Bike Forums - Cool old guy in San Jose, CA

Today, I as I ate lunch with a friend at the corner of Lafayette and El Camino (I'm too ashamed to name the restaurant), I noticed someone with a cruiser bike. It was like a pedal-powered reproduction of something from West Coast Choppers. He had a wide back tire, narrow front, long forks, low seat, high bars, and everything was chromed out or painted rather smartly. At first I thought, "Poser." Then, guiltily, I figured I would overcome my prejudices and talk to the owner. He was wiping the bike down with a rag while he waited for something.

I walked outside to look at it and chat with the rider. It turns out that he is a 74 year-old gentleman whose family couldn't afford a bike for him when he was young. Now he has four. He loves that bike, and he showed me how he plans to further customize it. I had an interesting conversation with him for several minutes, discussing the bike and hs plans. I had to return to work, or I would have spoken with him for longer.

I have to admit, he had a sweet looking ride, even if it's completely inappropriate for what I do. I'm glad he enjoys it, and that he's finding his happiness in a bike.