A rod-brake bike has its' uses. And they both require and foster a certain mindset.

From the Eastman roadster page over at Yellow Jersey- this description fits the Flying Pigeons to a T, but those come with headlights, a basket, and a rack from the factory, and their decals don't peel off. And the paint is of slightly higher quality than the Indian versions.

"Eastman Roadster bicycles are not at all like the modern bikes we know today. They are long, slow-handling and noisy. Noisy because full metal chain cases chronically rub the chain. Or rub your spokes. Finish is mediocre. That includes the black enamel, the hand striping, the stickers and the brightwork. The factory is not climate-controlled, so there will be rust under both plating and paint. Fortunately the stickers peel off easily. Steel rims do not brake well in dry weather. Steel rims do not stop when wet. Handlebar and stem are one-piece brazed and not adjustable. Those who know and ride Roadster bicycles are smiling at this point. None of those things will bother them much. If those foibles are a concern to you, perhaps a Roadster is not your best choice of bicycles."

The paragraph above intrigued me enough to want to try one, and that Phoenix I mentioned was the first one I rode, followed by the Raleigh DL-1 that I now own.

CK