What bike did you ride today?

[ebasnett]

I drove down to Corpus Christi, TX yesterday for the annual Texas District & County Attorney Association’s annual conference and continuing legal education. It’s a 5-1/2 hour drive and I stopped north of Austin for lunch. While eating lunch I started flipping through Facebook marketplace listings and ran across this recently serviced 1974 Schwinn Suburban 5 speed and realized it was nearby. Sometimes you just NEED to buy a bike. I already had another bike on the rack on the back of my SUV, but I decided right then I was going to go scoop it up. Seller wanted $100. I offered $80 and went and picked it up.

I don’t know if I like “patina” but I definitely like a bike with “experience.” This bike was registered in Houston, TX in 1974, 75, and 76. Was bought during COVID by the previous owner at Bike Farm in Austin, TX, and was scooped up by me yesterday, taken to Corpus Christi, TX and ridden 30 miles already. I like that it’s got scratches, a few extra decals, and has been well used but taken care of. I made a stop at Bay Area Cycles in Corpus Christi for new brake shoes at lunch and rode back to the conference. The 5 speed Schwinn GT-120 derailleur took a little while to get used to, but after 30 miles I’m clicking through the gears like it’s connected to my brain. It’s crazy how much fun you can have even on a plain old 5-speed lightweight.

Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. Lexington in the background.

 

[Ernbar]

Early evening short 6 mile ride after dinner and the rain. Got dark very fast.

 

[birdzgarage]

Not fun when one is pedaling the 46 Rollfast and enjoying the scenery when suddenly something goes ping and your saddle collapses on the right side
I always check and make certain things are tidy so not to get a surprise but didn’t check this morning so lesson learned.
Took me a few minutes to locate the bolt and retaining cup but who knows where the hex nut flew off to. I was 5 miles from the house so I carefully rode while leaning on the left saddle side and supported most of my weight on either pedal while dismounting and walking on the bumpy sections . Took me a while to get home riding this way
Located a matching bolt in my junk box and got it back together good as new.

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With the replacement nut on nice and tight she’s good as new now.

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I had that happen on the same kind of saddle.same side.mine came off on the bike rack while on the freeway.lost the cup too.

 

[birdzgarage]

 

[ian]

Early evening short 6 mile ride after dinner and the rain. Got dark very fast.

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Dig those wide bars!

 

[mrg]

Decided to break out the Kolumbia Klunker for a ride past the end of the tracks. Last pic is Downtown LA around 15 miles away.

 

[Miq]

Out on my Columbia frame passed to me from @mrg too.

Rode in the sprinkling rain up through Scottsdale on the Greenbelt with Philthy. Absolutely no other bikers out in the 100% humidity.

48 Columbia Cruiser

 

[mrg]

I guess alot of night riding in the AZ!

 

[Miq]

Especially while it’s hot. Then, when it finally cools down in Oct, the sun is down when you get home from work, and you have to ride at night again….

 

[oldfart36]

The 1949 Monark survivors have been going out together for quite a while now.