In an attempt to reduce the size of my bike collection (which some of you would consider laughably small!) I've sworn off most of the estate/garage sale hunting of the past. This weekend was a true test, because the warm weather of the week before seems to have kick started the garage sale season. I remained strong, however, and did not visit one sale. I can hear you all gasping in disbelief! Well, this morning I drove past a local church that holds a regular junk sale twice weekly. Not too long ago and for a couple years prior, I would stop religiously at this sale, but turned up next to nothing for all my efforts. I had some time, however, so I figured what was the harm in a 5 minute stop? Lo and behold, the yard was filled with bikes! No one showed much interested in the two bikes below, besides a father who knew either would be better than a crappy Wal-Mart type bike his son wanted. I tried to help persuade him, but to no avail. So I was forced to bring them home with me, lest they face the indignity of standing alone in the rain, or worse yet end up in the dumpster at the end the parking lot.

First is an '88 Panasonic DX3000. Would have been in excellent condition if someone hadn't left it outside for a bit. Frame is okay, but the chain is rusted and there's some light rust on some of the chrome bits:



Second is a '79 (I think) Nishiki Olympic 12 mixte. Never seen this decal set or headbadge on a Nishiki. It was probably used once then hung upside down in the garage of a woodworker. It's got some light layers of sawdust, most pronounced on the underside of the downtube. Other than that - and the tires - it's really pristine.