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#1 2009-09-10 19:27:47
- tmc22
- Member
- Posts: 101
Classic Bike style
My fiancee bought a bike and wanted to share the experience of bike trails around New Haven CT. So it is my bright idea to revive my brother's bike from 1964, the classic Humber English 3 speed. I get the brakes in order, the Sturmey-Archer made in England gears still work. I find on EBay matching fenders from some old bike shop in WI, so I won't have to repaint the rusted fenders of the original.
But I look at a few ads in the latest issue of Vanity Fair and I read today's NYTimes and I find out my classic bike is a fashion accessory. Displayed in many of the stores this season in Manhattan.
OK, maybe I like this. but maybe I just like riding the 45 year old bike. Please, no pictures, NO PICTUTURA, grazi.
I didn't mean this to be fashion. I just got engaged to the girl who wanted to go biking. and I thought I could save a few bucks by riding my brother's 3 speed and making some improvements. But the classic bike is the NY fashion accessory of the moment. or so they say.
Last edited by tmc22 (2009-09-10 19:29:06)
#2 2009-09-11 01:14:01
- Moose Maclennan
- Ivy Inspiration
- From: Hernando's Hideaway
- Posts: 4577
Re: Classic Bike style
I love old bikes. As a kid I had I a 1960s Moulton which would be worth a few bob now. Later in my teens I had a stunning Mercian light tourer, a veritable gazelle - I was riding hundred of miles a month at the time.
My last classic bike was a heavy 1950s German single speed, unfortunately (and painfully) one of the cranks sheared off riding up a hill a few years back. I still have Dad's old Carradice saddle bag from the 50s tucked away; it would be great to have the right bike to go with that again.
#4 2009-09-11 01:40:21
- Moose Maclennan
- Ivy Inspiration
- From: Hernando's Hideaway
- Posts: 4577
Re: Classic Bike style
It's all about the peddling.
#6 2009-09-11 02:49:31
- 1966
- 1,966% Ivy
- Posts: 2382
Re: Classic Bike style
Fed up with the daily train ride with all the badly dressed commuters and their mobile phone calls, I started to commute by bike. Best decision I've made this year. Bought a Swiss army bike from 1957 and I'm one happy peddler now. 40 kilometers a day.
If you don't see me much around here it's probably because my obsessive compulsive disorder shifted to old bikes. Plus I kind of have my wardrobe sorted by now.
#9 2009-09-11 03:55:14
- Moose Maclennan
- Ivy Inspiration
- From: Hernando's Hideaway
- Posts: 4577
Re: Classic Bike style
Lots of old memories being revived on the PM network, oh my!
That German clunker I had in the early 90s was a 'Vaterland', I now remember. I dated the rear hub at the time, it was 1953. Used to ride around in 1930s Aertex tennis shirt and baggy shorts, I old poseur did 
I feel I am getting the bug again. A nice budget way of running a classic vehicle, I think.
#10 2009-09-23 20:06:04
- tmc22
- Member
- Posts: 101
Re: Classic Bike style
For what it is worth. The guy who write's a Continuous Lean blog and lives in NYC somehow is inspired in August to write about how much he wants an English 3 speed. He finds one in PA. fine. I'm sure he had a lightning bolt from God.
For the one's who are inspired by this sight: The going rate seems to be for a bike in great shape from the 1970s a bit under $300.00. Don't disregard bikes with surface rust on the chrome and a little rough on the frame. They are probably sound bikes that you can easily clean up and paint. You see an english 3 speed that has working brakes and gears for under a hundred bucks, grab it. Fix it up bit by bit. I can tell you how.
#11 2009-09-24 02:11:39
- Beatnik
- Member
- Posts: 604
Re: Classic Bike style
I'm the opposite an Englishman who's always wanted an American bike. I couldn't get a Schwinn imported, so I ended up with an Electra cruiser. No gears, one break. A fabulous big bike for a big bloke like me.