October 7th – An odd bike spotted in a rack near work. It was so odd, I had to take a closer look.

It’s a Kettler city bike. Kettler are, I believe, a German brand with an office in Redditch selling into the UK. It’s a large bike, and looks very heavy indeed. Dynamo lights powered by a bottle, rather than hub generator and rim brakes – the rear an unusual crossover cantilever design mounter under the chainstays – mark this bike out as being a cheap model. More expensive steeds of this type would have hub brakes.

The bike clearly needs some love – the chain was as dry as old bones and red rusty, as were many of the components. I’m tempted to pop back just to lube the chain. It must squeak like hell in use.

An unusual thing, for sure…