THE JOY OF VINTAGE BIKES. FALLING IN LOVE WITH MY RALEIGH 3-SPEED, RUST AND ALL.
I'm not sure what it is about old bicycles that I'm in love with. I'm no restoration geek; I've no need for speed; and my lack of space leads to dirty looks from my girlfriend every time i bring a new bike project home. Perhaps it's the idea of a new pet project that can pull me away from the brain wrotting internet; maybe it's my fascination with beautifully designed objects of yesteryear. Whatever it is, I have a huge appreciation for the classic style of old bikes: there's something to be admired about products that have actually been crafted and produced with technical prowess and aesthetic sense in this world of globalization and rampant "Made In China" stampings.
I recently picked up a great vintage Raleigh "Townie" from the 60s. Sure, it needs a lot of work (malfunctioning brakes only lead to malfunctioning body parts), but there's a sense of pride you feel when you're able to successfully rehab an old classic; it's like protecting an endangered species or hoarding disco 12"s in these digital days. Something about the history of my bike―and Raleigh in general―is so compelling that I can't help but feel the urge to give it a makeover and give it a few more glory years.
If you know where to look (garage sales, Craigslist, grandparents' houses), you're bound to find an under-appreciated gem. Raleigh's and Schwinn's are the most common ones to find―but that doesn't mean they're not deserving of your adoration! Buy 'em cheap, give 'em some love, and be sure to show 'em off after they've been all spiffied up at your local park or pub.
