I've always dreamed of having a vintage bicycle. Once about 15 years ago, I saw an old Raleigh bike at a local junk store for $15.00 needless to say, I was feeling really poor as a newlywed and just simply couldn't afford it. I've always regretted not putting it on my credit card...especially since I now know how much it was worth!!! What was I thinking?
Well, about a couple of weeks ago I was shopping at that same local thrift store, and I spied this rear view....
...I would like to tell you that I calmly walked towards the back of the store...but alas no....I RAN PUSHING MY CART WITH MY TWO LITTLE BOYS TRAILING BEHIND ME (QUITE BEWILDERED) SAYING "I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!! A RALEIGH!!!!"
After that embarassing episode...I assessed it to be a fair price especially since I had a 30% off coupon which made it a whopping $35.00!!! Yippee!!!
I then immediately purchased said bike and took it directly to my local bike shop for new grips, tubes, and tires. It took a week or so to get it back....and I've been a riding fool ever since!
I know she is not perfect...and I realize she needs alot of work....but I'm loving how sweet a ride she is....smooth as a whistle! I'm so happy to have found such a cool vintage Raleigh!! As far as I can find out, she was made in the late 60's or early 70's in Nottingham, England. She's a Raleigh LTD-SC, single speed, with coaster brakes (which is taking a bit to get used to!). I have my work cut out for me to further restore her....but eventually she will sparkle again. Now...to find a proper name for her, hmmmm.....
Irregardless, I'm one happy cyclist!
What's your favorite bike story?
Cheers!
Trish :o)
That's a wonderful story, Trish--love the Raleigh!
ReplyDeleteAs a young teen growing up in Walla Walla, I had a black *fat tire* bike. In a moment of inspiration, I painted yellow daisies all over the fenders . . . it was like riding a Cadillac. Alas, my hippie bike is long gone :0(
Fun post!
Debi
I'll be expecting you to pull up to work on that sweet ride soon! You're such a smart shopper and you know your brands!!
ReplyDeleteTrisha
ReplyDeleteSeeing the bike takes me back to much simpler time. Love it.
In Walmart the other day, they had for sale.... a beautiful retro inspired bike for $75. If I had a great place to ride it, that would have come with me. It was aqua and light tan.
Janice, I took a ride with the boys the other day at the park....it may be a year before you see me riding this thing to work. Elliot will have to build up enough stamina to bike to Grandma's house before I can ride mine to Grandiflora!!! He wore out pretty quickly. :)
ReplyDeleteJennifer...oh how I love that color combination! It sounds like a real cutie pie. The only thing I'm not crazy about the "new" inexpensive oldies, is that they weigh so much! They are a bit more difficult to maneuver...this Raleigh is very lightweight which is perfect for me as I don't have a proper garage and it needs to be hauled into my basement when not in use...thankfully I have an out door entrance! :) I hope you can rent a ride by a beach somewhere....it is such a joy to ride again....so many great biking memories as kids right?!?! :o)
Oh Debi...I missed this comment earlier! I love the daisy story!!! How fun!! I would've loved to see it! I am now trying to remeber to take photos of my boys with their bikes so even if they get rid of them...they will always remember and be able to look at their first real bike! :)
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