[Closed] Massive Dilemma, do I sell my mountain bike?

especially as I'll want to spend time being a Dad at weekends

I hate to break the news to you but being a dad is a 24/7 job.

Maybe sell it and buy a road bike? Then you'll be able to use the odd spare hour . . .

Even better, get a trailer so you can take the baby with you 😉

I got a trailer.

So you had a FS, and then bought another - but barely ride it.

You becoming a Father has nothing to do with it, you barely rode it when you had a chance.

IMO Better to keep it for spares than sell at a £1500 loss.

Keep at least one, the one that will serve your needs best.

You will get time off from being a dad, like when she visits her mother etc for a girls day.

You'll do well to get 50% of what you paid for it

You have 2 mountain bikes

You don't think you'll have much time to ride a bike

You don't need two mountain bikes

I can't see you getting more than half the value for it if you sold it. However there is another option. Get rid or one of your MTBs and get a road bike. Much as I love a good play on my mountain bike, I find road riding gives me better "value for money" for any spare time I have. I am lucky enough to live somewhere with very beautiful and very quiet country lanes to ride on as well as good off-road.

Sell it you won't ride it much if at all in the first year.

It's a 150mm full sus compared to my other which is a 110mm Cannondale with a Lefty fork, much more race orientated and I didn't want to sell it. I bought my other bike for trips to Wales and possibly the alps but that situation has changed.

Should have pointed out I'm out of home 13 hours a day minimum during the week so will hardly see our new arrival, looking forward to spending some time with them at weekends though 🙂

babies = expense

Yes and no, you don't need a buggy that costs £800 an £80 one is nearly as good(and probably is easier to use) and your baby doesn't need to be wearing designer labels that are only gonna get covered in poop and puke ect.Babies do cost but not as much as the popular press and all the other specialists would suggest.

Do you prefer the way your new bike rides to the 'Dale? If so sell the older bike and keep the new , bike time is cut short when a new baby arrives but it won't last forever.

I agree with all the above

But just to put a different spin on it for a second...

It really depends on how you'll regard this bike in the future. Are you the sort of person whole ride it in 10 years time and love that its still going, if so keep it. Or are you a latest bells and whistles type who'll just see it as out of date in 10 years time.

PS had MTB when son was born. When he was 1 I added suspension forks. When he was 3 it was stolen, it was replaced by insurance. When he was 12 I bought a used FS off some one who'd ridden it once. He is now 15.

Also, be honest about the type of riding you think you'll be able to squeeze in and make sure you have the right/best bike for that. No point having a "big bike" for Wales/Alps if those trips are not going to happen. The big bike simply won't get ridden. This echoes my comment about getting a road bike.

Having a child doesnt automatically mean you are never going to ride again. It's fair to say that initially you probably wont have a lot of time to yourself (or energy!) but maybe look at it another way?

I used to ride a lot on the weekends and when we had a child I obviously had other priorities but rather than stop riding I tried night riding after work instead and loved it! My daughter has just turned one and I think Ive averaged a ride every week since she was born, I now just go out when she is asleep and the occasional weekend. The evenings are getting lighter which is a big plus so when he/she goes for a 2 hour nap you have a window to get out for a ride.

Also, do a deal with your missus, she gets to go out for lunch with a mate on the weekend, you look after the nipper, then the next week she wont mind when you head out on the bike for a couple of hours!

The other thing to bear in mind is when theyre a bit older you'll be able to take them out with you on some gentle tracks, fire roads etc, so maybe think in terms of whether one of your bikes will take a trailer or some kind of baby/child carrier instead?

Just my 2 cents.

If it helps, you'll ride your bikes even less once the baby arrives. That's my experience, anyway!

Buying a road bike was by far the best "bicycle related" decision I've ever made.

Amusingly, it's also the bike that holds the least "value" (in terms of selling it).

What are your reasons for not riding it much now? It's all well and good thinking you'll ride it less when the little 'un comes along, but if you're keen you'll find a way. If you're not keen it's not going to happen. When my first child came along I was at the peak of my re-discovered love for cycling, having had a few barren years. I found/made time to ride. Bringing up kids can be hard work and you should have some quality time away from work and being a Dad, even if it's just an hour or two per week. If it's not going to be riding a bike make sure you do something else.

Amusingly, it's also the bike that holds the least "value" (in terms of selling it).

So true. Last year I finally retired my Trek road bike that I bought in 2000 for £250. In terms of smiles-per-pound value for money nothing I have ever owned has come close.

Keep the bike you'll ride.

Not the bike you want to ride.

The answer is sell the bike if you want the cash, otherwise it will gather dust for a good few years, especially as you have 2 bikes.

