Hi everybody, I hope this doesn't get too long, bear with me please,
Well, it was mentioned that there may be a few listers out in vintage bike land that may be interested in my findings, while digging into the history of my Raleigh "Pro??" track bike with a 70's team Schwinn paint theme. I will have to say, I lucked into this one, I didn't pay way too much for it, like I have for other things, but let's not go there, please!!! I know I can't be alone?? can I??
"Ebay, it's not just a hobby, it's an adventure!!!
When the thought was offered that the bike may have been ridden by a sponsored rider and painted to match the team colors, I decided to try a little detective work and see if the original rider could be determined, fat chance?? On the frame are a couple of decals, one from a bike shop in the San Diego area, the other is a bike club sticker from San Diego, also. I called the bike shop number, like it was really going to exist, right?! and to my surprise it was a bike shop, although it has changed hands and names a couple of times. The guy there sent me to another shop, because of a bike mechanic that worked at the original store. I tracked Daniel down, with a dead end, maybe?? Then I looked up the bike club, boy, I am grateful for the internet, there's no way I would do it by car!! So, I have contacted a well established, published, credentialled veteran cyclist who seems to recall that 25-30 years ago there was a Southern California Based Raleigh Sponsored cycling team and one year a number of riders switched to team Schwinn and some bikes were probably painted to match?!?! I have proposed another question to find out if there might have been anybody famous?? at least a recognized name??
This as far as I have gotten so far, now a request for one of you well established cycling guru's from the SoCal (San Diego?) area who might be able to substantiate this bit of news, I trying to determine if,
1. I have the Raleigh refinished back to it's original beauty, I really do enjoy the way a red one looks!! Or,
2. if it does have a real history, if somebody really cool could have ridden it, keep it as it is?? I'm not opposed to this either, (way more affordable!!, because, then, I just ride it) it's kind of a fun story, it's kept me from getting bored, boy, I could use a girlfriend, but that's another story!!??
So, sorry if this is a little long winded, but, bikes are cool!! There is another thing I am learning, I don't think that "budget" and "vintage bikes" can be used in the same sentence?? no?? Thanks for watching, John Morrison, SoCal