thanks to jay van de velde for his post. it's good to know i'm not the only one who has a few special bikes which are now seldom ridden, but which are, almost on a daily basis, lovingly admired for their beauty and cherished for the memories they bring. i do not contemplate my wall-hangers for their resale value.
i particularly liked jay's point about preserving these bikes for future generations to discover. personally, i harbor the hope that my son, who is going on 10, will one day inherit my bikes and enjoy them like i do (including riding them on very special occasions), until he can pass them on to his children. i can only hope he doesn't put them on ebay the day after i die, but even if he does, the new owners will likely be people who will wish to continue the stewardship of some very special and well preserved bikes.
i don't knock anybody who chooses to ride on a regular basis a bike which is irreplaceable. unfortunately too many people criticize those of us who choose not to. but in the end, it's really not that big a deal because it's just their opinion, which they are entitled to.
in the meantime, while i can, i will continue to enjoy my hobby of collecting classic lightweights (and photographing them to share with others at http://www.raydobbins.com), while i unashamedly enjoy a carbon fiber framed, indexed shifting, and clipless pedaled bike as a daily rider.
ray dobbins
miami florida