I know there are areas that are not relevant to the forum ie fashion? graphic and web design but I have an obsession with bicycles vintage racing or commuter, I have them purely for design, build quality and enjoyment. Knowing that a love for design tends to take over every aspect of your life I wondered if any others share this hobbie. I have a old Mercier currently in pieces but will post a pic asap. (would be nice to see some pictures and smart arse comments are always welcome I was born with an ability to never be offended so let fly my friends!)
Live to ride, ride to live
We are avid bike riders and I dig vintage bikes so I would never mock your passion. My tastes however, lean towards vintage American cruisers. And though it's tough sometimes, I have to limit the number of bikes we own. There is only so much space in the garage.
My 1st grader outgrew his Schwinn stingray mini this summer and is just getting big enough to ride my mint vintage Schwinn stingray fastback:
Lit
Some people (I understand you are not one of them) consider jumping on a bicycle as freedom. Free to go where ever, the freedom of self propulsion the freedom of thought that comes with being on a bicycle. Resentment is a terrible mood and I would like to appologise for the fact that my actions have caused this in you.
I've always had a huge love...
I've always had a huge love for bicycles.
Before I started designing furniture I designed bicycle components and worked in the cycling industry for years. At the moment, city-style bikes are what keep me intrigued. I've got a couple of Biomega bikes, an MN and a shaft drive prototype, definitely fun to get out and just ride around the town without getting all suited up. It brings cycling back to that pure fun kid-like state of youth. After years of "more travel, carbon fibre this or that", a single speed city bike is nicely refreshing.
spd
I am building up the confidence to go for a no brake fixed gear, this is the Mercier project, but single gear is the best way to ride a bicycle great through town and giving you enough exercise to get out of the seat on hills.
I am very interested in the fixed gear single speed revival of the last few years some beautiful looking bikes. I used to spend ages on my Raleigh Burner trying to make it stand out as a child.
Arthur - Yes, I've gotta say,...
Arthur - Yes, I've gotta say, there are some advantages to living alone 🙂
I don't ride the bike in the photo, which is my most prized possession (it's signed by Eddy Merckx on the top tube!) but I do ride the other track bikes on the streets, but only in nice, dry weater.
The noble steed
Ah, the noble steed. I've had several vintage bikes in my day, some I have completely restored and others left as found to ride without the concern of a rock chipping months of hard work. The welds on these bikes are so far superior to what is typically found on the bikes of today. If you look closely on the frame directly below the handlebars you will see what I mean. I've always loved things that are made better than they have to be. This old Schwinn Hornet is from the early 60's and is a blast to ride. It has started many a conversation that never would have happened had I been riding a "normal" one. It's probably 10 times heavier and my guess is it takes as much energy riding around the block as a mile on the wall hanger does. I just love the look of the thing, what more can I say?
Brent
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That is a beautiful bicycle, as you say design details like the lugs, handle bars and frame are far superior on a older bike. I am after handlebars similar to yours for my latest project although I want to turn them upside down vintage racing style.
See below the British version of a cruiser, this one is brand new by Pashley but obviously copies older designs. I like it so much I am looking for a frame to build a similar one myself!
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