JA TREK

Help, I feel I'm becoming obsessed with bikes and cycling! Growing up I always had a bicycle to ride every season until probably my teenage years when I started to do boring teenage things like go to malls and etc. Anyhow, I can't stop looking at bikes on Craigslist. I found 2 old bikes that I think look sharp, and I'm about ready to start a collection lol. Does anyone else have this "problem"? I've attached pictures of the bikes I have my eyes on.

Short version: I'm a 36 year old female, just got back into cycling two months ago and I'm becoming addicted. Ha!

thumpism 

Don't do it. You'll wind up like the rest of us. Get out now while you still can.

If you get the Raleigh Twenty (my recommendation) be sure to post in the "For the love of English 3-speeds..." thread in the Classic & Vintage forum. Good luck.

Seriously, of the two bikes shown the Raleigh would by most folks be considered to be the more "collectible" of the two. While the Schwinn might be seen as handier in daily use, the Twenty is an unusual design, has a cult following, has a Sturmey-Archer three-speed rear hub (a definite plus to some of the crazies here) and looks to be in beautiful original condition, right down to the headlight and the pump. Can't go wrong with a nice Twenty in your collection.

I personally have five 3-speeds, four of them Raleighs but none a Twenty. However, I know where one resides unloved in a garage. Why am I still sitting here, you ask? Because I'm trying to follow my own advice from the first line up above. See what I mean?

JA TREK

Yes I sure do see what you mean! I've been leaning towards the Raleigh since I saw the ad. Such a beautiful, sharp looking little bike!

Thanks for the additional information you've added about the Raleigh Twenty. Love this forum because you guys are so knowledgeable, and I'm learning more and more. If I make the trip out today and get it, I will definitely come back and post it in the Classic/Vintage area. Thanks!!

JA TREK

So I went and tried the Raleigh. Loved it! Told seller I needed to think on it over lunch. Before I could text him back, he texted me and said he changed his mind and decided to keep it. Bummer! Anyhow I did get a couple of funny pics while I was trying it lol.

2cam16

Too bad about that bike but maybe it wasn't meant to be. Don't worry, you'll find another one.
And yeah, good luck with the addiction. It gets REAL BAD! LMAO!

rollagain

Too bad you missed out on that Raleigh; such a classy looking little thing. The Schwinn, to me, is nothing special; there are millions more that look just like it.

Find the ones that are unique and have character. Then go lock yourself in the house and tell yourself you need to save the money for your retirement or something.

3alarmer 

...just find some guy with a huge collection of bikes who rides the same size as you. They're all divorced or single because of the bikes anyway.

thumpism 

If you found this in a Craigslist ad priced at X dollars, my guess is the guy got a better offer and let you down easy. It gets ugly out there sometimes. I'd like to think that's not the case but it happens. Good luck next find. Watch it be more exotic/expensive/desirable and then you'll be into the deep end. Don't say we didn't warn you.

JA TREK

I agree, must've not been meant to be. I probably should have scooped it up right then and there, but I always have to overthink everything. Great, so the addiction just gets worse?

Good advice!! I definitely prefer unique. I need to stay off of Craigslist... or lock myself in the house that works too lol.

Lmao now that's not a bad idea!!

I was thinking that may have been the case. It was odd for him to text me right after seeing it. He said he's moving south soon and he's decided to keep the beauty. You guys have warned me lol. I also ride/train horses and I used to think that was an obsession, but this is already far surpassing that. Ha!

dedhed

This is way cheaper than horses

3alarmer 

...I've never been bitten by a bicycle. So there's that.

dedhed

Might want to do some reading on Randy's site.

MY "TEN SPEEDS - Home Page

katsup

Vintage bikes are addicting. You find one, and then right after you start looking for the next.

2cam16

Yes! LOL!

Gravity Aided

I volunteer in a big bike co-op near me, always a nice place to find parts, frames, and sometimes bikes, as well as expertise and fellowship among fellow bicycle addicts.

JA TREK

Exactly! I think it's a better addiction to have lol.

Yes! Or purposely thrown, and given the gift of a concussion.

Awesome site! Thanks!

I believe it! I love looking around at bikes for sale.

Awesome. I wish others in my area were more health-concious and enjoyed sports. Our weather here doesn't help. It's pretty gloomy most of the time. We're lucky if we get 5 months of nice weather. I am learning not to let it stop me. Even on crap days I wait for a break in the rain and head out on the bike.

JA TREK

I wanted to let you all know I had some random luck, and found another Raleigh Twenty. It's an hour and a half away. Very good condition like the one shown above. It's a 1971 I'm told. Looks like I'll be going out tomorrow to get it if all goes as planned.

jefnvk

I'm a recovering addict myself. Kept my beautiful Le Tour though, that'll never go away. The Univega stays because it is simply better than any other road bike I'll ever buy for $75. Can't bear to sell this Miyata Triple Cross either....

I said "recovering, not "recovered"

dedhed

Another good resource from a BF member. https://www.facebook.com/BillsVintageSteelBikes/

2cam16

Cool! Good luck and keep us up to date!

JA TREK

Lol!! I actually went and looked at a Univega today. It was local and $40 but for some reason I didn't feel like I HAD to have it, if that makes sense. I'm trying to stop myself now before I become severely addicted. Would love to see pics of your bikes!

I went on FB and liked the page. Thanks!

I got the Raleigh Twenty! I'll get some pics of myself with the bike tomorrow. Now I'm searching for new tires, as these Kendas on it are somewhat cracked. They are 20x 1.75. I'm wondering if I can put a beefier bmx tire on it, like these Kendas?


Or if something like this would be better....

2cam16

Congrats!! Now maybe this is the "meant to be" bike.
I'm not really familiar with bmx sized tires so maybe someone else can give you some info. Definitely replace those cracked tires.
Will be waiting for bike pics!