rhetoric

My used Linear arrived today on the big brown truck. Yeehaaaaw, (except it's 18 degrees and snowing). I have long wanted a bent mostly because it seems ideal to be able to exercise with a big bowl of nachos in your lap. I rode about 8 different bents down at the Bicycle Man's Place in Alfred Station NY (great store!) and the Linear was the one that really seemed to work for me. I felt the most stable and I love the USS (hands are closer to the nachos). So I've been watching them on ebay for some time and this one stayed in my range.

Can you help me with some info? Seller thought mid 90s. Is there any way (or where) to verify age with
a serial number or something? I know it was an Iowa production. The Ames City License sticker expires in 2000, so I know it's older than that.

Detes that might help date it?
Non folding.
Black w/ "Linear" and "Aluminum" in red lettering
16inch front -- 20 inch rear tire.
USS
Deore XT rear derailer
7 speed cassette
3 speed hub
diacompe brakes
Shimano 600 crank
Click shift (I didn't expect that -- do you suppose that's original?)
FYI (w/ shipping I paid about 400 clams)

The seller didn't think it had seen 1000 miles and from the condition, I'd guess he's right. I'd be interested in hearing from anybody in the know about Linears.

BlazingPedals

Let's see... Linears of old were aluminum, box frame construction, with stamped/riveted stays. They were known for being rattly as the rivets loosened, and I seem to remember some problems with stays breaking. Linear went out of business, then was resurrected several years ago by Peter Stull, at Bicycle Man bike shop in Alfred Station, New York. If you want good info on the history of your bike, that's probably the guy to contact.

Floyd

Blazing is correct on the guy to ask, Peter Stull, I have a Linear and it is OSS. They don't make those any more.
Congratulations on your find and have fun...when the sun and heat arrive.

SesameCrunch

Pictures! We need pictures!