Dilemma - sell or keep?

Jen J

I'm seriously considering selling my Trek Madone.

I have ridden it once. It cost me a fortune, and the whole amount is still unpaid, sitting on a credit card. It's my only debt, and I'd love to pay it off.

Since the crash, I don't know if I'll ever be able to do Double Iron, which was the main reason I bought the bike.

I can't ride for more than a few miles before my arm hurts. I can't balance properly or comfortably. I still have my other race bike if I ever get back to riding for any decent length of time.

I haven't ridden the Trek since the crash. I've ridden the fixie and the other racing bike for a few miles to and from work, but my arm hurts after 3-4 miles. It aches a lot anyway since the crash, and I'm starting to think it'll be that way forever

But I dearly love the bike. I fell in love with it months before I bought it, and ogled it every time I passed the shop, which was frequently as it's at the end of my road.

I don't know what to do. Any advice? Will the value fall significantly if I leave it a while?

Anyone here interested in buying it? It's a Trek Madone 5.2 2008, Pro Fit 56cm frame, pic as in signature...it's beautiful...

DonDaddyD

Jen, whoa lets not do anything hasty. You had a nasty accident and there is bound to be both phisical and psychological trauma. The latter may take more time and be more difficult to heal than the former.

More to the point and if I may be so bold. You strike me as a person who likes to overcome a challenge. I think you would be doing yourself an injustice giving up the bike you love so much. I think that in a yearsfrom now you'll feel far more proud of yourself knowing that you didn't sell it, got back on the Madone again and rode it proper.

Lastly, i'm not going to let you sell it. I'm at least going to try and get you back on the bike again. We can go cycling together, take it slowly to build up your confidence again. We don't have to go far, we can stick to the back roads where we live. That way you're close to home if the arm starts to hurt again....

How about this or a Sunday?

Rich158

Keep it, you know once it's gone you'll regret it I've got exactly the same bike but 2009, and it truly is a joy to ride, I'll never get rid of it

The arm will get better, I've had a lot of MTB buddies with dislocated shoulders, broken collar bones, and one very bad broken wrist with scaffolding sticking out of it for months :shock: They all got better, with a bit of time and patience, and they all still ride and race without any problems, just give it time.

Look at it this way, when the arm's fully recovered, it's a bright summers day, and you feel the urge to put in a few miles, if the Madone isn't sitting there waiting for you the ride will never be the same.

il_principe

Yep sell it, get an Italian bike!

Joking.

Don't sell it. Hang it on the wall at home and admire it. Then as you get your strength back take it out for some gentle rides (plenty of company on here). Remember that competition is not everything and you'll get a lot of pleasure from simply riding that beauty on a lovely summers day...

alfablue

It is early days yet Jen. It could take 12-18 months to resolve (when I broke my pelvis it took about 2 years to ride pain free). Are you getting any physio? Don't know if it could help but it is worth asking for some and getting assessed.

redvee

Get out with DDD as a ride partner, he might push you but that will help in the long run. From what I've heard about you with the running/triathlons you've done, this doesn't sound like the Jen I shared curry with at xmas in MA. Take things slowly.

linsen

please don't sell it.

I am not sure you could get enough for it to justify not having it as a target for more pain free times.......

jonginge

Keep it, you know you want to.

You had a nasty break in a place awkward to fix and it's gonna take some time. My ankle still aches occasionally from an injury two years ago.

Chin up, though: it will get better.

Jen J

Thanks all. I'll hang on to it for now then.

I'm just very impatient, and as my running is almost back to normal (have done some big races in the last month) I'm frustrated that the cycling isn't. But I guess it's just over 4 months and I need to chill out a bit. I've had some physio, but that's stopped now, although I'm still lacking a full range of movement, but that may be permanent.

DDD - I'm revising this weekend, but should be free the weekend after (have races most weekends after that). Blondie has also offered to pootle around with me, so perhaps if we commit to a time/date then I'll be forced to go along and test it out. I'll bring plenty of painkillers!

