They psychology of change

[Tootyred]

Does anybody have any insights or words of wisdom on this.

I have 3 bikes im strugging with fit. One I'm going to sell.

The other 2, I don't want to sell, but i need to modify them to get me back on them.

Sounds simple...

But im struggling to start the process....why...because I won't like the look of the outcome.

So im psychologically a bit stuck....if I change it the bike will loose something in my head as it will no longer be the bike I wanted or was....

But if I don't, I cant really ride them much anymore.....which makes them essentially art / wallhangers / nostalgic talking points....which is also a big BS flashing light "no no" in my life.

Massively 1st world problem, but I'm sure I'm not the only one....

Any thoughts?

 

[Takingabreak]

All the options here are equally valid I think. You could modify and ride but keep the original parts to refit, you could sell them as they are surplus to requirements or you could hang them on the wall. Some bikes really are works of art and there's nothing wrong if you get pleasure from looking at them on the wall above the fireplace

 

[ishaw]

I think one decision is easy, you've made it already so sell the one you've identified as surplus. That will get the ball rolling and if needed, fund the changes to the others.

I'd start on one of the others first rather than both at the same time. Make the changes and take it for a ride. While you may not like the look of the changes, hopefully getting out riding it will bring a smile to your face and help overlook the aesthetics. It may fuel your enthusiasm for doing the other one. Or it may result in you deciding to sell them and buy one that fits your needs better.

 

[Tootyred]

I would definitely keep the parts....although most are not original anyway!

Honestly, some of it is just dealing with being dissapointed that I can't have it both ways...or more to the point...the way I want it is impossible!

I suppose im hoping somebody will have a game changing perspective to offer up to help me ease my mind!

 

[Takingabreak]

I would definitely keep the parts....although most are not original anyway!

Honestly, some of it is just dealing with being dissapointed that I can't have it both ways...or more to the point...the way I want it is impossible!

I suppose im hoping somebody will have a game changing perspective to offer up to help me ease my mind!

Give them to a friend who could ride them while you get the satisfaction of seeing them ridden as they are

 

[Tootyred]

@ishaw thats a very good point. Even if im a bit "blurrrrgh" about the end result, being able to ride them more may counter some of the issue.

I've actually got most of the parts already. I keep looking at them, but don't start as, like i said, I know the outcome won't be as "good".

"Good" is a highly subjective word on this sense, but moving the bikes from a norba geometry, race bike, purposeful style to something else....i somehow feel wont be as "good"

Sounds odd i know..

 

[Tootyred]

@Takingabreak interesting and horrific thought.

Im the last of my mates still riding!....well unless you include beer runs to the corner shop on a pashley princess!

 

[MattiThundrrr]

But im struggling to start the process....why...because I won't like the look of the outcome.

So im psychologically a bit stuck....if I change it the bike will loose something in my head as it will no longer be the bike I wanted or was....

Perhaps you need to shift what you think is "the bike I want".
Ask yourself two questions.
A. Is the look you have in your head the most important thing?
Is a comfortable fit for a bike you will use the most important thing?
Answering yes to either of these is correct. If yes to A, hang it up and be done. If yes to B, don't worry what it looks like, it is of secondary importance.

 

[Tootyred]

Exactly...but i actually want yes to both!

Its just acceptance....I can't have what I want any longer as it won't work for me.

I need to accept a new normal and put aside what my brain tells me is wrong.

Im annoyed I can't ride the style I love from my past, sad that im moving away from something I love and frustrated by my own lack of willpower to start making changes and get over the issue.

Im sure its covering and disguising a wider set of issues too!

Its stupid as my 2 latest daily bikes use similar frames, but i have less or no attachment to them...so im not bothered that the styles a bit weird... ..the bikes work brilliantly btw.

Problem is after 36 years of ownership, im struggling to let go of a big chunk of my past I fear. Even if its a place far away where things were done very differently.

 

[foz]

What's the fit problem and what would you need to change?