I hate the thought of how much has gone into this, but as someone else said earlier, I still haven't hit the cost of many of the cars I've had, or even the last boat.
I can sum up a few..
'04 Slick Daddy (Stretch Orangestrong), full boat retail less 10%, then it got mostly replaced with the exception of the fork, frame, and the front caliper. Price = Ouch
'05 Felt Scythe (The Rat Royale), Got a deal at $100 under retail, again, the only pieces left are the frame, fork, chainguard, and a plate behind the seat tube. Price =
Ouch
'06 Cannibal (Silver), Frame, fork, and rear hub are left. How much help did I get from my son? NADA! Price =
Ouch
Pile 'O Schwinns - 27 of them in various states of done and un-doneness (is that a word?)
Price = No thanks.
Most recent purchase - '67 Cycle-Truck (advertised as a '60).. And I REALLY want to spend some more on this, but I am out of luck for a while. This one blew the budget (Ok, there really isn't one, but I know this pushed the limits of how much will she put up with even though she said "Make 'em an offer").. BUT ..... It was well worth it. Wanted one for a LOOOOOOONG time, got it! So far - Tires, rear brake overhaul, a reflector & housing (that don't seem to fit yet), and some major league cleanup. It was OK to begin with, but had been sitting for several years right next door to salt water. (Florida + salt water = rusty scale!) When I rode it for the first time, and my wife said she was glad there were no bugs out or they'd be stuck in my teeth.
Priceless!
My wife also says this beats a lot of other stuff I could be doing, plus she generally knows where to find me at any given time.
Reality:
This is the best hobby I've had in a really long time.
Cars, Trucks, Boats, and even telescopes .... Nothing was cheap to free..
Rat Royale
REC Elsewhere