One of the things that I've learned from this recent discussion of mojo and juju is that we really have quite a variety of reasons for loving old bikes.The discussions of mojo seems to hit at the allusive question of why do we love a particular old bike. Framebuilders can see their craft in the workmanship, a former racer approaches a bike from that perspective, a graphic artist sees value in visual details. A number of months ago I wrote about a '38 Golden Arrow that I acquired from the original owner, along with great stories of the gentleman's exploits on his bike. The bike suffered a front end accident and the top and bottom tubes are bent, enough that I asked list members if I should part it out, move it on, etc. The response was to keep the bike intact, complete with it's stories. The original front Britannia fender was damaged in the accident with a bus, and in the 70's Bluemels were added to the bike. After putting the bike away for a number of months, I pulled the bike out, removed the fenders, and added a pair of North Road bars. The bike took on a completely different feeling for me. With its drum brakes, odd rack, trashed original paint, electrical tape securing the brake cables, it is one ugly bike. But it is the perfect quick trip to the market or on short park ride with me son. For me the mystique of a bike can be in the stories it holds. I love riding this beater because of its flaws, not in spite of them.
Art Smith Trying to duct tape a 15 foot flag pole to my Peugeot in Phoenix, Arizona