From the Ashes
 

I’m in Southern California and just started reading this forum. Picked up a few steel mountain bikes recently and am slowly servicing/modifying them for myself and the family.
I lost all my bikes in the fires last year so buying these bikes instead of something more modern is based partly in nostalgia, partly because we just need something affordable so we can go on rides together and partly so I can get back to tinkering like I used to do.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...aec2e104a.jpeg
The little one came first and when I saw the big one, I figured it would be funny to match my daughter’s bike. Both in very good condition.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...321898a7c.jpeg
The next size up would fit me better but with some taller bars, this will be a fine commuter/town bike
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7e05d03a6.jpeg
I had a Bontrager cyclocross bike I got from an ex employee in Santa Cruz for about 25 years. It burned with all my other bikes last year so this is for pure nostalgia and will be ridden by my wife since it is too small for me. It’s stripped to the frame now and has a replacement rigid fork (also made by Keith in Santa Cruz) waiting to go back together.

Welcome to the forums, ChicoSteel! I'm sorry to hear that you were so significantly impacted by the fires. I am also glad to know that you and your family are rising up from the ashes. BITD I wanted a Bontrager so I hope you post some photos of your progress on that build. I look forward to seeing your name pop up in the forums.
John

Thanks for the kind words. It’s been a long, tough year for so many people. Riding bikes, having some laughs, making memories with the family; looking forward to more ahead.

Welcome and also sorry to hear about your losses. Glad you are recovering.

Welcome, from SE Wisconsin.
Sorry to hear about your losses in the fires. Sounds like you and the family made it out OK though.
Love the old Treks. I guess you have plenty of fire roads to ride them on out there. Beautiful blue, too.