3/4 of that was on old bikes
*The result of the above, I'm able to ride farther, longer, and up more of a hill.
*There is some really beautiful country in the PNW, and I can appreciate it more seeing some of that at a slower pace(than a motor vehicle).
*I lost about 10 pounds over the year(give or take a couple).
*The bike is a tool, not a decoration.


There's probably more..

Barrettscv 

It's help enjoy a much wider range of bikes and people to ride with.

I owned a 1974 Schwinn Paramount for most of my life, I was the original owner of the bike. But I didn't consider C&V cycling and ownership to be a worthwhile hobby until about 6 years ago. I was a solitary cyclist with modern steel bikes, when bibliobob suggest I pick up a 1986 Trek as a project bike. The bike was a fun project and a good ride.

I enjoy riding with a recreational group on vintage bikes. The pace and attitude fits me.

This year I enjoyed my Serotta and Simoncini as much as ever, and started work on my PX10.

RISKDR1

it got me back into cycling in a serious way. My old mid 80's Medici was not being riden. I got a wild hair and decided to bring it back and ride more now that I am retired. I had the frame restored and put all campy on it. I am now riding 4 days a week and loving it. I love the comments I get from those with modern bikes when they see its classic beauty. It has given riding a new life and given me new fitness goals.

scozim 

1) Keeps me learning on the repair side of things
2) Allowed me more flexibility to ride different roads/areas/conditions - thanks to a variety of different bikes
3) Fostered some good conversation with other people (non-BF members) that ride older bikes
4) BF C&V continues to aid in finding more friends with common interests and the joy that comes from riding with other members of the forum
5) The joy of hearing the comment - "there's three really nice old bikes" as Northbend, Drillium Dude and myself passed three riders during a metric century with our non-aero cable bikes

Italuminium

-weight weenied my wallet
-had me spend a lot of time arguing about scotch, books and music on a bikes forum
-kept me out of the train on my commutes, giving me a semblance of dececnt condition in the process

OldsCOOL

In completing my first build. @bobotech sold me the '88 Criterium Series frameset with a Sakae FX Litage aluminum fork. To me, that was my needle in a haystack. The build was successful and my joy of the summer. Should be my fast ride for several years. Yes, it is twitchy but it fits like a glove and I absolutely love...the...ride.

Then, when looking for a 7sp indexed shifter set to compliment the Shimano 600 RD, @RobbieTunes came through in an act of generosity to save the day. Love the "clicks", Robbie!!

daf1009

I think I learned the opposite! My mileage was way down (due to some health issues)...but...I learned to appreciate the bike as more of a piece of rolling art...I appreciate the bike itself more now...

Looking forward to 2015...to build the mileage back up to match learning about the bikes!

oddjob2

Beneficial humor, entertainment, and camraderie in this forum.

Other than Costco runs, almost all in town runs are by bicycle; bank, USPS, groceries, matinees, restaurant, and hardware. Still don't have the right rack for takeout pizza.

2014 is the first year I've ridden every month.

Filled up my garage, basement, and a few in the house.

Being a tourist in Detroit, riding a few Slow Rolls, Critical Mass, and to Belle Isle.

Paid my neighbor back for snow plowing with a Motobecane to replace his crapped out Schwinn Continental.

RobbieTunes

C&V and Bike Forums sent me to Lynchburg to stomp youngsters on a 13-mile climb (with rccardr)

C&V and Bike Forums sent me to Wisconsin with rccardr, to experience Centenario D'Bartali.

C&V and Bike Forums sent me to B.A.M.F. for the best bike show I've seen (outside of C D Bartali)

C&V and Bike Forums sent cehowardGS to me with bikes and good cheer, an enthusiastic spirit that cannot be ignored, dampened, or defeated.

C&V and Bike Forums is my morning dose, evening fix, and midday respite. When my wife thinks I'm listening, I'm on it on my phone.

For all this, gratitude.

I'm sure I'll mess it all up in 2015.

likebike23

Since being on C&V, I've learned to accept patina a bit more. I like bikes that are in good cosmetic condition, don't get me wrong, but I'm ok with some paint nicks and such on certain bikes. I clean and polish the frame and components and just ride 'em.

non-fixie 

Much the same as the previous couple of years: new friends, new places, nice rides. The Retro Tour of Flanders was a nice surprise (already in for next year!). Acquisition-wise 2014 was less about bikes and more about trinkets:

Rcrxjlb

1. Learned that old steel bikes can be lightweight.
2. Lost about 10 lbs.
3. Learned that bike snobs really hate Denali's.
4. Learned that bike snobs think old Univegas are worthless.
5. Learned not to care & just ride...

