Michael Kahrl wrote:
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> I saw hope for the future of vintage bicycles: a teenager on a metallic green Raleigh Super Course. It was sparkling clean and in fine working order. I talked to his mom who told me that when he decided he wanted to take up cycling he didn't want to spend the kind of money his parents had on a bike. He found this bike at a garage sale, replaced the rims and tires, and was perfectly happy with his new ride. I saw another high schooler on a Bridgestone. I wondered if his parents were aware that their kid was wandering dangerously close to a bicycle cult group.
I have noticed a tread with young bike shop employees in some of the local shops in SoCal. An interest in finding a lugged steel bike to ride just to have something different from the ubiquitous tig'd aluminum that they sell in their shop. Just a ripple right now; soon to be swell? Don't underestimate the urge to be different in the species.
Chuck Schmidt
SoPas, SoCal
http://www.velo-retro.com (Campagnolo Timeline, reprints and T-shirts)