Hello I'm New
09-19-06, 06:12 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Wiltshire, England, UK
Posts: 103
Bikes: Vintage Raleigh Ladies Racer
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Hello I'm New
Hello I'm new. After not being on a bicycle for over 30 years, I bought a second-hand Raleigh Ladies Racer as an impulse buy (or at least my husband bought it for me) when we went to our local indoor market at the weekend.
My husband recently changed his job and needs the car as his job involves travelling up to 100 miles away. I needed another form of transport as I was reluctant to get another car because in the UK the cost of running a car is horrendous now, plus the impact on the environment etc. I am self-employed doing catalogue sales and most of my business is conducted within a 4 mile radius of home. Anyway, to cut a long story short, the bike was on sale at £25, the seller dropped the price to £20 (I still was undecided), so wandered off with my husband to look at other things, then we went back and the seller dropped the price again to £18 ($33). Too difficult to refuse a bargain like that, so we gave the bike a new home
Well, the bike is probably the best bike I've ever ridden and is so easy to ride, even for someone who hasn't been on a bike except my sons mountain bike the other week when I test rode it after doing some repair work on it - new chain and adjusting the brakes. My son's bike is quite heavy and I was exhausted after doing less than half a mile round a couple of streets, out of breath and legs like jelly, so I was a bit worried the same thing would happen with the new bike. The Raleigh is very light weight and I was surprised at how easy it is to ride - even uphill.
Even more surprising was after I'd given it a good clean, it looks like it may have been an unwanted gift, maybe used a couple of times then thrown in someone's garage and forgotten about, in other words, under the dirt was a new bike. Everything on the bike is original, even the tyres but they will have to be replaced shortly as the side walls have cracked with age. I think I found a cracking bargain
Where I live we have a cycle-friendly Council and there are lots of cycle paths to explore, some going through lovely scenery, some going into town (just think - into town, lots of bikes stands and no parking fees
) so I think bike and I will have a long and happy relationship
I know it's probably a vintage bike so I will post on that forum.
My husband recently changed his job and needs the car as his job involves travelling up to 100 miles away. I needed another form of transport as I was reluctant to get another car because in the UK the cost of running a car is horrendous now, plus the impact on the environment etc. I am self-employed doing catalogue sales and most of my business is conducted within a 4 mile radius of home. Anyway, to cut a long story short, the bike was on sale at £25, the seller dropped the price to £20 (I still was undecided), so wandered off with my husband to look at other things, then we went back and the seller dropped the price again to £18 ($33). Too difficult to refuse a bargain like that, so we gave the bike a new home
Well, the bike is probably the best bike I've ever ridden and is so easy to ride, even for someone who hasn't been on a bike except my sons mountain bike the other week when I test rode it after doing some repair work on it - new chain and adjusting the brakes. My son's bike is quite heavy and I was exhausted after doing less than half a mile round a couple of streets, out of breath and legs like jelly, so I was a bit worried the same thing would happen with the new bike. The Raleigh is very light weight and I was surprised at how easy it is to ride - even uphill.
Even more surprising was after I'd given it a good clean, it looks like it may have been an unwanted gift, maybe used a couple of times then thrown in someone's garage and forgotten about, in other words, under the dirt was a new bike. Everything on the bike is original, even the tyres but they will have to be replaced shortly as the side walls have cracked with age. I think I found a cracking bargain
Where I live we have a cycle-friendly Council and there are lots of cycle paths to explore, some going through lovely scenery, some going into town (just think - into town, lots of bikes stands and no parking fees
) so I think bike and I will have a long and happy relationship I know it's probably a vintage bike so I will post on that forum.
09-19-06, 06:45 AM
#2
Non Tribuo Anus Rodentum and off to the next adventure (RIP)
Join Date: Dec 2002
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Cheers Python! Great find. Welcome to BikeForums, I feel the guys in C&V will applaude your purchace.
__________________
09-21-06, 04:06 PM
#3
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Vance, AL
Posts: 5
Bikes: Haven't been on a bike in 25 Years, looking to buy a good mountain bike on a limited budget (less than $900)
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Cheers!
Python, Congratulations on your purchase. I wish you many happy miles. Enjoy!!!!
E7M
E7M
