Ode to a Clicgear dying old, 7000 miles later...

[bluedot]

Way back at Christmas of 2009, I was given a Clicgear, in spite of the fact that I had a Sun Mountain Speed Cart in great condition. I wasn't able to return the Clicgear, so I used it just to see what it was like, and the Sun Mountain was sold on Craigslist a few days later. I was 57 at the time, and though I pretty much always walk when I play, I had given up carrying my bag. I have come to love these carts, and mine never leaves the trunk of my car, lest I need it.

In the years since, I've played a LOT of golf; upwards of 150 rounds a year, almost all of them walking and pushing that aging Clicgear. Along the way, I'd seen Clicgear tweak the original design; a better brake, a better brake cable attachment, a larger storage compartment on the handle, plus a small cargo net. I envied my buddies that had gotten the newer ones; mine was scarred up from cart path curbs, the brake cable was being held on by a T-bolt hose clamp, there was no tread left of the tires, and there were some dings in the foam handle. But it just kept rolling along, so I just kept pushing it.

But then this past summer, the rear tires, first the left and then the right, developed a serious squeaking noise, and it got LOUD! Worse some days than others, but noticeable to my playing partners. I tried everything; WD-40 first, then I took the wheels off and applied white lithium grease, and then I even took a socket wrench to the course to tighten and loosen the wheel bolts in case I had over or under tightened them. Nothing worked, and finally, I called Clicgear; they told me that the two wheel bearings were likely shot, and that new wheel kit would do the trick and keep me rolling. So 50 bucks, some labor, and MAYBE a fix for a 10 year old cart with, conservatively, 7000 miles on it.

So yesterday, I decided to euthanize the old girl, and I went to Golf Galaxy and bought a new 3.5 Clicgear. I took the various accessories off the old one, and the next time I play, it'll be with new wheels. I figure that if this one gives me the same service, I'll be pushing 80 years old when it wears out; at that point, I'll hope that the demise of my second Clicgear is my biggest issue.

Because I grew up in the rural South, I'm considering removing the wheels on the old one, and putting it up on cinder blocks in the yard, like a vintage Ford pickup. Or maybe have it buried with me when the time comes...

[caniac6]

Being from the South, why don't you just leave the old one on the front porch?

[bluedot]

I thought about that, but my front porch isn't very big, and the old washing machine already takes up a lot of room. Better in the yard under the old oak tree, near the broken toilet.

[caniac6]

You could half bury the wheels down by the end of the driveway. Also, I've got an old gas grill under my deck if you really want to class up your yard.

[bluedot]

I like it! I would, of course, paint the wheels glow-in-the-dark white...

[NCLancer]

Please don't forget about some rusted truck/car rims strewn here and there about the yard...gives the snakes a place to hide.

 

RIP to your cart.

[Nixhex524]

Was just talking about this the other day with my playing partners... these Clicgears are tanks, and very much repairable when needed. If you like to walk, I do not think there is a single better investment to the game than a Clicgear... this is not to say other carts won't do the trick, but there is so much good about the design of the CG to make it a lifelong friend. Sorry you had to retire the old girl, but you're due for the trophy wife... why not.

[jas904]

I appreciate your story as I am a owner of the original model Clicgear. Like you, I am envious of those with the more user friendly brake and cargo net. I have made a few repairs to mine as well (the original brake cable design fails on occasion). I know the day is coming when I out the original out to pasture and buy a 3.5. Enjoy the lavish lifestyle of extra storage room, easy brake application, and cargo net. You have earned it.

[ShallowbutDeadly]

I sold mine this summer because my local course lets you use their push/pull carts free and it was just easier. I regret selling it and may have to pick up another.