Bluebird - Market Value of Bikes

[Nashman]

Let me offer one viewpoint respectfully (as I feel it does offer something if anything)
Ive been doing this 80% of my life at this point and even though, in my 40's now, Im still considered young for this hobby, Ive been the young guy for much longer. I dont know that ive ever encountered an older person that was ever one inkling of rude to me or condescending. If anything the older folks always seemed extra excited to meet a young person with the passion I have/had for these bikes and always went out of their way to impart wisdom on me. Although I should add that I always approach, speak and carry myself with a high degree of respect, manners and willingness to understand that, while I know alot, I dont know it all and I allow myself to be a sponge. Nothing has ever and will never sway me from this hobby short of death and even if everyone else leaves the hobby behind, deems it a futile pursuit and the bikes become worthless.....I will just have even more of them. While I do understand that the decline of the hobby would mean advanced difficultly in finding parts (1980's all over again), it would offer me the dream chance at owning some bikes I can now only stare at thru the preverbal bullet-proof glass of high 5-figure prices and red tape.
What my long-winded thesis above really means is: I have never been wealthy, alot of times in my life it has been feast or famine financially, I didnt really have an old-bike friend before this site, other than my dad short of one older fella local who quit when he got divorced, Im in a city that has VERY few old bike collectors and Im thousands of miles away from the large swap meets everyone raves about. That being said, I have 5 phantoms I love very much among other bikes, have had 100's of bikes throughout my life and I will have 100's more before I die....so if market pricing, seller attitude, distance or circumstance is what you think is holding you back, you may not really have a passion for it you think you do.

Passion and perseverance makes things happen regardless of circumstance.
Respectfully speaking, I hope my message comes across constructive and not combative.

Well said. Thanks.

 

[Nashman]

Lots of great comments and opinions. Thanks/although not my post...lol... We are a very cool group of people/some that have some insight that some can't see. I by no means want to dump negative vibes on anyone, young or old. I'm not a butt kisser, but open minded. ( there maybe an open crack in my skull/I know there is one in my azz).

I guess if the shoe fits ( negative Nellies), but I've always experienced positive vibes on the Cabe. Sure, I've disagreed with a few ( agree to disagree) but lets rejoice in the New Year and how the Cabe ( me for one) has been a life preserver in a storm. Cheers and Happy New Year!

 

[ozzie]

We need to face the truth, this hobby will never go mainstream. It requires concentration,patience,hard work and sacrifice. Four traits that are seriously lacking in most people today, especially the younger crowd. The get your hands dirty attitude is nonexistent.

Exactly! Many young kids today would take their bikes to the local bike store even for a tire change. I did a 4 stage candy paint job on this weird, ugly late model Schwinn for my 10 year old and reassembled it with both of my girls to teach them a little.