On the finish of final yr, Bicycling requested me to jot down a little bit one thing concerning the Star Observe Youth Biking Program in New York Metropolis, which I gladly did:
My elder son participated in Star Observe for 2 or three years, and whereas he’s now not concerned, I used to be constantly amazed by what an important program it’s. It’s utterly free (they even present bikes), it’s phenomenally well-organized, and it’ll take a nascent bike racer as far into the game as they need to go. Even the children who don’t evolve into bike racers profit tremendously; not solely is this system enjoyable, however consider all of the adults you’ve come throughout who’ve determined to take up biking both for pleasure or for transportation or each and have completely no basis as a result of like many People they’d little publicity to bikes as a child. In the meantime, a Begin Observe child who realized find out how to experience in a paceline on a fixed-gear at 9 years outdated is method, method forward of the sport once they develop up and resolve they need to begin commuting to work by Citi Bike or no matter. So far as fundamental life abilities, having the ability to experience a motorcycle competently is correct up there with having the ability to swim, and if New York Metropolis had a Star Observe in each borough we’d be an actual bike metropolis inside a era.
All of that is to say I see Star Observe is seeking to increase cash to ship riders to Nationals this yr:
This instantly obtained me pondering, “How can I assist Star Observe and assist myself on the similar time, without charge to me?” Then it hit me: I’ll promote a motorcycle and provides Star Observe the proceeds!
This helps Star Observe as a result of cash, and it helps me as a result of I’ve too many highway bikes. In truth, I even briefly listed the ‘Noner on the market on-line just lately, however I took the advert down as there was an excessive amount of “Are you able to carry the bike over so I can strive it?” and never sufficient “I’ll come get bike and produce cash.” So I made a decision it wasn’t well worth the problem and that I’d as effectively hold it as a result of I actually do prefer it–although if I can promote it and make a couple of bucks for Star Observe then that modifications the calculus significantly.
So how is that this going to work? Properly, at first I thought of attempting to do an internet raffle or one thing, however the very last thing I want is a few cost processor deciding I’m working a playing ring and terminating my account. So I believe the simplest option to do it’s with a easy finest bids public sale. First, take an in depth take a look at the bike:
So far as measurement, prime tube is about 56cm and head tube is 14cm. Clearly you’re not getting a present bike right here; it’s scratched and dented, and the drivetrain particularly has seen a number of use. Nevertheless it’s a metal body from an esteemed builder that may most likely outlive us all, and because of numerous elbow grease (and Dumonde grease) on my half it’s working properly contemplating the age of the parts and the situation during which I obtained it. It’s additionally obtained a brand new chain, new cassette, new lever hoods, new cables, and new bar tape. Sure, these outdated 8-speed Ergos are going to wear down in the end, and when that occurs you’re most likely not going to need to rebuild them except you’re a Campy-phile and have already got the elements. Identical goes for the rear hub–it rolls simply high-quality, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a little bit tough even after I overhauled it, and if you happen to demand perfection whenever you choose up your rear wheel and provides it a spin you’re not going to get it. However as I say it’s working fairly good proper now, so both experience and revel in as is or simply consider it as a mission and get to work straight away, no matter works for you. You can even give it a brand new paint job:
I do know completely nothing about that stuff, however had I recognized about it earlier than overhauling the ‘Noner I might need given it a strive only for the hell of it.
As for the way a lot to bid, clearly I’ll take one of the best one, however you’re welcome to supply something from $1 to a gazillion {dollars}. It’s an outdated bike, so don’t be shy. In the event you’re in or round New York Metropolis that’s finest, although I’m actually prepared to field it up and ship it to you. Nevertheless, take into account that if I’ve to ship it I’ll take the price of that under consideration when contemplating your bid. (I believe the final time I shipped a highway bike through Bikeflights it was round $100, and I do reserve the fitting to recoup my transport prices.) As for transport internationally, I don’t understand how a lot of a problem that’s, so whereas I received’t rule it out, however I’ll say that if you happen to’re right here in Canada’s skid plate that may actually work in your favor.
Okay, so with that in thoughts, if you happen to’re occupied with bidding on the bike ship me an electronic mail with the next topic line:
‘NONER IS FOR THE CHILDREN [amount of your bid]
Please be aware that it is best to PUT THE ACTUAL AMOUNT OF YOUR BID within the brackets, and if you happen to merely put “[amount of your bid]” within the topic I’ll have you ever killed. Then within the physique of the e-mail put in any pertinent data, like whether or not you’re in a position to choose up the bike right here in New York, or whether or not you’d want it shipped, and if that’s the case the place you’re positioned. As of now I’m going to depart the bidding open till tomorrow, Thursday, July eleventh, 10am EST, although if there’s a necessity to increase that I’ll let you understand. As soon as I settle for your bid I’d anticipate immediate cost through one of many traditional cost companies*, since we need to get Star Observe their cash whereas they’re nonetheless matching bids. In the event you want the bike shipped, it shouldn’t take me various days to get that collectively, although once more, if you happen to’re right here in New York that’s clearly finest.
*[Please note if you win the auction you’re paying me, not Star Track. Star Track is not involved in this auction in any way, and for all I know they wouldn’t want to be exposed to whatever liability is involved in auctioning off a used bike. Strictly speaking, I am selling you a bike in a personal transaction between two consenting adults, and then I’m making a donation in that same amount to Star Track. And of course if you have no interest in this auction but you do want to donate directly to Star Track you should absolutely do that.]
I believe that covers it! Let me know when you’ve got any questions. Joyful bidding, and will your desires of proudly owning a rusty classic Canadian highway bike just lately overhauled by a horrible mechanic lastly come true.
Love,
–Tan Tenovo