How about RP Sunday 24th? You and I could ride over together and meet Blondie at RP for a lap or two? I could always wait in the cafe if I'm knackered from the ride there. I may even ride the Madone. For the second time...

Feltup

How long has it been since your accident? EDIT: must type faster! Deep tissue damage can take several months to clear if not a couple of years. The body is amazing in that it can repair even some horrendous damage.

Keep the bike(it's gorgeous) and give yourself time.

EDIT2: 4 months is really not that long. Ligament damage tends to take 6months plus just to give you an idea and even then will probably ache for much longer.

gtvlusso

Jen,

Its about personal circumstance - Ultimately, if I were you, I would get rid of it - you can always buy another one!

Little story:

My dilemma was kinda similiar!

I had a beautiful Ducati 748R motorbike and a Cervelo P3 TT bike in my garage, but I rarely used either due to weather or fear of binning a beautiful bikes - Although I did do a few TT', Tri and 70.3's on the Cervelo, I was always fearful of damaging it. Ultimately, I needed a new kitchen! I now have said kitchen and have lost my prized bikes, ultimately, I feel better for it! I have a good road bike, not great that I use in all conditions, and am looking at buying a cheap Suzuki motorbike - easy to service and cheap to maintain.

One day I will own another Ducati and a great road bike, but not for a few years until my house and life are a bit more sorted - i.e. debt relief!

I know it is a tough one, but if it is credit debt - in this day and age, I would get rid of it......Although, I don't know your personal circumstances, but if the injury is causing you not to use it.......I think you have answered your own thread!

Ultimately, you can buy another when you feel able to ride again - and models will advance and move on over time!

Sorry - am being really negative, but just trying to put perspective on it!

Sea_Green_Incorruptible

Just to add to what Alfablue and Feltup have said: these things can take a long time, so try not to be too disheartened. I came off my bike due to a chain breakage around Easter last year and really hurt my shoulder. It has shocked me how long it has taken to get back to 'normal'. I was able to ride my bike again (not without discomfort) after 2 or 3 weeks, but dull achey pain lasted and lasted (even with sporadic phisio). Indeed, it is only in the last month or so that it seems to have properly gone for good. In fact, for most of this year I haven't even been able to comfortably lie on my right hand side in bed. I can now!

DonDaddyD

Jen J wrote:

How about RP Sunday 24th? You and I could ride over together and meet Blondie at RP for a lap or two? I could always wait in the cafe if I'm knackered from the ride there. I may even ride the Madone. For the second time...

Sounds like a plan.

Hopefully I'll have the new bike. Hopefully I'll be able to do at least one lap around it.... :oops:

laughingboy

Sea_Green_Incorruptible wrote:

Just to add to what Alfablue and Feltup have said: these things can take a long time...

I hope you recover soon. And that it doesn't take a long time. But my take on this is much less 'romantic' about the bike.

Lovely though they are, bikes are just objects, 'things'. On the other hand, your personal finances, because they can affect your ability to do what you want, when you want, are much more important than things.

So, think about how much you'd get for the bike were you to sell it. Have you got real cash tied up in the bike, or is it all debt? Could you use the real cash for something, right now?

Then think about how long, realistically, it is likely to be before you enjoy using the bike again. Then do a rough calculation of the credit card interest that you'll rack up in the meantime. On second thoughts, don't do a rough calculation - do a proper spreadsheet with the whole picture - that is, how much the bike will cost you to pay off based on current interest and repayments. That might be instructive.

Is the bike worth keeping? That's up to you. Ultimately it comes down to your own circumstances, and your decision. But please think through all the aspects.

After all, you can surely get another flash carbon bike later on. (And if you buy second hand there will be little net cost, once you account for the cash from the Madone).

il_principe

Also Jen, if you do sell it and look to buy again later on, remember that lots of shops offer interest free credit - great way to buy a bike!

I may join y'all on the 24th for a pootle. I'm planning a big rid on the bank holiday monday so an RP pootle the day before would be welcome.

Jen J

Just to answer the finances question - it's currently on an interest free rate which runs for another 12 months - effectively I've already paid the 'costs' for this by paying the balance transfer fee. I would probably get slightly less than I paid for it if I sold it.

