Folding Bikes - Unusual vintage folders in Oakland, CA

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sahadev
11-16-07, 11:00 PM
A former LBS owner in Oakland, CA has a treasure trove of vintage collectible bikes, 200+ bikes, some of them folders. I checked out his storage spot today and took a few pics to share. These are the most unusual of the folders he pulled out in the first 1/2 hour or so, he has many more buried in a huge pile of bikes. He has a Moulton or two as well. Plus, some of the most unusual bikes I have ever seen. Many are in rough condition, but many also are in very fixable shape.

His name is Leo and he is a good guy. If you want more info on these or any other bikes he has, I've included his email address as well.

This is the link to the photos. Click "View as Slideshow" and you can see my comments as well.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/paulcstaley/sets/72157603211802236/

This is Leo's email for more info:

leodubose@sbcglobal.net

matt52
11-17-07, 03:35 AM
I particularly like this one for some reason.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2399/2038852189_c01feef741.jpg?v=0

Some of these would look rather fabulous with a bit of renovation
nekohime
11-17-07, 09:03 AM
I particularly like this one for some reason.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2399/2038852189_c01feef741.jpg?v=0

Some of these would look rather fabulous with a bit of renovation

I think some of those pop up on ebay every now and then, like here (http://cgi.ebay.com/Oldschool-Cycling-Astra-folding-bike-Sturmey-Archer-3sp_W0QQitemZ200172660905QQihZ010QQcategoryZ64644QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem), here (http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-CHIORDE-SAFARI-folding-bike-bicycle-Italy-fold_W0QQitemZ300172673126QQihZ020QQcategoryZ98084QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem), or here (http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-PORTA-BIKE-bicycle-folding-fold-Italy_W0QQitemZ300172681351QQihZ020QQcategoryZ98084QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

sahadev
11-17-07, 10:28 AM
Just to clarify, this bike has the same frames style as the ones on eBay, but this thing is tiny! The wheels appeared to be 8 or so inches in diameter max. The total height for the bike was around 24", from the ground to the top of the handlebars. The size of it was what made it so interesting, and cute.
matt52
11-17-07, 10:48 AM
Just to clarify, this bike has the same frames style as the ones on eBay, but this thing is tiny! The wheels appeared to be 8 or so inches in diameter max. The total height for the bike was around 24", from the ground to the top of the handlebars. The size of it was what made it so interesting, and cute.

Absolutely - its the miniature size that makes it so appealing!