To Keep Or Not To Keep
 

I've been working away from home for the past 2 1/2 years and built up a cheap steel framed single speed to ride. I've probably got about $400 into it and have ridden it for many miles. It is really dialed in and fits me perfectly. I'm returning home soon where I have two other bikes, a carbon road bike and another single speed, both built up with quality components. Neither have I had the chance to ride much but am looking forward to using.
The question is, should I spend the money to ship the cheaper single speed home or sell it (or give it away) before I leave. I'm leaning toward giving it to some kid who might get some use out of it but there's a chance he may just turn it around for a couple of bucks. My problem lies in the fact that it really fits me well and has become a good 'buddy'. I tend to personalize inanimate objects. I wonder if any of you have faced the same issue.

I have the same issue with my '57 Hercules 3-spd. It fits me very well, works great for a go to the store / bank / Post Office kind of errand bike. And, it really isn't worth much (if anything) on the used bike market. So, since I have the room, I keep it.

I've had it since '82 and it was actually given to me by a bike shop. It was brought to the shop for repair but then the owner passed away and the owners wife didn't want it. The cool thing is, it came with a CTC (Cyclists Touring Club) badge from England. I have ridden it on the Lake Pepin 3-Speed tour but really, it doesn't get much use.

I did pay to have it shipped from St. Louis to Santa Ana when I moved to CA in '95, so I guess that says something!

Rick / OCRR

If you can ship it fairly economically and have room to store it, you may want to keep it as a general purpose transportation beater. This is the only reason I keep my rusty trusty old Peugeot UO-8 -- I can lock it and leave it in places I would not be comfortable leaving one of my nicer bikes. (I don't even really have room for it, but I somehow cram it in to the garage.)

The only reason that is keeping me from shipping the bike home is the cost, which I haven't established yet but know it will be expensive. Undoubtedly it would be more than the value of the bike if I were to sell it. But the bikes worth is a subjective thing since there are other factors involved. It is a personal choice and selling it would provide little gratification which is why I'm considering giving it to someone who would find use for it. There are many locals down here who ride bikes that many of us would throw in the trash. There is definitely a need.

First, get a firm shipping cost. It may surprise you (either way) and may make the decision obvious. If it turns out that doesn't point one you way or the other, maybe keep an eye out for someone who comes your way that really needs that bike. My guess is someone will cross your path that will make parting with it a lot easier.

Don't you have any friends with [insert airline here] Premier Club (or whatever the mega-frequent flier club thing is) membership that can just slap a tag on it and schlep it back home for free?

Regardless, the answer you want to hear is: Keep

$150 Delta checked in or around $100 via FedEx. Those seem to be the shipping options.

What level frequent flier are you (assuming above quotes are for you)? Some clubs will waive the bag fees if you're up the food chain far enough. If you could find a friend/family to haul it back for you free, then the price is right. :)

Keep. You know you'll regret it if you don't.

$100 ain't bad.

Better keep her if ya can.

Many years ago, I fixed up my wife's old touring bike for by sister-in-law to use while she was working as a river guide in Africa. Before she came home, she gave the bike away to someone who had been helpful to her. He eventually decided that having a bike was too extravagant, so he traded it for some cattle and was then in a position to get married, which he did.

I guess I'm saying even if the person you give the bike away to decides to turn it over for cash, it may still be of great benefit to him/her. However, I don't have any opinion on whether or not you should bring it home.

You're right, $100 ain't bad, but like the man above says, it might be worth some chickens or even a pig.

There's a lot to be said about a bike you know and fit. That's harder to replace.

I would try to find the bike a good new home even though that does carry some risks.

Had the privilege of seeing Buddy Guy a few times in small clubs where I live. There is no better bues/rock and roll band around.