Does your bike hold sentimental value or is it just a tool?



My bike has a big value of sentimental to me. First of all, I did one of the best biking trips that not many people have done in my area which was to bike from The Cape Cod Canal all the way to Province Town (~80-90 mile trip). I've been everywhere with "Trecky" and will be for many years to come :D
 
I had my bike more than 25 years. It ran perfectly well. Last summer I replaced some things as I usually do when I notice that something is wrong. For 25 years I never did anything to make it look better. Last summer it was stolen from me and I was literally broken. I would give everything I own for this bike. It was my first ride. I learned to ride on it. Few days ago I bumped on a man riding it. Just like that. I already reported it being stolen so I called the Police and I am waiting to get it back now. I will fix everything and paint it nicely. I really cannot wait to take another ride. I saw that in six months without me it was in a bad shape. I am really happy about this thing.
 
I have my old bike that is around 20 years old or more, but it's in pretty bad shape. Now I have a new one that I use more often, sure, I ride the one in the best condition.
 
I love my bike, but let's be real, it's just a tool. The value I place on it is only as equal to value I spent purchasing and modifying it. Otherwise, I would not feel sad doing away with it and getting another. I'm not quite that sentimental, especially about what is essentially a machine.

It might sound a bit harsh to some but I kind of think the same as you. I've bought every bike I've had myself, so it's not as if they've been a present off somebody close or anything, so while I do look after them and treasure them, if I see a new one that I want I don't have any hesitation in getting rid of it and replacing it.
 
It's just a tool for me. I have a blast riding, witnessed beautiful landscapes and got my fair share of unpleasant moments. But I'm pretty aware that nothing would change if I switch my ride for a better bicycle. Will take a little time to get use to the new bike's fit but I'll not feel nostalgic for the older one.
 
I really thought there would be a lot of sentimental value, but honestly, I don't think much about the bikes that I've either given way or have stored away. There is some sentimental value there, but I think I mostly just see them as tools. My excitement over a new bike always supersedes any attachment I had to old bikes.
 
My older bike brings back a lot of memories, many miles with it, but I prefer the new one so the sentimental value doesn't play a big role. :)
 
I don't know if I'm sentimental about my bike. It was the catalyst for a great bonding experience with my special needs grandson. We drove 150 miles to pick it up one Saturday, and had a lot of fun. We still talk about it. And I appreciate the "old school" classic look of it
 
That's the beauty about bikes, the proportionate awesome moments with those we love...
 
I do look at bikes as a tool but then again if I look back I can still remember my first bike with fond memories I don't have it anymore but I still remember the feeling I felt riding it.
 
I don't see it as a tool. My bike was a gift from my wife when I was 50 and it's in it's 18th year. I've replaced pretty much everything but the ti frame over the years. We've logged many thousands of miles and have seen a lot of things. I wouldn't dream of replacing her. I guess I'm just a sentimental guy :).
 
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I've still got my first bike from when I was about 4 or 5 years old but all the rest I've bought, sold and traded in along the way. I've had that many to be honest that it's a good job as if I kept them all I wouldn't be able to get in the house!
That's the truth. LOL!
 
I'm not all that sure, most of todays bikes are or do seem like they came from the same mold but the one you get is yours and once you start going a few miles on it, adding stuff on to it and stuff you start to grow a fondness towards it.

That's how it seems to be for me at least anyway :D
That' really interesting. HAHA!
 
That' really interesting. HAHA!

I think your right, and these days it does appear that a lot of the bikes have come out of the same mild, and you don't get the variety of styles like you used to.

That takes away from a bike holding sentimental value, and they lose that uniqueness that people look at when deciding to keep a bike or not when upgrading.
 
I change bikes a lot so I wouldn't necessarily ant has held sentimental value in my life. There may be one bike that has done this and it would have been my first one which I have placed on my wall since a couple years ago. Other than that, the rest are just tools fitting for what I want to do or where I want to go.
 
I think your right, and these days it does appear that a lot of the bikes have come out of the same mild, and you don't get the variety of styles like you used to.

That takes away from a bike holding sentimental value, and they lose that uniqueness that people look at when deciding to keep a bike or not when upgrading.
You are absolutely right. We really don't get the variety of styles. I don't like this fact.
 
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You are absolutely right. We really don't get the variety of styles. I don't like this fact.

I'm guessing the real reason for that is the manufacturers just make bicycles to sell, and they'll stick to the design that's most popular. While the consumer might want a different style and more choice, the manufacturers are only concerned in what sells the most.
 
I'm a tiny bit connected to my bike, but only in the same way that I am connected to my phone. It's mine and I will do everything I can to keep possession of it. But when a new model comes along that I can afford, I will replace it without much of a second thought.
 
I'm a tiny bit connected to my bike, but only in the same way that I am connected to my phone. It's mine and I will do everything I can to keep possession of it. But when a new model comes along that I can afford, I will replace it without much of a second thought.

I'd imagine that's how most people would feel about their bikes to be honest. We have a connection with it because it's ours, and some of us have travelled hundreds of mile's on them so we're going to get attached to a certain degree.
 
Yep, it's our bike and we don't want it ruined or else we simply can't ride. For me it's the utilitarian value above all.
 

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