Re:
I just managed to resist the urge to bid on a project on eBay.
Then I pulled a bike out of the basement that I’d decided to sell. It’s the closest I have to a modern bike - a Genesis Day One Alfine. It’s a weird thing, and for a modern bike it has personality. I picked it up cheaply from a bike recycling charity, but it’s probably the most valuable bike I own - so was thinking I might cash in on the lockdown demand. Thing is, although I don’t ride it at the moment actually I do really like it. It might not be my favourite bike but if I needed a winter commuter it would be perfect.
I’m not selling it.
Also have just stripped down my grey Clockwork... was umming and ahhing about flogging it.
I’m keeping it.
I have decided to keep everything. I won’t ride it all, some of it will be left in bits, and stuff can be adapted or built up to suit my needs as required.
The other day I wanted a fast, light go anywhere bike so I built up my Giant Cadex. I got exactly the bike I wanted without buying anything new. My collection is mostly retro MTBs and a couple of tourers - at the end of the day all pretty adaptable...
IMO selling and buying stuff is all part of the same addiction. I’m staying with exactly what I’ve got. No more selling.
Roughly ten nice bikes. That’s fine. If I NEED to buy something else then ok... but I’m not going to buy anything just because I fancy it... and I’m not selling anything, it’s all too nice.
Oh and here’s another thing, I’m staying away from attempting original spec / catalogue type builds / rebuilds. They’re boring. And impersonal. Once you’ve built it what can you do? No room for upgrades/tweaks once you’ve got it “perfect”. And if it’s really perfect you’ll be scared to ride the thing.
But the main thing is “love what you’ve got”.