I have too many projects and not enough time. You find frames, parts, etc. for years, building project upon project in your head but never finding the time or $$ to follow through. If only I could get that to the plater, this to powder and that to Rod Miles... So now I have a basement of too many great ideas whose time will never come.

When do you throw in the towel on a project and move it along to someone else? Especially when the build/bike is unlikey to ever come your way again absent a lot more $$? I have seen frames I sold reappear after others have put the time and effort into them and I always feel that tinge of remorse, but I know I simply would not have gotten it done (case in point a rough S&M Mad Dog and NOS decal set from a couple years ago). Also, do you sell the project as a whole or try to part it all out.

(Going through my stuff made me realize that without a strong community, BMX alone in the basement just isn't the same... I have been around here for a long time, just not an active poster.)

I will never stop dreaming of the perfect build and have a couple completed proejcts that I simply cannot stop staring at/drooling over. This community is a source of inspiration - the various bikes that have come through are simply perfection. But, like the rest of you, I stopped at one too many bikeshops/feamarkets/thrift stores/garage sales.

Collective wisdom appreciated. Space and money aren't the real issue (although always good to have both )

I would say, when you question the desire to perform that particular build.

You will always have the favorites, and you will have the "yes that is nice."

Focus on the favorites. They do exist and not all are favorites.

When you have a 1970s twin top-tube Cheetah frame (preferably in orange) sitting in your basement (or anywhere), unbuilt (or built), then it is time to sell it to me.

If space and money aren't a problem, I'd hang onto everything as long as possible. I know all about the "when will I ever get around to stripping that powdercoat" etc...but as long as you have the stuff, you won't feel the remorse of losing it. As a naturally lazy person, I can't even get myself to call the local powder shop and check out their bicycle specs.

You might keep an eye on the 'wanted' section to see if anyone has a true love of something that you could stand to let go of. Just a choice.

Lately I've been selling off a few things only to use the money for upgrading current builds. I like to keep the hobby within the hobby. I know the stuff is going to good homes and everyone is happy.

Keep it fun, and let the drool flow!

Hang it up on the wall and be patient... it will come to you eventually if your heart is into it.

I have almost given up on several projects... but hung on thank goodness... we are talking years of hanging on.

Get organized with your plans. Make a list. Really, make a list, on paper of what you want for 3, 4 or more projects. Assuming your dealing in eBay, customize your search engines to look for these parts every day and see what comes together [or close to] first, then finish it.

I've found this helps when time is to tight to look for everything.

I know what you're sayin', I've found myself without a lot of time lately to work on anything, so I've got half-stripped frames, etc. laying around.

One of these days...

Just don't get rid of stuff you'll regret. You know what that stuff is, I'm sure.

Either that or sell it to friends you know will do it right and if they sell it in the future, they'll offer it to you first. That way at least you have hope of getting it back if you want.

don't fall for the illusion that if a bike isn't perfect it isn't squat. pick out a fun batch of stuff from the pile (fun can be rusty and dirty, too), put it together into 1 bike, ride it, and the inspiration will flow after that.
I had some stuff sitting around for 20 years that just found homes this winter. and I'm glad it sat doing nothing in particular all those years cause the final homes were perfect in the end.