Can bikes have bad juju?

[JAGI410]

I have an opportunity to buy a touring bike that belonged to a friend of mine that passed away (F Cancer!). It's a Teesdale...a builder who also passed away. The bike has a "pull" for me, and fits me pretty well. It's not all that special for most, but it is to me. I can't think of another buyer that would appreciate it more than I would.

But it has a somewhat morbid history having 2 people that touched it are no longer with us.

For the sake of conversation, would you buy a bike with a history like this?

[dgauthier]

If I wanted the bike, I'd buy it without hesitation.

I like the possessions of loved ones who have passed away, because I feel like a part of them is still with me. If the bike was owned by a friend, how else to honor your friend than to appreciate and lovingly maintain his bike?

As far as the builder, no problem there either. The builder released the bike into the world to be enjoyed by others, because that's what a builder does.

[JAGI410]

Originally Posted by dgauthier

The builder released the bike into the world to be enjoyed by others, because that's what a builder does.

That's a beautiful way to think about it.

[dmitrik4]

Originally Posted by JAGI410

That's a beautiful way to think about it.

Agreed.

Literally every bike will be touched by someone who at some point will be no longer with us. I drive my Dad’s Miata all the time, and I see it as a connection I still have to him. I’d view the bike similarly.

[Ozz]

Originally Posted by dgauthier

If I wanted the bike, I'd buy it without hesitation.

I like the possessions of loved ones who have passed away, because I feel like a part of them is still with me. If the bike was owned by a friend, how else to honor your friend than to appreciate and lovingly maintain his bike?

As far as the builder, no problem there either. The builder released the bike into the world to be enjoyed by others, because that's what a builder does.

+1

I ended up with a Yeti mountain bike back in 2015 after a good friend passed (yeah, eff cancer)....his wife gave it to me cuz she knew I would ride it.

[Louis]

Originally Posted by JAGI410

But it has a somewhat morbid history having 2 people that touched it are no longer with us.

Think about the billions air molecules you've breathed deep into your lungs that have touched the skin of countless others who've since died. The horror!

People don't die at home nearly as often as they used to 100-200 years ago, but back then deaths at home, many times in a bed, were an everyday occurrence. That didn't prevent the family (and others who bought the homes) from using them, even sleeping on the same bed, mattress and sheets that so-and-so died on just a while back.

Death's a part of life, and eventually we must all do it. Unless you're abnormally superstitious and contrary to all evidence believe that we leave behind an aura near things we've been close to, or that in some cases we remain as ghosts, there's no reason whatsoever to worry about it.

I, on the other hand, plan on uploading my consciousness to the Cloud, so I'll be around forever, free to haunt the unlucky ones who've crossed me until the last of their days. As a diversion, I might even arrange contests and bet on the outcome...

[fourflys]

I have my Dad's Rivendell after he passed away.. I see it as a way to honor your friend.

[robt57]

"Can bikes have bad juju?"

I suppose, but this sounds like the opposite to me.

[Nomadmax]

If someone doesn't buy that bike and ride it, it will have died too. I suspect the builder and previous rider wouldn't want that.

[jasflyfisher]

I'll pile on my $0.02 in agreement with the others that this would be a great way to honor your friend and the builder, and use the bike as intended.

I hope it is a long and healthy time before you shuffle off this mortal coil. What do you think you would want done with your bikes (including the Teesdale?) when that time comes?

[marciero]

Originally Posted by jasflyfisher

IWhat do you think you would want done with your bikes (including the Teesdale?) when that time comes?

I hope my wife doesnt sell them for what I told her I paid for them ; ). (old joke, I know)

[reuben]

If you want the bike, can afford it, and there are no other concerns, buy it. Then take the builder and your friend for a ride every now and then.

[Spinner]

Go for it. What a great way to honor a friend.

[Fat Cat]

Originally Posted by robt57

"Can bikes have bad juju?"

I suppose, but this sounds like the opposite to me.

Absolutely !

But I did have a bike that I'm just as certain was cursed ! Luckily I found a buyer for Christine before it killed me. The front flat on the downhill was the last straw.

[gravelreformist]

I agree - this sounds like a huge positive rather than a negative.

Let us know how you make out though, ok?