I expect to be able to pay it off quite comfortably at the end of the interest free period, so it's not a debt that's a huge burden. It's just that it's a debt. I guess (as an accountant) I could argue that it's a prepayment, and that I will incur the cost next year, when I start getting the proper benefits of the enjoyment of riding the bike? Bit contrived, but it kind of works for me...

I'll take it out next weekend, and see how it goes. To be honest, I probably need to ride for more than a few miles to se if it consistently hurts, or if it only hurts until it gets used to it.

Jay dubbleU

Keep it Jen - just be patient - think how much you'll regret selling it in 18 months time when you're fully fit again

DonDaddyD

jashburnham wrote:

Also Jen, if you do sell it and look to buy again later on, remember that lots of shops offer interest free credit - great way to buy a bike!

I may join y'all on the 24th for a pootle. I'm planning a big rid on the bank holiday monday so an RP pootle the day before would be welcome.

Ah bollox! No ride with Jash is a pootle... Its a Universal constant....

il_principe

DonDaddyD wrote:

jashburnham wrote:

Also Jen, if you do sell it and look to buy again later on, remember that lots of shops offer interest free credit - great way to buy a bike!

I may join y'all on the 24th for a pootle. I'm planning a big rid on the bank holiday monday so an RP pootle the day before would be welcome.

Ah bollox! No ride with Jash is a pootle... Its a Universal constant....

Lies! I can pootle with the best of them. Even pootled with the missus the other day and she is a champion pootler!

Jay dubbleU

jash - does your Mrs have the pedal pedal glide syndrome ? Mine does and I can't seem to get her to shake the habit

lost_in_thought

Jay dubbleU wrote:

jash - does your Mrs have the pedal pedal glide syndrome ? Mine does and I can't seem to get her to shake the habit

Get her a FG. :twisted:

Bassjunkieuk

jashburnham wrote:

DonDaddyD wrote:

jashburnham wrote:

Also Jen, if you do sell it and look to buy again later on, remember that lots of shops offer interest free credit - great way to buy a bike!

I may join y'all on the 24th for a pootle. I'm planning a big rid on the bank holiday monday so an RP pootle the day before would be welcome.

Ah bollox! No ride with Jash is a pootle... Its a Universal constant....

Lies! I can pootle with the best of them. Even pootled with the missus the other day and she is a champion pootler!

HE'S SCARED, especially as the Kharma should close the machine advantage gap ;-) Personally I think it would be an excellent test of the new machine trying to keep up with someone else :-D
I was going to say I *might* be able to join you on the 24th but I think that's the weekend the wife has planned to go away for our wedding anniversary and as much as I'd love a ride round Richmond Park I'd much prefer to celebrate another anniversary next year!

As other people have said I'd say keep it, it's the bike you loved, it gives you a tangible target to aim for during your recovery and also with the current state of bike prices it would cost a fortune to buy an equivalent when the time comes to replace it should you have sold it earlier.

il_principe

Jay dubbleU wrote:

jash - does your Mrs have the pedal pedal glide syndrome ? Mine does and I can't seem to get her to shake the habit

Yes yes, she does and it is driving me mad. Perhaps I should convert her bike to fixed as LiT suggests...:twisted:

Greg T

When I bust my collar bone it took a year for it to stop hurting - especially in the cold and wet.

Recovery takes time young - patience.

You'd lose more than you'd think on depreciation if you sold it and by this time next year would have to fork out again as you know you have the itch..

DonDaddyD

Bassjunkie wrote:

]HE'S SCARED, especially as the Kharma should close the machine advantage gap Personally I think it would be an excellent test of the new machine trying to keep up with someone else

I'm not scared of Jash, I'm scared of the Kharma! Stiff and unforgiving with a bottom bracket that screams "RIDE ME HARD AND FAST" :shock:

T'is very unsettling.

I'm actually wondering if I have the riding skills to tame such a savage beast... (Pretty much what LiT's ex boyfriends were thinking right before she erased their existence for outliving their purpose... ).

