The 74 lime green Sears all 531 DB got crunched a month ago. I'd been riding it fixed gear as a commuter for a year or so, thoroughly enjoying it, and will miss its funk: the absolutely unfinished lugs, the ESGE chainstay bridge/kickstand mount, the 18" chain stays...
But not the ride. I just built up a Raleigh Competition from the early 70s (I think) as a fixed gear replacement. Thanks, Ken Sanford, for swapping it to me. I must humbly admit that it really is a far superior bike. Except for occasionally hitting my heel on the pannier. It is black, with gold decals/trim, and really quite handsome.
The king is dead; long live the king.
harvey sachs
mcLean va