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c) Use but don't abuse. Take good mechanical care of it, take a bit of care about where you lean it and how you car rack it, and ride it hard.
+1
Hang it on your wall and gaze lovingly. Periodically put more expensive bits on that won't improve the bike and continue to admire. Occasionally visit a trail centre car park for a bit of dressage.
Probably somewhere about the 'C' mark.
My frame is wrapped up in old inner tubes which offers a bit of protection to the paintwork, and also makes it look less attractive when it's locked up outside Uni.
I started doing this on my previous bike (Kona Kula) as a friend who I lived with pushed his bike into the hidey hole with mine and the brake lever took a fair bit of paint off the top tube.
In general use not abuse. If I crash and damage it then fine but otherwise take good care of it. Depends on the bike a bit too.
I'm more particular about my road bike and full suss as they were expensive, I'll fully clean them every ride if needed. My commuter is scratched and a bit rusty from being chained up outside everyday for 3 years it gets an annual service after winter but not much else. My cross bike is raced hard but goes to the start line clean and well maintained. My HT is kept working but only the forks and drivechain are cleaned regularly.
I used to use duck tape on all the areas that suffered cable rub, then discovered heli-tape so now use that - I try and ride it like I stole it and most of my bikes only get a brief hose down and chain lube when I get home, then maintenance when ever needed.
I have some carefully placed helitape to stop cable rub, needs a clean after Mondays night ride.