Well done for accepting the truth, your riding will reduce, your kids are more important, but then also remember so is a break from them for 'you' time... your wife will say this to you many times over the next few years.

Just know one thing, once your kids start riding the world of bikes comes back even better!

Sell your bikes, use the cash to buy a rigid singlespeed and a kid seat, as soon junior Painy can sit up happily there hours of simple trail fun to be had. Was a great way to spend time alone with mine and give MrsCat time to sleep/bathe/etc.

Sell it. Get back into it when the kid(s) are at university.

Sell your bikes, use the cash to buy a rigid singlespeed and a kid seat, as soon junior Painy can sit up happily there hours of simple trail fun to be had. Was a great way to spend time alone with mine and give MrsCat time to sleep/bathe/etc.

^ This +1. You beat me too it Roger. I would sell the lefty thing though. Then you have a good full sus' for the odd boys day out and the new rigid HT for the weekend blast with the little one in the seat.

I went on some pretty big rides with the lad on the back. Mrs Excitable would love it because he would either be asleep or be very tired when we got home resulting in a good 3-4 hr break for her.

I would not be a very good Dad if I didn't get out on the bikes because I'm just a miserable sod with very little patience when I haven't been out !

i was in your situation 12yrs ago sold my full sus giant bike and bought a rigid bike just to get me out, now i only ride a rigid bike with carbon forks as i no longer have the need for suspension, its suprising how quickly you get acustomed to riding a rigid bike, its your choice but remember the kids wont always need you 24/7

Thanks for the replies. I've not done much riding of late on either bike as had shoulder surgery 6 weeks ago so been thinking a lot about what to do. My Cannondale is much more suited to the majority of riding I do but given a preference the "trail" bike is what I have most fun on. I prefer going down hills to up them but it's a bit much for the South Downs where I live and especially of late.

If I keep it it's going to have to last a long time but I'm fine with that and interesting comments about a road bike as it's something I've also been thinking about. Do I sell the Cannondale and get a 2nd hand road bike instead for the odd 90 minute blast along back roads? Hmmm.

I would not be a very good Dad if I didn't get out on the bikes because I'm just a miserable sod with very little patience when I haven't been out !

lol this rings very true 😆

Do I sell the Cannondale and get a 2nd hand road bike instead for the odd 90 minute blast along back roads?

Yes, do this. Or sell the trail bike. Either way get a road bike and ride it in any spare hour you have. You won't regret it.

So you had a FS, and then bought another - but barely ride it.

You becoming a Father has nothing to do with it, you barely rode it when you had a chance.

IMO Better to keep it for spares than sell at a £1500 loss.

I think b r speaks the truth. Harsh as it may sound. On the flip side, if you don't need the money and you have the storage space then why not keep it. It's your extravagance, enjoy it for what it is!

You could try swapping it for a road bike of equal value on this or other bike forums.

Sell it. If you liked it THAT much you'd have found use for it.

If you hold onto it longer you'll end up selling it for zip.

Keep the bike, just cos you won't get out much now doesn't mean you won't in the future. Or get yourself a big light an do all your riding at night, it's how I fit riding in round my two youngsters ( a 3yr old and a 1yr old). Once your wee one sleeps through the night you'll find they'll sleep from 6 or 7pm 'till the morning so your nights are free to ride.

Sell it and use the money for a mid-range road bike. You can nip out for the odd hour or three and get back pretty clean and ready to get on with family duties. If you're really well organised you get your wife and kids to drop you at a nice cafe about 30-40 miles upwind of home then you race back and enjoy a fast exhilarating wind-assisted blast. Alternatively ride downwind and agree to meet them at a nice cafe then car home.

With road bikes there's less time spent on cleaning, maintenance and repairs as well.

You wont be doing much riding for hte next 18 months.
If you can handle having the bikes just sitting in the garage / shed doing nothing then leave them there. Nothing will break / degrade really and they'll be there when you're ready to get out riding.
Thats what I did (although my good bike was 4 years old when my son was born) and I've still got it now.
I tend to keep things like bikes a long time anyway.
Whether you do or not is up to you?

I'm in a similar situation with you regarding riding time/kids.
I bought a Hybrid last year (Boardman one - not a ladies shopping type) and find the odd 1-hour evening night ride is a lot easier to fit in than longer off-road epics.
You can also ride from your front door, and generally need a bit less prep/clean-up time.

The other huge advantage with a road bike is you can buy a turbo, and ride indoors whilst babysitting!

You wont be doing much riding for hte next 18 months.

Take this with a pinch of salt. Your definition of "not much riding" could be very different. Some of us are lucky enough that a normal riding week could include several rides. Others - me included - are happy as long as I get out at least once. You may decide that riding once a month is enough to justify having a nice bike in your garage...

