This Ariel has been my go-to bike since summer 1989.
Treated myself to something nice with my first summer-job paycheck, and now I'm closing in on retirement!

Thousands and thousands of miles, I've replaced tires, chains and freewheels many times; the biopace chainrings are worn but not out yet. Killed off the pedals and back rim, brake cables, but the rest is OEM. The seat looks like hell, but is still comfortable, and I feel it helps the bike thieves move along.

I've used it mostly for commuting. Original price was about $550 on sale. I've taken it to Asia, Africa, Europe, strapped to the rusty rail of a ship, and have ridden it in most of the 50 states.

The chainstay-mounted brake is unique, I suppose it fell out of use because they get filthy in mud, but it has been fine for dry trail use.