Hello CR members,
This is my first posting to CR, so I apologize if any portion of this post is wrong. Additionally, am I able to add photos?
Since this is my first post, I suppose that I should start with information about myself. I just started cycling about 3 years ago as a commuter working for the EPA. Since I started riding again, I quickly fell under the spell of old bikes. My first 'real' bike was a 1973 Fuji Special Road Racer, which has created my fondness for old Fuji's. I received that bike when I was roughly 13. Now, I have added an Opus III, America, S10-s, Team, and Professional Super Record. Additionally, I have a Raleigh Superbe and Miyata 610, but they don't hold my interest quite like my old Fuji's.
Very recently, I acquired an old (early 80's) Fuji Professional Super Record, which I have been thrilled to get. So far, I can't find any information about another Super Record, other than the catalog scans on classicfuji.com.
This frame became even more interesting when I noticed some decals on the top tube that said "Bob Beal." As of this morning, I had never heard of him. After a day of research, I found that he started riding at the age of 55, had a hand with coaching/training Lance Armstrong, and was a trustee with the USCF. In the last few years, a race has been named after him due to his activities related to racing in New England. This seems pretty impressive to me, but I am sure there is plenty more to learn.
Here is a thread I had started on bikeforums, where I have posted a few pictures of the frame as well as a few links that I found about him. Another bikeforums member informed me to try you guys for more information.
http://www.bikeforums.net/
Within the bikeforums thread, I posted a link to a book with an article about Bob. Within that book, he talks about how he started riding when he was 55. Shortly after he began, he started to race and purchased a bike that cost him $1000 in hopes of a better time. I am assuming that bike would be the one that I have, since it would have been sold at about that time and I would guesstimate the bike to have cost $1000 at that time.
Since I am thoroughly enjoying the information that I have found, I was wondering what else is out there which is not yet available on the internet. Are there any pictures of him on his bike? Does anybody know of any history of Bob and my Fuji? Would you mind telling me any more information about him? I find the history associated with my new bike to be quite interesting.
Thank you for your time,
Matt Beecher
Aurora, Il USA