...but do get a road bike 🙂

I would not be a very good Dad if I didn't get out on the bikes because I'm just a miserable sod with very little patience when I haven't been out !

+1. Mrs Daz had no problem with me getting out on the bike after both our kids were born, and still has no problem with me going out twice a week (although they're older now, 8 and 5). Having kids doesn't mean you have to give everything else up. In fact IMO it makes the other stuff more important.

but it's a bit much for the South Downs where I live and especially of late.

I live on the South Downs and my rigid bike is the one that gets used the most. I'd of thought the Rush was the perfect bike to keep but in case you think differently what size is it and how much do you want for it? 🙂

My daughter is 8 months now and I took the decision to sell my Ragley hardtail and dismantle my full suss and put the parts on a carbon hardtail. I already have a road bike. The first few months were tricky to get out and ride but once they're sleeping through you can get out and ride no problem in the evenings providing your partner is understanding of course. To put it into context im 32% in to the Specialised Strava Challenge (1319 km between 1st April and 30th April). It's definitely not the end of the world when it comes to riding although a road bike will help massively.

It really is down to your own motivation. Being VERY organised also helps when it comes down to getting in riding time.

Here's my Cannondale. It's had rather a few upgrades over the years to the point where I couldn't bring myself to sell it for peanuts. Shortened Hope Stem, carbon riser bar, tubeless mavic wheels, Sram X0 etc etc to the point where it's pretty light now. Still love the way it rides and looks 🙂

[img] [/img]

I've got some lights so I expect to have to use them a lot more this year.

Sell the bike that you obviously don't enjoy riding. I'm guilty of punting on (too quickly sometimes) frames that I don't get on with. Only a couple of times have I regretted doing this. You've had ample time to know that its not right for your riding and you have a mountain bike that you prefer to ride.

Sell it before it becomes a museum piece.

All I can add is don't decide to do a whole load of maintenance on your only MTB just before the baby arrives or you'll end up still trying to find time to put the damn thing back together when the baby's seven weeks old! My BMX is thankfully keeping me sane and hopefully keeping the legs and skillz in reasonable order...

Still don't get why some people seem to be of the opinion that you can't go out at all once the baby's born. Are they that difficult to look after?

Are they that difficult to look after?

No....But some people just love to fanny about,esp older parents........

Keep one ,the cannondale , & buy a cross bike.
Since my boy was born my riding has changed dramatically ,
less fun "proper" rides and more commuting/quick blasts on the cx tbh.

I have a mate who's 35. Had a baby last year. So far he's cancelled at the last minute on 3 riding road trips in the last year and several weekend rides too. His excuse every time, baby's not sleeping.

Tried offering the opinion that there's not much you can do about it. May as well let your partner look after it while you nip out for a ride for your own sanity's sake. Got called a C-word for it.

Strangely, he doesn't get invited riding anymore!

Still don't get why some people seem to be of the opinion that you can't go out at all once the baby's born. Are they that difficult to look after?

Not really, the first few weeks of the first kid are a bit nerve-wracking, but you soon work it out. It's more that babies and small kids are demanding, they get bored very fast, and can't be left alone. This is tiring rather than difficult, and certainly there's no way my wife would have accepted me just dumping the baby on her and not doing my part. (Even had I wanted to!)

Given that, regular (as in weekly) all-day rides are probably out of the question, at least for the first few years, but taking a morning off? Certainly in my case it has never been a problem - I take care of the kids on Saturday morning, it's my wife's turn on Sunday. This leaves both afternoons for family stuff.

Keep the one you like (Cannondale). Sell the one you wanted to like but didn't really fit into your lifestyle. Then buy a road or CX bike, a baby seat and a turbo trainer. You'll find 30 min for a quick blast indoors. Then in a few months can take the baby out for rides to give the mother a rest.

I used to ride around the local farms at 06:30 with Son1 to give Mrs TiRed a lie in!

curiousyellow - Member

Still don't get why some people seem to be of the opinion that you can't go out at all once the baby's born. Are they that difficult to look after?

The problem I have is that as I work fairly long hours I barely see him in the week - I'm lucky if I see him for a few mins before bed time. And my wife looks after him for the entirety of the week. At the weekend I want to spend time with him and give her a break, both of which make it hard for me to get out by myself on the bike.

Now it's lighter and we're a bit more into a routine it's going to have to be evenings / early weekend mornings on the bike. I do get commute by bike so get a good 15-20 miles in a day, so it's not all bad.

You should have bought a TV.

