Saying goodbye
so many good times...
**********************************************************************************
Every once in a while you have to do it: sell (or giveaway) a bike. I always feel so guilty about it, like I am giving away a puppy or treasured gift. However, if a bike no longer suits your needs, it is time to pass it along to someone who will use it. Especially if you live in a small place on a small budget!
Last week I did just that, selling Bruce Springstein to a young med student who wanted to start riding. It was hard, but I introduced them and they seemed to be a good fit. I hope to see them together on the road sometime soon.
With 2 road bikes on crappy roads, I decided it is more practical (and comfortable) to sell 1 and get a “city” bike. While I haven’t gotten one yet, this is the one I have my eye on: Schwinn Coffee. I’ll be saving and hopefully have it soon! Who else gets emotional when a bike leaves the house?
I’ve sold 2 bikes, and each was emotional. One was very sad- I really liked that bike, even though it wasn’t the right size for me. I was happy to see the other one go, partly because I needed the money, but mostly because the new owner was so happy to have a bike.
I have never sold a bike, but I did give one away. I see the guy occasionally at work. As far as I can tell, he’s never ridden it, so any tendency to get emotional about a bike’s departure has gotten erased. Completely. When it comes down to it, we’re departing with a simple piece of metal and rubber and plastic.
Selling a bicycle is definitely emotional – particularly if it’s one that I’m super attached to, or that was ridden frequently. I have actually cried selling a bike in the past… but, I tend to be fairly emotional at times.
Hopefully, the loss brings you a bit of a joy though. Knowing that it went to someone who really wanted to ride is likely helpful in letting him go… as well as knowing that a new 2-wheeled friend is in your future.
Aw, so long, Bruce Springstein! Sounds like a reasonable plan, though. That Schwinn Coffee looks like a sweet city bike.
I’ve never gotten rid of a bike, but sometimes I think my Jamis Commuter getting stolen was a boon: it freed me up to follow my heart and justify the cost of buying my Rivendell Betty Foy as a (hugely upgraded!) replacement.