New Bike

Last weekend I went into the local bike shop looking for parts and accessories for my existing fleet of bicycles. I am always amazed when I look at bikes in REAL bike stores because they are so hi-tech. This summer I've been able to get into bicycles again so I needed to replace the pedals on my very nice, second-hand department store ten speed. I bought this bike from my brother about 16 years ago. It was in great shape, almost new in fact, but still second-hand. One of the people in the store approached me and we began talking. I've always been a fan of three speed bikes because they are so rugged and low maintenance I even remember the name of the shifter on my brother's purple Schwinn three speed when I was a kid. Little did I realize what a legendary name "Sturmey Archer" was even then. At any rate, the guy in the store turned me on to a bike called a Townie 21. What a beautiful bike. I think that I will buy one of these bikes, that way I can say that I had at least one new bike before I shuffled off this mortal coil. The 21 is not an internally geared bike (like a three speed), but derailleur technology is so much better in the last several years (even my 16 year old ten speed is pretty reliable).

In related news, I had about a 27 year old three speed that was given to me last year by a relative, I had put new tires and tubes on it and used it as my neighborhood 'beater' but I decided to get rid of it. Well, my ex-neighbor's grandson was walking by the other day, a young man of about 18 who hasn't had an easy life thus far. At any rate, I gave him the bike. Just told him to take it and, he did. He seemd pretty appreciative of it, I've felt great about that decision, ever since.