Scratches on a bike/Looking after a bike

[BigDL]

I would be at about 5 on the scale with regards to the finish on my MTB. I crash a lot, which is about the only thing that I can do spectacularly on a mountain bike. As far as the mechanicals go, I would be a 9 or 10.

 

My road bike is about 20 years old, as far as I can work out, so it has had its fair shape of knocks over the years, both since I got it and before, so I have no ego around it.

 

Car - don’t really care. As long as it is running well and safe (tyres, brakes etc), I couldn’t care

[Robbie Stewart]

I would be at about 5 on the scale with regards to the finish on my MTB. I crash a lot, which is about the only thing that I can do spectacularly on a mountain bike. As far as the mechanicals go, I would be a 9 or 10.

 

My road bike is about 20 years old, as far as I can work out, so it has had its fair shape of knocks over the years, both since I got it and before, so I have no ego around it.

 

Car - don’t really care. As long as it is running well and safe (tyres, brakes etc), I couldn’t care

 

But then there is that moment when you spot the crease on your car door where someone bashed their car door into your car on a windy day...

 

and then you find out it was someone you know, and they chose not to say anything...

[The Ouzo]

my bikes are not worth much in monetary value, so not to worried about the odd bump and scratch. I'm certainly not careless with them though.

Mechanically they are all sound, if something is amiss I fix it as soon as I can.

 

I'm more of a function over form kind of person when it comes to cycling. 

 

 

But if I was to own one of the latest carbon creations I would certainly stress alot more about bumps and scrapes.

[DirtyDan]

I'm referring mostly to road bikes here. although to a certain extent the principles can apply to MTBs

 

Am I the only person who goes out of my way to ensure my bike is well looked after and scratch free.

 

If I look at some of the bikes advertised in the classifieds I wonder if they have been dragged behind a car. Almost every advert I see comes with a comment along the lines of "In good condition but has the usual scratches"

 

Is it usual to have scratches on a bike? 

 

My bike is a 2008 model and it looks like it has just come off the showroom floor. I make sure it doesn't get propped up against brick walls, nothing lies against it and I never lie it down on concrete or tar. I have a quality bike rack to transport it.

 

What does the general Hub population think? Do you guys worry about the bike's appearance or is it a tool that is there to do a job irrespective of how it looks.

Sounds a tad over pedantic to me. However if that's one of the things that brings you fulfilment in your insignificant, bike-riding existence, then by all means, go forth and nitpick away...

 

Disclaimer: I believe all our existences bear insignificance, I'm not trying to insult you.