My first bike was a Raleigh Grand prix, precisely like this beautiful almost-NOS bike that's on 'the bay right now :
And yes, I had not only a ESGE kickstand - I also later got a pletscher rack. You see, my dad bought me a 1/2" motorcycle cable (6') and there was literally no other way to carry this 5 lbs cable (complete with 6-inch loops at each end !) except using an external rack !! It wouldn't fit into my backpack!! And even later, I carried the 6' cable PLUS a kryptonite K-3 U-lock.
Growing up in a university town (honorary suburb of Chicago) has its disadvantages ...
- Don (Urbana, Illinois) Gillies
San Diego, CA