Cut your loses, you could then split the cash 50% to your young un and 50% on a bike.
Either a road bike, purely for you, or a hardtail/rigid that will take a child seat /tow a trailer so you can do mobile babysitting duties (think of it as resistance training).
I only get one weekend off in five so I don't "waste it" cycling my lads come first but Sunday night when there both in bed I get out with my mate 15-20 miles road or 1,1/2 hours in the woods then a quick pint and home.

[i]Still don't get why some people seem to be of the opinion that you can't go out at all once the baby's born. Are they that difficult to look after?[/i]

No, it's the mothers' that are the issue 🙂

I've 3 and found that in spring/summer early on a w/e morning suited everybody best. They're all still in bed/lazing around and I could be out early and 3-4 hours later back for brunch.

mogrim - Member
Given that, regular (as in weekly) all-day rides are probably out of the question, at least for the first few years, but taking a morning off?

As somebody who loves riding/running/walking in the mountains I do miss full days out.

Weekends away are extremely rare and need to be arranged with [i]management[/i] at least 6 months in advance...

I recently took up running again, which is very good 'value for money' in time (and in actual money) terms.

ps. Somebody who does little riding before having children is very unlikely to do more once they arrive.

Aristotle - Member

I recently took up running again, which is very good 'value for money' in time (and in actual money) terms.

Likewise!

Before I became a dad I had

Orange 224 (DH bike
Orange Hitman (DJ bike)
Commencal meta 5.5

After becoming a dad I have

Whyte 905, ridden once off road since 2011

I do a fair bit of road biking though, mainly got into that becasue the travel to and from trails and bike cleaning is, to a great extent, removed from the equation

I have got through the baby time as Gti Junior is now 14 and almost riding the same size bike as me. However I haven't ridden my Global for over six months now and only rode it twice last year. Selling it would be the end of my 22 years as a mountain biker and lots of good memories would go with it. With Gti Junior growing so fast we have the tantalising prospect of being able to share road bikes so I am thinking of selling the Global to make space and cash for a hooligan bike.... he can ride it at weekends and I use it for those summer evening blasts around the Ribble Valley. Nearly bought a Spesh Tarmac SL4 pro from Leisure Lakes last month, reduced from £4000 to £2000 but lacked the conviction to do it.... what to do....? Aaaaargh.....

+1 for selling it - but get a nice urban town bike that'll take a bike seat, keep a couple of hundred back to buy a wooden balance bike for Junior, then a little Spesh or something like it, maybe a bike for your wife if he doesn't already have one - then you can all go riding together

And this is going to make me sound like a total softie, but when you hear junior giggling from the child seat when you ride past the cows and make moo noises, you'll be a very happy man.

PS I didn't start riding properly until after my daughter was born, and even when she was younger (she's 7 now) I found time to ride nearly every weekend for a few hours, and still get away to Wales/Lakes/Peaks with the boys 2 or 3 times a year as well.

Best of luck

I'm a new dad, own a new(ish) 3k bike and also like to ride as often as possible.

As much as I enjoy spending time with my family, it's still important to get out often to do the things I enjoy.
If I didn't, I'd probably be quite unhappy.

Even though I ride less now, I wouldn't even consider getting rid of my bike.

The whole time you are looking after your bike and enjoying it when you can, the value of it is irrelevant if its the loss you're concerned about.

My aim looking ahead in the months to come is to get out on the bike on a regular basis. Whilst I work in London but live near brighton, I'd like to at least get some time to exercise at weekends. That may well end up being very early but I'm keen to make the effort to find the time.

I think I'd find it hard to turn down a reasonable deal on a road bike if something came up. Would possibly also get a turbo trainer to put in the garage.

I may just have to persuade the wife that it's not worth me losing money on my trail bike but it's only worth keeping it if I'm going to use it properly, in other words get to wales on it. A friend of ours lives in Alpe D'Huez and has said I can stay with him for free during the summer but that might just be pushing my luck!

Sell the new bike. Put half the proceeds into the baby fund, half into buying a road bike and a turbo trainer (cheap one)

Hey presto - instant brownie points, a bike you can get out on for 30mins no problem, and a way to keep fit over winter.

Thats a nice 'dale ? i can see why he don't want to sell.Sell the other and keep the 'dale ,mine is 18 years old ,you only need one bike now !

Still don't get why some people seem to be of the opinion that you can't go out at all once the baby's born. Are they that difficult to look after?

It depends. At 4 weeks things were going very smoothly, her mum was feeling pretty confident and happy, and if it hasn't been for the non-working bike I'd have already been out. At 7 weeks she's really suffering with reflux, is waking up in pain when she's not due for a feed and her mother is struggling mentally. Right now I'm needed when I'm not at work to share the workload but hopefully things will get easier soon.