*Update* Luciano Cycles may get my wheels either today or tomorrow - meaning it could be ready for collection tomorrow. Yay!

---

I'm up for the 24th.

Jen, if you want to go out to play anytime after school, say when your taken a break from revision just knock for me and if I've done all my homework my Mum'll probably let me out! :P

laughingboy

Jen J wrote:

...I've already paid the 'costs' for this by paying the balance transfer fee. I would probably get slightly less than I paid for it if I sold it.

I expect to be able to pay it off quite comfortably at the end of the interest free period, so it's not a debt that's a huge burden...

I'll take it out next weekend, and see how it goes. To be honest, I probably need to ride for more than a few miles to se if it consistently hurts, or if it only hurts until it gets used to it.

Sold to the lady with the dodgy collar bone - one Trek Madone. Eh? What's that? It was yours already? Oh, OK.

It sounds like the phase of 'seriously considering selling' lasted less than an hour and a half.
Keep it. Love it.
It is - as you say - beautiful.

Jen J

laughingboy wrote:

Jen J wrote:

...I've already paid the 'costs' for this by paying the balance transfer fee. I would probably get slightly less than I paid for it if I sold it.

I expect to be able to pay it off quite comfortably at the end of the interest free period, so it's not a debt that's a huge burden...

I'll take it out next weekend, and see how it goes. To be honest, I probably need to ride for more than a few miles to se if it consistently hurts, or if it only hurts until it gets used to it.

Sold to the lady with the dodgy collar bone - one Trek Madone. Eh? What's that? It was yours already? Oh, OK.

It sounds like the phase of 'seriously considering selling' lasted less than an hour and a half.
Keep it. Love it.
It is - as you say - beautiful.

lol. I had been thinking about it for a week or so before I posted though. Combination of impatience, frustration and lost confidence probably.

(and it was a broken shoulder and elbow, not collar bone :P )

fossyant

Jen J what did you do....?

I've had constant pain with my AC joint and arm for 5 months - knocked off by car, but I've had constant physio, twice a week for almost all that time - it's cost me over £1300 so far, 3rd party has admitted liability, but I am yet to see cash for costs.

I can do about 2-3 hours max on the bike, and don't find it aggravates the shoulder - the worse offender is stiiing at the desk and in meetings, and not 'moving it'.

Keep going out, get some exercises if you can't fully use it. I'm still seeing a consultant, and they think there is also nerve damage - so had an MRI lase week, and have EMG nerve tests next week. The consultant just said to expect it to take a long time for the AC to heal.

Keep at it - and try and get a referral to a consultant, at least they can give you some specialist advice.

DonDaddyD

Jen just wanted to be reminded that we still love her. That she is still very much a cyclist and a signed up card carrying member of team SCR. I think she also needed to remind herself how much she loves the Madone.

We all need a little attention from time to time. :oops:

She also managed to arrange a trip to Richmond Park....

always_tyred

Your dilema appears to be based on your current disaffection with cycling.

If you want to cycle - keep it. If you've figured out that its not actually the sport for you, that's okay, let it go.

A word of consolation; you are most accident prone when you have just started cycling. Same happened to me when I had to switch from rowing. I had a couple of incidents which weren't my fault but which, one way or another, I'd probably have avoided now.

Injury wise, in somewhat close succession, I broke my arm and tore a rotator cuff (road, mtb respectively). I wans't able to raise my arm above my chest for a few months. And cycling with a cast on is tricky (so I took it off).

I have generally found that once healing has taken place, residual pain is often best solved as you go. Constantly activating the requisite body parts, providing its not tooooo painful, gets the blood flowing to the right areas and your natural urge to stretch, rub and otherwise relieve the discomfort is quite therapeutic in itself.

So, if its the immediate discomfort which is putting you off, there is hope.

always_tyred

fossyant wrote:

I can do about 2-3 hours max on the bike, and don't find it aggravates the shoulder

god I can only manage that and I've not got a specific injury, I'm just getting slowly worn out.