So, I’ve been giving some more thought to this whole Project: Complete I talked about yesterday. And after looking at it in the light of day following a good night’s sleep, I’m not sure whether it’s even a good idea. For me, at least. And for a number of reasons.

I guess the main one is that I already know the answer to the big question: Of course a complete will be good enough for me. It’s like asking whether I could play basketball in a pair of $40 Converse instead of Air Jordans. Of course I could. I’m not a professional. I’m not even a has-been. I’m more like a never-was. I ride for fun. I don’t Luc-E kinked ledges, I don’t ride Posh, and the next flair I do will be my first. Would it be weird getting used to an entirely new bike? Sure, especially if it was shorter than what I’m used to. But I have no doubt that I would get used to it.

Then again, maybe that’s reason enough to do it? It’ll be a good way to see—at least for me—how many choices are just made because there are choices, and whether there are any that are truly important. (I’m not talking about things like hardened steel pegs over slidy aluminum ones—I’m talking minute differences in toptube length and handlebar sweep/width and type of grips and tires). If someone replaced your 20.6″ or 20.75″ frame with a 20.5″ tomorrow, would you even notice? And assuming you did, how long would it take you to get used to the change? How many of the choices that you agonize over are entirely insignificant?

Again, I’m pretty sure I know the answer. The average rider—not referring to skill level here—chooses parts primarily by reputation and image. The questions, in no particular order, are “will this hold up?,” “how much does this cost?,” and “what will people think when they see me running/rocking this?” That last might be the most important, which is why BMX parts are marketed more like limited-edition sneakers or high-end denim than, you know, bike parts. Somehow I think Lance Armstrong worries more about whether his bars fit than whether they’re cool or not (although he did almost break Twitter asking whether he should run black or yellow hoods).

Sometimes I think skateboarding got it right. They picked a size and a shape and ran with it. Only the graphics change. Maybe all the BMX companies should get together, decide on a headtube angle, a seattube angle, a bottom bracket standard (!), a pair of chainstay lengths and three toptube sizes. Pick some tubing, and place a huge order with Giant. All individual companies would have to do is come up with names, pick “colorways” and design sticker sets. One massive order would cut prices, and anyone would be able to ride any company’s frame. Simple, right?

I realize this runs counter to lots of things I’ve said before. That’s just how I roll.

As for the purveyance of said bicycle, I’ve done a lot of thinking on that, too. (Helped along by anonymous, no doubt.) And I think I absolutely have to buy it. That way I’m not beholden to anyone, and there’s no chance of getting a ringer: “Wait, why does this $500 Kink complete weigh 22 pounds?” Still, I’m not sure what to get, and suggestions are still welcome. (Verde? FBM? WTP? MirraCo? Giant? Kink?) I’d post a poll, but a) I don’t have a clue how to do it, and b) I don’t have enough of a readership. Not that I’m not thankful for each and every one of you. Well, except anonymous. You’re a dick.