Tag: retro

July 24th – I paid a flying visit to the Vintage Fair at Chasewater Railway on a very busy day of errands, and despite my general irritation over the glossing over of history’s inconveniences one normally senses at these things, I enjoyed it hugely. There were a large number of stalls, the place was buzzing and there were lots of people in various great outfits that really made the thing work.

It’s always the characters and those with style who make or break vintage fairs, and there were plenty here, and lots of interesting stuff to buy and see.

I do hope Chasewater Railway do this again – it was lovely.

November 26th – I spotted this curious bike as I passed the bike stands at New Street Station. It’s an unusual thing, to be sure. I’d say it’s a late 70s or early 80s knockoff Chopper; all the ingredients are there; small front wheel, three speed with central car-style stick shift, ape hanger bars and big banana saddle. This is clearly not a real Chopper, and has a single front hub brake, and a curious fork with decorative springs to mimic suspension, possibly aping the Cinzia Cricket, another odd, chopper-like bike of the period. This thing must weigh heavily, and the gears are broken, but it’s clearly someone’s loved getabout. It’s the kind of thing one might be lucky to find at a boot sale or house clearance, and is obviously original.

I’d love to know more about it if any bike wonks are reading this?

August 20th – I keep seeing interesting bikes parked at Waitrose. This again, is the steed of a lady of a certain maturity, and frankly, I find it a bit baffling. It’s either a refurbed Raleigh 3 speed of the classic variety, or a modern copy. Authenticity is good, and that’s a real Sturmey Archer hub gear. Note the rod brakes and steel rims. I can’t for the life of me think why anyone would choose to ride a bike with such a crap braking system in this day and age. The carrier is also rather heavily engineered. It’s a nice thing, to be sure, but I’m not sure I’d fancy riding it.