Jim Blackburn Front Racks: Made of gold????!!!
06-09-10, 02:43 PM
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Jim Blackburn Front Racks: Made of gold????!!!
I have been looking for a cheap front rack to attach a basket to. The bike (Bridgestone 400) is not worth dropping big $$$ on so i started looking around ebay. Please look at these 2 auctions. What am I missing about these racks?
https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...#ht_500wt_1154
https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...#ht_500wt_1154
https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...#ht_500wt_1154
https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...#ht_500wt_1154
06-09-10, 02:47 PM
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Maybe it's made out of that material called "Unobtainium"??.....
Chombi
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06-09-10, 03:01 PM
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Fuji Fan
I have been looking for a cheap front rack to attach a basket to. The bike (Bridgestone 400) is not worth dropping big $$$ on so i started looking around ebay. Please look at these 2 auctions. What am I missing about these racks?
https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...#ht_500wt_1154
https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...#ht_500wt_1154
https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...#ht_500wt_1154
https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...#ht_500wt_1154
06-09-10, 03:07 PM
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They're fronts, that's why.
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06-09-10, 03:40 PM
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ok, gotta stop using mine on my commuter now.
06-09-10, 03:40 PM
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Second, I imagine it has a lot to do with obsessing over period-correctness.
FWIW, I think someone was selling a pair of vintage Jim Blackburn racks in the touring forum for like $50. Last I checked, they were still around.
06-09-10, 03:46 PM
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they were by far the best production rack you could buy in the late '70s.
06-09-10, 03:58 PM
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"Jim Blackburn" versus "Blackburn" guarantees it's vintage and is more collectible, plus the fronts are rarer that the rears.. I have the rear version on my Woodrup, and it's pretty darn solid. Not quite as solid as Mrs. Road Fan's Tubus, but real good.
MEC has a strut-supported front rack for about $15.00 Canadian, plus membership and shipping. Surly/Merry have one just like the Jim Blackburn for around $29 plus shipping. If you just need a rack.
I think the front/rear pair came standard on one of the Trek 720 touring bikes.
MEC has a strut-supported front rack for about $15.00 Canadian, plus membership and shipping. Surly/Merry have one just like the Jim Blackburn for around $29 plus shipping. If you just need a rack.
I think the front/rear pair came standard on one of the Trek 720 touring bikes.
06-09-10, 04:07 PM
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great workhorse racks utility wise, but when it comes to appearance I'd prefer any other higher-end brand.
I've got like 3 various Blackburn Racks, 2 of em (rear and a front low-rider) came stock on my Miyata 1000
I've got like 3 various Blackburn Racks, 2 of em (rear and a front low-rider) came stock on my Miyata 1000
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06-09-10, 04:50 PM
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I've used Blackburns for years. Back in the day I used them for long-distance, loaded touring and they are light, rigid, durable and a great design. I put a lot of trouble-free miles on these suckers. The pic is from the mid-80s on the Italian coast and under that load are Blackburns.
06-09-10, 05:00 PM
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I put one on the front of my Carlton. Matches the rear. It was hanging in my basement over 20 years, I think I paid $18. or so for it...
06-09-10, 05:20 PM
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I paid $10 at a bike swap for front and rear. My front rack is a different shape, but it's perfect for my basket.
06-09-10, 06:35 PM
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I've used Blackburns for years. Back in the day I used them for long-distance, loaded touring and they are light, rigid, durable and a great design. I put a lot of trouble-free miles on these suckers. The pic is from the mid-80s on the Italian coast and under that load are Blackburns.
06-09-10, 07:25 PM
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Are those Bata sneaker type cycling shoes from the 70-80's? I still have a pair I use when I ride my toe and strap pedals on my Motobecane Grand Touring. I wore out my first pair ridng in Europe, and got this pair when I got back (late 70's). Still in great shape. Someone ought to make them again. I would buy a bunch in a heart beat. Anyone else out there have any or have used them from this era. Maybe I should ebay it and make some $$$$.... No, I can not part with them and hope they never wear out.
06-09-10, 07:55 PM
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Dang! That helmet was in the Church Yard Sale two weeks ago. Someone disposed of it because they felt it was unsafe.
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06-09-10, 08:13 PM
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they were extremely unsafe if you were planning on actually using it to bounce your head off of a hard object. I was not amused that we used to sell those things. You could get a Bell Biker for a few bucks more
06-09-10, 08:41 PM
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Yeah, well: still one of the original bicycling helmets; better that a leather hairnet I'm sure!
I doubt ANYONE is PLANNING to bounce their head when they strap on their helmet.
I doubt ANYONE is PLANNING to bounce their head when they strap on their helmet.
06-09-10, 08:57 PM
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Well, for one, I would count most Blackburn racks as "high-end." Maybe not Nitto or Tubus level, but still solid, very nice racks. At the very least, they're what might have gone on a nice vintage touring bike back in the day.
Second, I imagine it has a lot to do with obsessing over period-correctness.
FWIW, I think someone was selling a pair of vintage Jim Blackburn racks in the touring forum for like $50. Last I checked, they were still around.
Second, I imagine it has a lot to do with obsessing over period-correctness.
FWIW, I think someone was selling a pair of vintage Jim Blackburn racks in the touring forum for like $50. Last I checked, they were still around.
Where I got the idea......