Some People Rescue Dogs, I Rescue Bicycles.

About two months ago, I was scanning the local FB market and came across a Raleigh Racing Competition USA bike from the 1980s. There's nothing super special about these bicycles, except for the fact that they were marketed in conjunction with the 1984 Summer Olympics in Southern California. I actually lived in the OC and was near the road race course. These Olympics and Greg LeMond's inroads into professional cycling and his Tour campaigns reeled me into the sport.

Raleigh Racing USA 

After a bit of negotiation with the seller who was no longer using the bike, I picked it up for a reasonable $200. It was in good working condition with no mechanical issues and all the original parts. It's too small for me, but I knew if I cleaned it up I could probably pass it along to someone looking for a cool steel ride from the past. 

Friction Shifters

So many of us have transitioned from Steel to Aluminum to Carbon Fiber, that we have forgotten how much nicer steel framed bicycle rides. In fact, I'm guessing the millennials (excluding the hipsters) have never even ridden a steel framed bicycle.  Steel bicycles are so forgiving of every bump in the road, unlike aluminum ones which transfer every bump directly into your body. Carbon fiber ones are just as ridged if not more, they even seem to transfer the sound of bumps.

My latest bicycle is an Electric assist Faraday Porteur. Sure the electric assist is cool, but the fact that its steel, rides like butter with or without electric assist is my favorite part. Not to mention it looks as cool as hell.  

When you ride older bikes, you're more dialed in with them. No click clack shifting precisely between your 8 speeds. Bicycles of this generation have friction shifters. They are the equivalent of a stick shift in a car, and not everyone gets them. This one came with toe clips as well, although I did not pass them along. The owner can have them if he wants them.

I cleaned it up, adjusted the bars and saddle, and made sure the drivetrain was well oiled. My Co-worker TJ bought it. I sold the bike for what I bought it for, it was never about profit. I just thought it would be cool to have this bike out on the road again.

So ride on over to Buddy Brew, new owner, or through Seminole Heights over to Red Star Rock Bar or just down the street to your new local bar Hooch and Hive, and get the attention you and your new old steel ride deserve. Let's just hold off on the handlebar mustache as that's a bit much. I'll see you on one of our commutes to the office! 

TJ picking up his Raleigh