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hahahaha I know exactly how you feel. I had three old Raleighs just taking up space in my garage. I got rid of two, but I kept my favorite one. It's still hanging up from the ceiling. I'll do something with it, some day....

Right now I own 5 bikes. I ride one to work most days, usually the newest one, a 1994 Nishiki Sport XRS. I found out there is a recall on the Shimano cranks so I don't want to ride it until those are replaced.

My next most ridden bike is a 1966 Raleigh DL-1 Tourist 3-speed. I rode that one to work today.

The other three are a Nishiki Olympic 12 that I've owned since it was new in 1984, but crashed this past February and bent the frame. I had just started riding again; that bike had been hanging up for almost 20 years. I picked up a couple of other similar bikes recently, a Schwinn on Craiglist and now this Raleigh. My idea is that out of these three bikes I can come up with two good ones. I'll keep the best one, probably the Raleigh I just scavenged since it's the right size for me, then probably sell the other one on CL. If I keep too many bikes around, Mrs. Doohickie will divorce me.

Back to your bike: If you think you may ever ride it again, keep it if you can. That Nishiki Olympic 12 moved with us from California to Texas to Michigan and back to Texas in that 20 years, but I was glad I still had it when I started riding again this year.

I vote thrifty deranged pack rat.

The Raleigh rides well, after putting the wheels and seat from the Olympic 12 on it. Rode it to breakfast today. It still needs a good cleaning, some maintenance and adjustment, but it's a keeper.

Ahh, this is what my boyfriend warned me of when I decided I wanted an abandoned Schwinn across the street. Hoard away Doohickie!

Hah!

My wife is not so accepting. I figured how could she fault me for acquiring a bike when it's free? Her answer: "Dumpsters are disgusting!" I married a priss.

I bought a beach cruiser earlier this year, and I want to get another one - so I understand the drive to collect them. Nice Find.