Help me overcome the NOS paralysis!!

[estuche]

So, I have managed to get some nice, either NOS or mint condition parts that I like very much. Problem is, now I am afraid to actually build a bike and use them in fear of wearing them out.

I realize it is kind of silly, though I also know the real effort it took to get them in the first place.

Enlighten me with your wise advice in this regard

 

[k-rod]

Re:

Me thinks twas Hunter S. Thompson who once said ... "I'd rather skid into the grave sideways, with a drink in one hand, a pill under my tongue, and a body all beat up and scarred with from life's crazy adventures had ... than to die never having truly lived" ...



or something close to that.

 

[mdvineng]

So, I have managed to get some nice, either NOS or mint condition parts that I like very much. Problem is, now I am afraid to actually build a bike and use them in fear of wearing them out.

I realize it is kind of silly, though I also know the real effort it took to get them in the first place.

Enlighten me with your wise advice in this regard

If your build is for occasional rides, then NOS will last and look good for a very long time (with a good clean/lube regime) if more than that, purchase some good condition stuff. Finally fit the NOS when the riding days are over, or claim it is oart of your pension pot.

 

[Graham_hkr]

Chuck them on a decent frame then simply ride it & enjoy it..... sorted!

 

[jimo746]

Re:

As above, unless you ride the bike daily then NOS parts will last years.
If it's only an occasional rider then the parts will probably outlast you!
If you really can't bear to use the stuff then just sell it on again, you'll probably get your money back on it anyway. And then someone else will be in the same dilemma

 

[clubby]

Re: Re:

And then someone else will be in the same dilemma

Yeah, Probably Robmac!

Seriously though, just use it.
Once our generation is gone, nobody is going to give a crap about about Retrobikes. Enjoy your hard work and ride it into the ground.

 

[M-Power]

Re: Re:

And then someone else will be in the same dilemma

Yeah, Probably Robmac!

Seriously though, just use it.
Once our generation is gone, nobody is going to give a crap about about Retrobikes. Enjoy your hard work and ride it into the ground.

+1

 

[KeepItSteel]

I had the same predicament years ago, but yeah, all the above responses pretty much cover it. YOLO, etc.

 

[TOMAS]

So, I have managed to get some nice, either NOS or mint condition parts that I like very much. Problem is, now I am afraid to actually build a bike and use them in fear of wearing them out.

I realize it is kind of silly, though I also know the real effort it took to get them in the first place.

Enlighten me with your wise advice in this regard

My view is NOS is for the garage queens/show bikes that get used very rarely, in dry weather and with limited risk of crash or damage. Could you get hold of the same parts in a 'used' state? Is it important for your bike to look 'brand new' or look 'well looked after'?

 

[rwm1962]

For me a build using new, NOS or mint parts is just so I can have close to the 'new bike' experience. Then it earns it's keep & gains it's patina of use tempered by good maintenance & care. That goes for most of my outdoor gear outside of cycling too.