paternij

I got into bikes because I wanted to be like all the kids that hang out at the coffee shops and indie rock shows around town. I have been riding my Trek mountain bike in the city for the last few years, but it didn't look very cool next to all the PX-10's and such with which it cohabitated in the dark alleys of Greensboro. It is also incredibly sluggish on the road, and looks like a moving billboard for Trek. I have a strong tendancy towards vintage aesthetic; my stereo, cameras, and car are all old. I guess it was just a matter of time before I fell in love with vintage bikes.

I started out at a few local bike shops but absolutely hated the road bikes they had to offer. An honest salesman informed me that what I was looking for is called a 'bar bike,' and that I would have better luck on craigslist.

I ended up with a 1979? 1980? Fuji S12S and I love it. It isn't mint, but it is by no means a beater. Anyway, the Fuji is my first road bike and I'm hooked. My original intention was to strip it down and turn it into a fixie, but I don't have the heart to do it--it rides really nicely as it is with the original wheels and suntour groupo. It took me some time to get used to the bar-end shifters, but I like the feel of them now that we understand eachother. The only thing that isn't stock, to my knowledge, is the seat--a leather concor supercorsa that looks awesome and is the most comfortable bike saddle I've ever ridden.

I've had a few close calls and one brush with a car (the Fuji was fine and I was just a little shaken up). I've started riding a little further out into the lane as a defense mechanism--I'm tired of getting pushed into gravel and curbs by impatient or (even more dangerous, in my opinion) distracted drivers. But Greensboro is getting better about adding bike lanes, and is slowly becoming a [sort of] bike-friendly town.

City biking has been a part of a larger lifestyle change. I'm eating vegetarian. I'm driving far less. And when the school year starts in about two weeks I plan on commuting by bike, at least in dry weather.

I still want a fixed gear. And a single speed.

My immediate wishlist includes a Schwinn Super Le Tour 12.2 (for a singlespeed build) and a Surly Steamroller. The Fuji is pretty and is a nice ride, but it is really heavy. I'm thinking that the Le Tour will make for a better single speed when I can find the right one. I know there is nothing vintage about a Steamroller, but whatever. I had a chance to ride a friends the other weekend and it is a really awesome bike.

Most importantly, since jumping on my Fuji I've learned to buy tighter jeans and to roll up the pant legs just so. I've also discovered the joys of night riding, and the importance of self-imposing a 3-PBR limit.

East Hill

Hey paternij, you sound as if you are off to a good start to become a member of the Classic & Vintage forum regulars .

Come over and say hi to us...if we're cool enough, that is .

Welcome to BF!

East Hill