The new vintage bike

Posted on 13. Aug, 2009 by Tony Arranaga in Uncategorized

UPDATE: link on best lock or anti-theft device for your bike

I finally have my own set of wheels again after some crook stole my bike near Downtown Phoenix.  If you need the backstory, click here.

Now, before I continue, let me say I’m so glad fellow blogger Phoenix Cycle Chica came to my rescue (here) and alerted me to a new/used 1950′s Schwinn cruiser that she found online for sale.  Vintage bike enthusiasts know that classics like ‘Vern’ are hard to come by, which is why I jumped at the opportunity to purchase a used bike instead of buying a new one.

I picked up Vern from Slippery Pig (a bike shop on Central Avenue here)  with his new wheel and chain which made for a much smoother experience.  However, after spending several hours cruising around I realized I need to come up with ways to pimp my ride.  Vern needs some street cred.  He needs to be sexed up a bit…I want to make him turn heads… and not because the two of us look like a scene from Pee Wee’s Big Adventure riding down Central Avenue.

So let’s compare my old stolen bike …

and my new vintage bike.  Maybe y’all can help-me-help-Vern with ideas for a bike makeover.

The good news:  I know what I’m going to be for Halloween.

You may have noticed the lock in the basket. It’s a U-lock and cable combo.  Mischa at Slippery Pig said it’s not the Kryptonite brand but it’s the next best thing.  The lock cost about $40 and is heavy with a good size cable.  I doubt if I’ll leave my bike out of sight again – but just in case – this lock will definitely take a little bit of muscle to break.

Tags: alternative transportation, car-free, Phoenix Cycle Chica, Slippery Pig, stolen bike, vintage bike