Velocivixen

C & V has had the following effects:

- learned/learning how to do my own bicycle repairs/upgrades, etc.
- saved $ on maintenance
- spend way too much $$ on bike hobby
- learned to appreciate "patina" & the prior "life" of the bike.
- increased expression of my creative & artistic side by being able to imagine a new "image" for a bike, then making it happen. Recycling a used bike into something completely new & different.
- gave me quality quiet & thinking time out in the bat cave
- opportunity to meet new & different people

I sold one bike that I overhauled, and I still feel the "warm fuzzies" recalling when the young woman, finishing a test ride, rode up with a huge smile, exclaiming enthusiastically, "I LOVE it!". She had just moved here from out of state and her car died. So this was going to be her transportation.

As part of this C & V subforum, I have come to appreciate all of the varied opinions, creative solutions, and technical expertise that you all have to offer! Thank you all for your generosity.

One more thing, unbeknownst to me until quite recently, I have earned the nickname "bike lady" from the fellows at my local ACE hardware store! I always go there for creative solutions, nuts, bolts, etc.

icepick_trotsky 

Problem solved!



https://www.amazon.com/Wald-Multi-Fit.../dp/B0080JOXQA

jeirvine 

> I'm in the shape of my life at 48.

> I have traded up a bit in recent years, so have now had the joy of owning and riding some very nice bikes (e.g. Masi, Raleigh Team Pro, Moto GR, Coppi). I've thus become more satisfied with my keepers, and spend less time seeking out n+1. (Less but not zero!)

> Re-connected with some old friends who are also increasingly into riding.

> Spent some very pleasant alone time in the saddle with my thoughts, or lack thereof.

Thanks all for being such a supportive group.

oddjob2

LOL! A bit overkill, unless I took up pizza delivery by bike, but my Schwinn Speedster is too nice for that. But it gives me an idea that with some aluminum channel and some wing nuts, I can add struts to the Blackburn rack.

gaucho777 

Depleted my bike fund.
An overly crowded garage.
A sore left knee from switching between too many bikes with different pedal set-ups.
Resentment from my lovely wife from too much time in the bike cave.
A nasty blood blister from a slipped wrench which my 6-year-old daughter finds to be gross.
Derision and mocking from the too-cool modern race crowd.
Tubular glue on a pair of jeans.

Bah Humbug!

icepick_trotsky 

Pizza necessity is the mother of pizza invention.

Dave Cutter

I bought and sold some beautiful old bicycles in 2014... and even gave one away.

I learned I really enjoy "saving" the old steel bicycles.
I also learned I can also profit from my rescue efforts.
Most importantly... I learned how good it feels to share my love of these bicycles. And the joy that comes from giving them away.

mechanicmatt

1. Continued my addiction even though there is little time for it (2 real young kids and job spent 50% of the time on the road)
2. Seen cool and cheap ideas that help motivate me to come up with new, cool, and cheap ideas.
3. A group that can appreciate a low end lugged bike as much as a high end lugged bike.
4. A group that still sees 26" wheels, cantilever brakes, 7spd, Suntour, etc. as good stuff
5. Brifter all the things!
6. Share what I know and believe about bikes with open minds.
7. Share what you know and believe about bikes with my open mind.
8. Wish I lived a more bicycle friendly lifestyle.
9. Make me jealous of some of the places and trips that you all have road this year.
10. Happily reward the vintage-trek guy this year with something he deserved.
11. Motivated this work this year:

Mongoose Dynametric 325 Hybrid

Switched to 105 STI's

'87 Bruce Gordon Chinook

tk1971

I learned that a drop bar on a mountain bike is a thing of beauty.

sonatageek

I learned just how much regular people really like old rigid hybrid bikes.

jimmuller 

Much of what they said above.

And it saved me a bunch of gas money by bike commuting!

dweenk 

I learned that I had found the most interesting forum ever. I joined looking for advice, and found a bunch of knowledgeable, generous, and friendly people.
I learned that the "Pay It Forward" thread is good for me (as a giver and recipient).
I learned not to repeat what someone else already stated (read from the top, stupid).
I learned that I am not some weirdo with a garage full of bike and parts.

RobbieTunes

We're out here, Scully.