Sadly, there are only so many hooks in the garage. As new bikes come into my life, old bikes have to leave. We've all been there, unless you've got the bicycle equivalent of Jay Leno's garage. So, of all those two-wheeled companions, which do you regret selling the most?
[button]Shop all bikes[/button]
I will always remember — and miss — a golden Voodoo Bizango that I rode for a couple seasons at the turn of the year 2000.
At the time, I was racing mountain bikes as a junior expert in the New England scene. Conveniently, I was also working at a bike shop, where I got the hookup on all manner of gear, including Voodoo. I ordered this steel Reynolds 853 frame and built it up exactly the way I wanted.
It had the legendary Shimano XTR 950-series shifting and brakes. I swear this 8-speed drivetrain has the most precise and reliable shifting action of any bike components known to man. Trust me, many a muddy Vermont race put it to the ultimate test. Not satisfied with a full stock build, however, I ran red anodized Paul brake levers and Cook Brothers cranks.
I also took the time to lace up my own wheels with Chris King hubs (mango color) and Velocity rims (also mango color). It was a flashy bike — fitting for the start of the 2000s, which was a very flashy era for mountain biking.
[newsletter]
Eventually, the Bizango transformed into a singlespeed. It served me well in that configuration, but after I moved to Colorado, it saw less action. Around here, a 26" wheel, rigid-fork singlespeed was just kind of a chore to ride. So sometime around 2008, I sold it.
If I still had the Voodoo, I might not ride it often. However, it would be a fun reminder of my early days as a mountain biker. If I had the chance to buy it back, I might.
How about you? We want to hear your story about "the one that got away."
Leave us a comment below with your story of a bike you wish you could have back. Next Monday, we'll pick a winner at noon, randomly chosen from the commenters. This week’s grand prize is once again a limited-edition TPC x Lead Out handlebar bag!
