I have two gateway bikes, nearly 50 or so years apart in my addiction, but less than ten years apart in age. In 1964 as a junior racer, my parents got me a 1964 Legnano Roma Olympiad. It was my race bike, college commuter, later, my touring bike, and club ride bike, most recently, my ride for two Eroicas. I've had other bikes, but this is my first love. 50 years later, my brother-in-law dragged home a beat-up, unloved, trashed road frame. I had never built a bike before, but loved the nice lugs, and relatively light 531 steel frame. I decided to build it into another bike suitable for Eroica, with practical gears for 60 + year old legs, but add my own personal touches, rather than a faithful restoration. It turned out to be a 1973 Raleigh Super Course, and not only my first build, but one of my favorite rides.
My 1964 Legnano, new bike, young junior racer.
Same bike, same, old rider at last year's Eroica CA.
Still loving the ride.
Scrap pile find, 1973 Raleigh Super Course, as found.
First ever build, one of my favorite rides.