Zaslohael
On Training Wheels
Hey! New on the forum, hope I'm not breaking any rules by posting. And a pleasure to meet you all.
I just discovered my interest in old bikes a few months ago, but still haven't found a local listing that spoke to me. I know I've liked the look of every straight bar (and straight-ish bar, you know, like with the little curve down near the seatpost? Haven't got the terminology worked out) Schwinn, Hawthorne, and Roadmaster I've ever seen.
I still haven't got much sense for what's rare or sought after, so I'm not sure what to avoid asking for. Specifically, looking for something good for a resto job that doesn't have any value as an all-original or demanded model. Not that I plan to desecrate an antique, but I'd rather not do my learning on something with a pedigree, and it'll be nearly a daily rider so I'd rather not fret over scratching a good patina. Don't mind a bit of frame repair or small parts fabrication either.
Hoping to slide in under the $300 mark; also hoping that number isn't laughable. I've seen some real junky looking sorts ask well over $1000, and yet I still can't guess why the most beautiful bike I've ever seen didn't have another zero on the end.
If anyone's willing to part with something sitting in their 'to-do' pile, or has some tips on where to search for what I'm after, I'd be glad to hear of it. Thanks!
Edit: Welp, if there's anything I've learned so far, it's that I live on the wrong side of the Rockies to be wanting what I do. Maybe I'll take a vacation out to Wichita someday and run home $50 poorer with a rusty frame in each arm!
I just discovered my interest in old bikes a few months ago, but still haven't found a local listing that spoke to me. I know I've liked the look of every straight bar (and straight-ish bar, you know, like with the little curve down near the seatpost? Haven't got the terminology worked out) Schwinn, Hawthorne, and Roadmaster I've ever seen.
I still haven't got much sense for what's rare or sought after, so I'm not sure what to avoid asking for. Specifically, looking for something good for a resto job that doesn't have any value as an all-original or demanded model. Not that I plan to desecrate an antique, but I'd rather not do my learning on something with a pedigree, and it'll be nearly a daily rider so I'd rather not fret over scratching a good patina. Don't mind a bit of frame repair or small parts fabrication either.
Hoping to slide in under the $300 mark; also hoping that number isn't laughable. I've seen some real junky looking sorts ask well over $1000, and yet I still can't guess why the most beautiful bike I've ever seen didn't have another zero on the end.
If anyone's willing to part with something sitting in their 'to-do' pile, or has some tips on where to search for what I'm after, I'd be glad to hear of it. Thanks!
Edit: Welp, if there's anything I've learned so far, it's that I live on the wrong side of the Rockies to be wanting what I do. Maybe I'll take a vacation out to Wichita someday and run home $50 poorer with a rusty frame in each arm!
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