Instant classic?
 

Hi all,

Has anybody else thought of these things....

http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/24...showimage.html

as a instant classic?

I don't own one, but I keep reading and I chase down info when I come across it on these things - doing a search on "Flying Pigeons" will show up all kinds of things including a wikipedia history of these bikes. The communists took control of China in 1950 and the Flying Pigeon became something of a symbol for them. It was / and still is how millions of workers get around daily. I have seen pictures of these bikes loaded with 3 couches.

The original machines were modeled after various English Roadster type models, I think from the 30's but I have seen different machines listed. What's rather amazing to me is that in proper quantities (a container load?) they are available per unit for like $47 / maybe $60 but appear in boutiques here in USA in the $300 range. Some capitalism must get in the picture somehow?

So they are not a "cheap replica" so much as the cheap "real thing" that was once a copy of something that is now a true classic. In other words these machines have been ricocheting off the walls of time for 60 years or so!

But their fits and finish is way sub-par to our historical but yet modern standards, When I looked close at some pictures of new machines I could see corrosion on the fender brackets like it had spend several years in a damp basement somewhere - on a NEW machine.

These machines come out of the crate, obviously ready to suck up "patina of time" like a portrait of Dorian Grey.

So the idea I have been playing with is trying to get a hold of one of these things new and putting enough time, energy, and components into it that it: 1. Stays corrosion free 2. Keeps the spirit/appearance of the original 3. Functions well for local riding into town kind of thing where a 50# machine would be OK.

Of course, at $100 lucky for the original bike, and $300 (min) worth of updates I would probably be better off with a "original classic" - not to mention spare parts, poor brakes and so on.

That's why I only keeping playing with this idea and don't buy - it only 'almost makes sense'.

Has anybody here, maybe purchased or own such a machine?


Michael

Keep your eye out on eBay (within a reasonable distance from your zip code) and Craigslist for a genuine Raleigh DL-1.

No sense in hunting down the new one (which will not be on par, quality wise) when you can get the original for a reasonably equal - if not cheaper - price.

-Kurt