Selling up and leaving the hobby - Your failure experiences?

[grantoury]

It seems the real issue is whether these bikes will prove worthwhile again even if they don't now. So if they don't take up necessary space or capital, best to keep them until the day comes when you can be sure.

 

[brocklanders023]

I'd just give yourself time and I'm sure the right answer will become clear. I've collected loads over the years but my interest has declined to the point where I won't commit the money to buy anything I'd want (Yo Eddy mainly) and have owned pretty much everything I've wanted to look at in my self imposed price range. I've got a couple of projects that never get off the ground due to family commitments and if I'm riding it's on something modern.

I have a couple of retro bikes hanging up in the garage that I never ride but I like looking at them, don't need the money and have the space so I'm happy for them to stay where they are. I've regretted very few of my sales and doubt I'll ever build a bigger collection again but feel fine with that.

 

[d8mok]

I'd just give yourself time and I'm sure the right answer will become clear. I've collected loads over the years but my interest has declined to the point where I won't commit the money to buy anything I'd want (Yo Eddy mainly) and have owned pretty much everything I've wanted to look at in my self imposed price range. I've got a couple of projects that never get off the ground due to family commitments and if I'm riding it's on something modern.

I have a couple of retro bikes hanging up in the garage that I never ride but I like looking at them, don't need the money and have the space so I'm happy for them to stay where they are. I've regretted very few of my sales and doubt I'll ever build a bigger collection again but feel fine with that.

Very very similar to me.

I’ve had a Fat chance Ti and Yo on my list for ages. I kinda knew I’d lost a bit of mojo when I talked myself out of the Ti on here for sale even though I’ve just shifted some Kleins which would have covered it 5x.

Maybe the answer is to hold my current collection but not add. I still enjoy looking at them , and owning them.

The garage would be a lonely place without them too.

 

[brocklanders023]

That sounds like what I'd do, leave making a decision until you actually have to! I still like logging on here and love owning my mint Clockwork, that I probably could never replace so even if I don't touch it for weeks it doesn't really matter as it makes me smile and remember good times.

 

[fattiman]

I never regret it straight away. It’s usually many years later , and likely due to the increase in value I’ve missed out on.

Im enjoying having nothing motorised that drains my money / time / patience. First time since being 17 that I’ve not had something silly in the garage and I totally don’t miss it.

I have had 10 years away from the retrobike scene in any serious way, recently I have acquired a yo eddy and a Kona hot which have totally got the creative juices flowing, both are currently in paint and I am collecting all the parts which is great fun. These will be keepers, I have had at least 10 yo eddy frames over the years and 3 Kona Hots. Car wise, I agree total money pits but again I cannot be without something to tinker with - bought a C5 RS6 PLUS in Feb which blew up in March and is currently in pieces. Boys and their toys!

 

[Woz]

Doing nothing is always an option. Kicking the ball down the road for later is also an option.

Burying your head in the sand though, waiting for a magic fairy to wave a magic wand for you is rarely a solution.

Personally think you are over-valuating your asset worth. You are not alone. Many people are trying to off-load at the same-time.

I know what I've been saying is not the pretty-ish sugared up stuff around here.

In my mind, you put your rarest of rarest on the Bay ASAFP, you test the waters, and you swallow what actually other people think the $ worth is. If it's not gone in 4 weeks you have a problem and a need to re-calibrate a reality check.

Years ago I learnt from some very very good ex-colleagues about difficult decision making. When things are tied up and clouded emotionally etc. too. There's little way out to put it onto a pin head of financial value, or you carry it all off to a charity shop or a tip. Sorry, but not sorry to be blunt.

https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/collection-clearance-wanna-sell-all-my-retro-road-bikes.496743/

 

[d8mok]

Doing nothing is always an option. Kicking the ball down the road for later is also an option.

Burying your head in the sand though, waiting for a magic fairy to wave a magic wand for you is rarely a solution.

Personally think you are over-valuating your asset worth. You are not alone. Many people are trying to off-load at the same-time.

I know what I've been saying is not the pretty-ish sugared up stuff around here.

In my mind, you put your rarest of rarest on the Bay ASAFP, you test the waters, and you swallow what actually other people think the $ worth is. If it's not gone in 4 weeks you have a problem and a need to re-calibrate a reality check.

Years ago I learnt from some very very good ex-colleagues about difficult decision making. When things are tied up and clouded emotionally etc. too. There's little way out to put it onto a pin head of financial value, or you carry it all off to a charity shop or a tip. Sorry, but not sorry to be blunt.

https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/collection-clearance-wanna-sell-all-my-retro-road-bikes.496743/

I’ve got a very good idea what they are worth to be honest. And most i think could be sold to people i know pretty quickly. I think 4 hours would see half of them sold as frames alone. I constantly have messages asking to buy Psyclones , Xizangs , lightnings , and even Zaskars.

I know what each bike owes me and I’d certainly end up better off without issue. But again the financial side isn’t really a motivation as I’ve no need for the cash currently and I’ve written off the entire cost in my head anyway.

It’s more about moving onto an another hobby as I’ve got a feeling I’ve come to a natural end of this one a little.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

I’ve got a very good idea what they are worth to be honest. And most i think could be sold to people i know pretty quickly. I think 4 hours would see half of them sold as frames alone. I constantly have messages asking to buy Psyclones , Xizangs , lightnings , and even Zaskars.

I know what each bike owes me and I’d certainly end up better off without issue. But again the financial side isn’t really a motivation as I’ve no need for the cash currently and I’ve written off the entire cost in my head anyway.

It’s more about moving onto an another hobby as I’ve got a feeling I’ve come to a natural end of this one a little.

Then sell up and move on, it sounds like it's that time. Keep two nice things to smile about.

 

[d8mok]

Then sell up and move on, it sounds like it's that time. Keep two nice things to smile about.

I’d just keep my spooky which I’ve had since new in 1999. Rest would go.

 

[bikeworkshop]

Do it.
Let us know what you get.

I would say it takes 10 offers to have a genuine buyer on top price 90s mtb kit - hopefully you've got good ones.