Another Hello from Michigan
10-21-13 | 08:08 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 9
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Another Hello from Michigan
I live downstate near Ann Arbor, reputedly the most bike friendly city in its own known universe lol. Actually I live in a rural township nearby with plenty of scenic roads, dirt and otherwise, and some interesting stretches of extremely small shoulders.
Getting back on the bike after a span of 7 or so years. I've been so in love w. kayaking and xc skiing that I almost forgot the simple joys of just getting on two wheels and going.
I started out by selling the bike I'd had for ten years: a men's frame Nishiki Sport vintage 1989 which I bought in 1993. Loved the look and build, but it never fit me. Lesson learned: get fitted properly. The Sport had a 17" frame.
Now I can ride either a Cannondale Quick 4 WSD - 14" frame. Or a used but mechanic re-tuned/restored Raleigh M30 (15" frame), built in the U.S.A. in 1999. Big difference, like finding the right sized kayak or the right pair of skis. I made a good friend in the process. Always good to know someone w. a lot of bike repair experience in addition to the LBS.
Just last week in the parking lot of my local coop I got a quick very nominal deal on a very near mint Schwinn 3 speed Breeze (in Sky Blue - August 1978) w. all original goodies like speedometer (175 miles, and it works) two headlamps and one tail light on a generator (also working) Schwinn approved rear carrier and folding baskets. Oh, and a really cool sounding bell. She went straight to the LBS for a tune up. They were quite impressed w. how she cleaned up and the only new parts needed were brake pads. The tires were Kendas and still had the small nubs on them. She's all ready to ride as my grocery getter or just tooling around a few miles to a small town.The Breeze rides like a cross between a tank and a Cadillac lol
Last but not least, about a month ago I found a modern Schwinn Jaguar 7 speed ladies' cruiser in good shape about an hour and a half away from my home. Worth the drive. Should be fun.
So I'm already ridiculous owning 4 bikes, a modest stash of tools, and a bike repair stand on the way. But I know that here I'm among friendly fellow addicts. I hope to read and learn even more than I have already.
Getting back on the bike after a span of 7 or so years. I've been so in love w. kayaking and xc skiing that I almost forgot the simple joys of just getting on two wheels and going.
I started out by selling the bike I'd had for ten years: a men's frame Nishiki Sport vintage 1989 which I bought in 1993. Loved the look and build, but it never fit me. Lesson learned: get fitted properly. The Sport had a 17" frame.
Now I can ride either a Cannondale Quick 4 WSD - 14" frame. Or a used but mechanic re-tuned/restored Raleigh M30 (15" frame), built in the U.S.A. in 1999. Big difference, like finding the right sized kayak or the right pair of skis. I made a good friend in the process. Always good to know someone w. a lot of bike repair experience in addition to the LBS.
Just last week in the parking lot of my local coop I got a quick very nominal deal on a very near mint Schwinn 3 speed Breeze (in Sky Blue - August 1978) w. all original goodies like speedometer (175 miles, and it works) two headlamps and one tail light on a generator (also working) Schwinn approved rear carrier and folding baskets. Oh, and a really cool sounding bell. She went straight to the LBS for a tune up. They were quite impressed w. how she cleaned up and the only new parts needed were brake pads. The tires were Kendas and still had the small nubs on them. She's all ready to ride as my grocery getter or just tooling around a few miles to a small town.The Breeze rides like a cross between a tank and a Cadillac lol
Last but not least, about a month ago I found a modern Schwinn Jaguar 7 speed ladies' cruiser in good shape about an hour and a half away from my home. Worth the drive. Should be fun.
So I'm already ridiculous owning 4 bikes, a modest stash of tools, and a bike repair stand on the way. But I know that here I'm among friendly fellow addicts. I hope to read and learn even more than I have already.
Last edited by Bluebreeze; 10-21-13 at 08:36 PM. Reason: additional Breeze dating
10-21-13 | 09:05 PM
#2
Thunder Whisperer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,841
Likes: 7
From: NE OK
Bikes: '06 Kona Smoke
Welcome aboard 
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11-01-13 | 05:14 PM
#6
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3
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From: Southern California
Bikes: Specialized S-works MTB, Marin Steel Frame
Wow, those are great finds! I miss Michigan terribly, especially the spring and fall rides. I just started kayak lessons in Southern California, certainly not as easy to do as when we lived in Michigan, but different because the big lake we use is the Pacific! Nice to hear about your adventures, looking forward to reading more. GO BLUE!
