I was driving to South Bend, Indiana today and something sparked a memory of a long ago customer that ordered a custom frame from me. I haven't heard from that person in decades. It made me wonder where early frames that I've made have gone too. I've been contacted sometimes from those that have had their bikes stolen. However, that isn't what happens to the majority. Because I also paint my own frames, those in use tend to find there way back to my shop to be renewed so I have some idea what ones are active. Here are some of my theories. What are yours? 1. Customers justify the cost by saying it will last forever but they have resources and like buying new things so what they've had gets renewed after awhile. They want to know that a frame lasts when buying but that isn't what they tell their partner after they've had it a few years. 2. bicycling may become an outdated phase in their life. Sometimes because of interest and sometimes because of age. I think this may be the majority.
I've run out of ideas. There must be nice bikes sitting in garages or basements somewhere. I seldom get contacted by customers wanting to unload their bikes. Of course that might be partly because it might seem a bit rude. "I don't want what you made for me anymore" or "I want to get something better than want you made for me"
Doug Fattic looking for answers to bike death in Niles, Michigan