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02-14-07, 10:28 AM
Hi to everyone,
My name's Ray, I'm 55, have lived all my life in the Detroit, Michigan area (currently Oak Park). I have been in the bicycle industry, in one form or another, all of my working career. I've worked in shops, have owned my own store, and have been a sales rep for the past 18 years. I'm a great mechanic and have been around long enough to be helpful with any questions about -let's just say - the old stuff.
I'm pretty well versed on the Schwinn Bicycle Company as I've been repping for them since '91. Yes, that means I've been through five different ownerships (starting with the Schwinn family) and countless upper management changes. I guess you could call me a survivor.
I ride, but not as much as I'd like to -I have excuses but there not really that good - but hey, it's a new year and maybe this one will see me back in the saddle with some regularity. I collect, but generally things just end up passing through my hands - I really enjoy the refurbish/rebuilding/hunt for parts/show it off, part of the process but then I tire of it sitting around collecting dust and usually go and find a good home for the particular project after a while. I do have a beautiful 1968 Louison Bobet that's not going anywhere though and a couple of other cool pieces as well. Maybe I'll get around to posting some pics.
With my job, I'm in and out of bike shops every day so if you are having trouble locating a particular part. let me know, I may be able to help. Looking forward to hearing from any of you.
Regards,
Ray Barron
My name's Ray, I'm 55, have lived all my life in the Detroit, Michigan area (currently Oak Park). I have been in the bicycle industry, in one form or another, all of my working career. I've worked in shops, have owned my own store, and have been a sales rep for the past 18 years. I'm a great mechanic and have been around long enough to be helpful with any questions about -let's just say - the old stuff.
I'm pretty well versed on the Schwinn Bicycle Company as I've been repping for them since '91. Yes, that means I've been through five different ownerships (starting with the Schwinn family) and countless upper management changes. I guess you could call me a survivor.
I ride, but not as much as I'd like to -I have excuses but there not really that good - but hey, it's a new year and maybe this one will see me back in the saddle with some regularity. I collect, but generally things just end up passing through my hands - I really enjoy the refurbish/rebuilding/hunt for parts/show it off, part of the process but then I tire of it sitting around collecting dust and usually go and find a good home for the particular project after a while. I do have a beautiful 1968 Louison Bobet that's not going anywhere though and a couple of other cool pieces as well. Maybe I'll get around to posting some pics.
With my job, I'm in and out of bike shops every day so if you are having trouble locating a particular part. let me know, I may be able to help. Looking forward to hearing from any of you.
Regards,
Ray Barron