Looking for a few collective thoughts as I'm just pondering whether I sell Mrs Rossco's virtually unused Orange 5 frame and thereafter build up a far simpler HT frame.
I bought the 5 frame a couple of years ago directly from Orange who had some old stock left and built it up myself with a Rohloff and RS Rev's. Basically, as I've 'upgraded' my various bikes, the 'old' kit went onto hers!
Here's the rub...she's literally never used it other than for half a dozen trips to the shops / school with the kids in tow and one trip we all took down a tarmac cycle path last summer.
Frame spec:
Total mileage: under 30 tarmac miles.
Size: 14.5"
Model: Orange 5, can't remember what model year.... 😳
Bought: 2011
Color: Sassy pink
Shock: Fox RP23 BV
Condition: Spotless!
Before you ask...she's not bothered..."[i]as long as it's not too bumpy[/i]"...so I'm thinking of selling the FS and using the proceeds to fund an HT steel frame build. Depending on the frame I'd add sliding dropouts and dedicated cable routing along with a re-spray. (I've a good local frame builder literally round the corner)
My thinking...a HT steel build would allow the use of kids tow behinds, kids trailers etc as muggins here ends up having to do all the towing on his. The few times she's taken it out I was always thinking...it's too blingy it'll get knicked...plus...it irks me every time I walk past the thing!
What's your thoughts...and what do you think such a frame is reasonably worth?
flogging the whole bike should yield a bit of cash I'd have thought although "Sassy Pink" might not appeal to everyone...
But then why bother going to all the effort of assembling her something a bit fancier for the handful of times she'll use it? go buy her an off the peg ~£400 Womens specific HT / Hybrid of some sort and spend the balance on you're own bike(s) / cycling kit.
Sounds to me like you want a modded explosif (or similar) for yourself with the Rohloff fitted, so why not just spoil yourself, doesn't sound like she'll notice much/care...
Why go to the hassle, just keep the Orange.
In truth...I fancy a wee build project and this is a 'no / little cost' option.
In terms of selling the whole thing and buying her something Off the Peg, other than the frame, it's all my own bits and pieces and I'm emotionally connected with them....not-with-standing that I may need to 'borrow' some of them now and again 😉
Once the weather improves (!!!)....the kids are all at school now so she says she'll be more inclined to use it....
I already have a 29er HT with my own Rohloff so that itch is scratched!