speedy25

Ann Arbor Classic Bicycle Show

I'm surprised there isnt much chatter about this event in this forum.

I've gone there the last few years and its always fun to look around and what might pop up out of the woodwork. Last year I took an old timer with me and we spent our time trying to stump each other over interesting history and bikes. He won when I didnt know that a certain tool was to set tires on the big wheel bikes.

PM for contact info if you want to say "HI" in person.

-SP

Spaghetti Legs 

Sounds awesome! 5 miles from my sister-in -law house, but unfortunately 575 miles from my house. Have fun!

jefnvk

If anyone here is a member of the planning committee, please plan it next time the first weekend of the month. This month's expendable income has already been devoted to prepping for next month's tour, and I'd hate to go and find something I want and have to walk away....

speedy25

Many of you remember this guy and his overloaded Astro van and trailer from years past.

This year he cam a LOT lighter than usual.

oddjob2

Photo below from 2013, I thought the van exports to Pittsburgh, maybe Bicycleheaven.org?

oddjob2

I believe it is a family run event.

jefnvk

Ha, more joking than anything. Probably good for me all my expendable money was already tied up in the tour, though, I don't have room for anything else right now!

Then again, if I did, I'd be the one dealing with that stuck seatpost on that Grand Record right now!

oddjob2

Anybody have it on their calendar to attend this coming Sunday?

Celloplus 

The show is 95% balloon bikes and 5% steel racers and parts.

Pompiere

I am planning to attend. I have wanted to go for several years and the stars have finally aligned so that I am free on the show date. I am also planning to go to Memory Lane Classics in Grand Rapids, Ohio on Friday. Several vendors stop there on the way to Ann Arbor.

67tony 

I guess I'd respectfully disagree with this ratio. Yes, there are lots of balloon bikes, and tons of Stingrays, but there are also a nice supply of vintage steel bikes, and lots of parts. I'd say maybe 75% stuff I'm not interested in, and 25% cool stuff.

oddjob2

+1

Danbianchi881

not on my calendar for this event

oddjob2

From the video you shared, you have more room for N+1 a couple of times. But then again Dan, you are such a good value buyer from the normal channels, why pay retail?

Danbianchi881

you know me all too well David. I’m on the hunt for a lot older bikes now. I’m always deal finder and you know that.

Road Fan

Good luck with that!

jefnvk

My Sunday should be clear, I'll probably go poke my head around. Wasn't that impressed last year, but did find some of my favorite Avocet Tourings in a bin. Far prefer the Royal Oak shows, they have more up my alley.

Ha, my first rehashed zombie quote

Road Fan

I didn't know about any Royal Oak shows! Where and when?

jefnvk

They've only done it for a year or two, I think it is put on by the same people. It is later in the summer: Upcoming Classic bike show at Royal Oak Farmers Market draws crowds, collectors

speedy25

Hey! Nice revival of a dead thread!

I forgot to check in here and see who might be coming. I did kinda keep an eye open for odd job, but failed to spot him there.
Great weather this year. Its been a few since it was warm and sunny. Noticeably absent from previous years was Bicycle Heaven, Memory lane and the mini-bike show.
It was a shocker to walk in and not see the big spread from Memory Lane. ALso shocking was a very interesting antique bike. Its pictured on the even website. Its a prototype made to show to White to try to have them manufacture a steam powered bicycle. All kinds of weird stuff hanging off it, but I guess it could have worked. It got an award. Another award winner was a Pope bicycle. I have seen many Pope motorcycles that were made in Cleveland, OH, but this was the first bicycle. Very cool.

I think all those people who brought their old Schwinn girls bikes in previous years finally figured out nobody really wanted them and left them home. Their number was way down from previous years, but their was a BIG resurgence in the Krate bikes. Some in very good condition, and others just some wheels and frames for a do it yourself project.

Since opening my electric bike store, of course I have an interest in all things e-bike, and found something I had to have- A NOS Charger. Both pedaling and motor supply power to a Nexus 7 speed hub with the help of a couple of gel cell batteries. The dealer was smart enough to keep the shipping box label that had a date of 1997! $1799 was the list price then. I came in a friends Prius and we were able to put the Charger in with his bike AND a trailer I bought for a customer. At home I gave it a bath and it really does look brand new.

Hope any of the rest of you who went had a good time too.

-SP

Pompiere

This was my first time going to Ann Arbor, but hopefully, I will be going back again. I only bought a few small parts, but it was fun just to see the huge variety of stuff.

I went to Memory Lane on Friday. The shop is now closed, but the show/swap went on as scheduled. They were auctioning off all the inventory and store fixtures. Supposedly, they plan to continue having the show in the future, but the location may be different.