KonAaron Snake 

I've wanted one of these for a while...Redcay was a builder located in Lambertville NJ...right across the bridge from New Hope PA. I spent a fair bit of time in that area in my misspent youth...cycling to New Hope and back was a great metric century ride with lots of rolling hills. Lambertville and New Hope had some wonderful canals and less ridden roads, as well as lots of record stores and more edgy shops I loved back then.

Jim Redcay was involved with Ross after Kellogg (both of whom worked under Bill Boston) formed Spectrum and was instrumental in their signature series and MTBs. I'm not sure what his production figures were like, but I would think significantly less than 1000.

I need to change out the housings, which are too short, but the rest looks pretty good. The DT rims don't look too terribly out of place. The lighting wasn't ideal for photos...I'll try and do better when the sun goes down a bit. I'm not sure what the tubing is, but it's the lightest bike of its kind I've seen...the frame is insanely light for Columbus tubing. It has a 27.2 post inserted, but it seems too lose for the frame; I think 27.4 would be a better fit. The frame details are all understated, but meticulous and well executed. The filing on this one is impressive. It's a simple, beautiful bike. It's also my first black keeper.

icepick_trotsky 

Neat!

sloar 

Was that on ebay? I was watching it and thinking about going for it. Nice catch.

KonAaron Snake 

It was...kind of an odd story actually.

The seller had the auction go off mid-day on a wed., with no reserve and no minimum. Generally that's a recipe for disaster with a smaller name bike like this...it's a limited market and you can't count on two people to drive the price. I threw out a bid I didn't think would win...it didn't win. The seller almost definitely had shill bids entered to raise the price. I figured I'd get a second chance offer and, an hour or two later, i did. I sent a message saying I didn't appreciate the shill bidding and I sent a low bid offer because I was annoyed. We ended up exchanging some nastygrams...he told me he wouldn't sell it to me for any amount. I felt like being a smart arse, and I really liked the bike...so I clicked accept on his second chance offer. Not the best beginning to the transaction. I was anxiously awaiting how he'd respond at that point, but he behaved himself and we both settled down a bit.

Afterwards we straightened things out...he's a decent guy, I decided to let it go because I still thought the price was quite fair (I did bid that amount), though i do think he shill bid it. Still...I can understand why. The bike really is a beauty...it's hard to capture that in the photos because it is quite subtle.

sloar 

Glad you got it Aaron, I really like it. I was watching that one and a Davidson Impulse.

gomango

Cables, tanwalls and check the bearings.

Gorgeous bike. Congrats.

I love those DTs btw.

KonAaron Snake 

Tan walls would unquestionably look better...but the tires on there are great tires, and they look unused.

KonAaron Snake 

Grady - what do you think...have I finally found a home for this?

sloar 

That saddle would look nice, but I really love those Regals.

KonAaron Snake 

I think I have a red regal somewhere, but I like the idea of a philadelphia branded saddle on a bike made 40 miles from philly.

gomango

I would really give it a shot, especially if you can match the handlebar tape.

That is a very nice saddle and your rear may give it the nod over the Regal.

If you have a moment, it may be worth putting it on and taking it for a spin.

Also, if you could. Take a snap or two out in the sunlight, so we could get a better idea.

That black finish is so nice btw. If you really polish that with some Mothers it will really pop.

gomango

On the subject of the tires, those are very nice for sure.

Tanwalls would be a fine "next" choice, don'tyou think?

How wide of a tire would fit?

sloar 

Aaron, you keep showing pics of the bike almost makes me regret not fighting for it. I'm pretty happy with the Paramount I bought instead. Enjoy..

KonAaron Snake 

I know what you mean gmg, but I sort of like the flat black tires with this, and it's not a time capsule anyway.

Lets see it Sloar!

I like the red here...I'll do the bars soon. The Brooks fits the awful seatpost better to my eyes...I'll try both. This post is terrible - adjustments are minimal. I've ridden swifts before...they're not as comfy as pros, but I don't need it to be a 40 mile bike either.

gaucho777 

^Yes to the red saddle! To be honest, I was never sold on the red saddle on your brown Picchio. Looks great on the Redcay IMHO. Since the black housing is too short, maybe switch to red cable housing, too?

Another cool score, Aaron.

KonAaron Snake 

Thanks man!

The Picchio never actually had the red saddle on it, other than the one test photo. The Picchio's normal saddle is a honey Brooks.

I thought red housings might be too much...I think I'll keep those black.

gaucho777 

You have too many bikes for me to keep straight I guess! I recalled that test photo. I do love that Picchio.

KonAaron Snake 

It's excessive. It's the Picchio, but it only had that saddle for that photo.

gaucho777 

Copy that. I edited my previous comment to hide my confusion.

Flog00

My kind of bike. Nice.

KonAaron Snake 

We have similar taste for sure, I always love your bikes.

Sir_Name 

Good score.

KonAaron Snake 

I just realized....you bought that yellow p-13 being sold on the forum. You haven't really given it a coming out party.

It wasn't a steal, but I'm pleased, and I do love the bike. It's awfully clean for late 70s. Many of the parts seem to have been changed out in the mid-80s...the cranks and rear derailleur are 1984, which is about the right period for the stem/bars.

Sir_Name 

Thanks. It's wild what's out there - I like the seat cluster. You've inspired a few more 'within x miles' searches/notifications with this..

gomango

Red saddle is a go!

Matching bar tape is required and in this case, deliciously hot.

Aaron, you really have a winner. Love this bike!