If you started from scratch again...

[brocklanders023]

Hmmmmm, interesting question...... Can't say for sure but if everything retro went and I got the cash value of my collection I'd either buy something fancy I've always wanted but never had the spare cash to buy (Aqua fade Yo, Dogs Bollox, factory correct get one RTS-1, etc) or not bother and upgrade one of my modern bikes. Either way I'd no doubt end up collecting a few more along the way.

 

[grantoury]

It's too small

I'll make it work.

 

[al-onestare]

"I wouldn't change a single thing"

"cause if I changed my world into another place, I wouldn't see your smiling face"

 

[markoc]

I think I'd have tried to get to a theme more quickly rather than piecemeal purchasing of stuff I like.

I've settled on a theme of the bikes that I had when growing up. None were boutique, but were low end models from reputable brands. Proving harder to find than showy expensive stuff, and for obvious reasons. Also, my parents managed to buy me a GT in a ridiculously rare colourway, and the only one I've found is in South Africa and getting it here is proving quite hard.

Oh, and there will always be a space for a unicorn (Vit T)

 

[Cloverleaf]

I'd have sold less of the stuff that I'm now having to buy at greater expense and worse condition than when I sold it in the first place!

 

[MattiThundrrr]

I would forget that aluminum ever existed. Only steel, no mediums this time. Try to keep it to only 5, 1 for each purpose.
-90s road bike for long rides,
-90s rigid steel 3x,
-more modern (2010-2015ish) 1x hardtail,
-some cruiser hot rod thing that could deal with not being Duck Norris, and
-an upright 80s atb with internal gearing.

 

[PhillB]

I would probably be more strategic and less impulsive.... at least, I'd like to think that would be the case, but I doubt it would be, as that's not me.

After years of 1 in, 1 out, I've gone a bit mad over the last 3 years or so... It's been fun, but the 1 in 1 out is more sustainable, and necessary now I have run out of space.

 

[27motorhead]

All the old MTB's I have bought bar one all have an strong emotional connection to when I rode back in the late 80s and early 90s. I'd probably get most of them again in all honesty.

Just wish I had access to better storage so I could keep them in better condition as many have developed storage patina!

Is what I would change, is less time working and more time dicking about with bikes!

During the COVID lockdown I had about 5K's worth of original Raleigh Choppers stolen from my parents garage that I started collecting in the 90s and they had hung there for probably 30 years before some scumbags stole them. Absolutely gutted, but haven't replaced them...

 

[Vesatoro]

I would probably build one nice titanium bike and be happy with it.

 

[madjh]

I did the Ti last year, and yes I´m quite happy. Ti is the best material you can choose despite the finger prints.

I only regret the last buy, the Decatlhon RR530ST. I don´t know what I was thinking ... well, yes a mud bicycle for winter but for that it is not necesary spend 500 euros in a bicycle that weights too much (with mud guards it is over 16kg)