So...
Our community's annual holiday fund had its garage sale today. Bikes were ten bucks.

I saw (but didn't buy) a Schwinn Super Sport (fillet brazed) complete with Brooks... Original paint, very good condition. Probably should have snagged it, but I had no need for it... and someone else (who occasionally posts here) was interested in it, so.

I also passed on a Nishiki of indeterminate pedigree (stem shifters), as well as an early '70's Fuji. But did pick up a late '70's Fuji. Nothing really special "Special Road Racer" or some such name, chrome forks & dropouts, double eyelets in back, suntour shifty bits, Dia compe centerpulls...

It's gorgeous. Could almost pass for new old stock. A little wear on the h-bar (cloth) tape, and the nibs are gone from the tires, which don't appear cracked. I aired them up and rode it around a little. Just fine. It will be a gift for a friend of the family who's looking for a servicable bike. The SS was probably a better bike, but I wasn't happy with the thought of it maybe getting abused.

I ought to point out that this was the first time I'd ridden a drop bar bike since 2002, something like 13000 miles ago. After a trip around the block I got off and said to my wife "Did I really used to do centuries on these things!?" I'm much happier on North Roads bars (or better yet, a 'bent).