The only investment in bicycles anyone has is for their own health and personal edification. Yesterday afternoon, I saw a few mint condition bikes that could sell for a couple thousand to the right person, but they are sitting in a barn, hoping to earn their owner a few hundred on a lot-sale at an auction. As for my Clubman, in spite of its scarcity, especially in this condition (never had a kickstand mounted), it is only worth what another nerd is willing to pay. In that sense, it has no value. Most of my investment was into elbow grease, research, and patience. There is virtually no resale value in the Clubman nor any other bike of mine, simply because a true investment has real break-even value now, not just speculative future value that someone may want it one day. I look at all of my bike projects as this; the Mercedes was the thing which really taught me the lesson. I had gone a good 30 years of “horse trading” and always at least breaking even on a vehicle, but usually making a profit. That old Benz of mine had $2000 worth in brand new parts, but I still gave it away due to zero interest. The need for more space was worth more to me than the car itself; it was listed for sale since 2018, starting at $4000 then decreasing all the way down to $600, which no one bit on for a whole year. These things of ours are not investments nor do they have any value other than to ourselves for personal enjoyment and health. Same goes with the typewriters, motion picture and still cameras I have. I put accumulated years of work into restoring these items to as-close-to-new look with near perfect functionality, but if I died today, Bethanne would get maybe $1000 from bikes, typewriters, and cameras combined. Doesn’t matter that I have some rare, professional gear, it’s old and really has value only to me. So enjoy your stuff but remember, it’s just stuff; don’t let the stuff you own, own you.
Phil
