On the finish of final yr, Bicycling requested me to put in writing a little bit one thing in regards to 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 not concerned, I used to be constantly amazed by what an excellent 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 wish to go. Even the youngsters 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 discovered tips on how to journey in a paceline on a fixed-gear at 9 years previous is means, means forward of the sport once they develop up and determine they wish to begin commuting to work by Citi Bike or no matter. So far as primary life abilities, with the ability to journey a motorcycle competently is correct up there with with 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 technology.
All of that is to say I see Star Observe is trying to increase cash to ship riders to Nationals this yr:
This instantly obtained me considering, “How can I assist Star Observe and assist myself on the identical time, for gratis 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 street bikes. The truth is, I even briefly listed the ‘Noner on the market on-line lately, however I took the advert down as there was an excessive amount of “Are you able to deliver the bike over so I can attempt it?” and never sufficient “I’ll come get bike and produce cash.” So I made a decision it wasn’t well worth the trouble and that I would as nicely 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 adjustments the calculus significantly.
So how is that this going to work? Effectively, at first I thought of attempting to do an internet raffle or one thing, however the very last thing I would like is a few fee processor deciding I’m operating a playing ring and terminating my account. So I believe the simplest technique to do it’s with a easy finest bids public sale. First, take a detailed have a look at the bike:
So far as dimension, 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 specifically has seen a number of use. Nevertheless it’s a metal body from an esteemed builder that can most likely outlive us all, and due to loads of elbow grease (and Dumonde grease) on my half it’s operating properly contemplating the age of the elements and the situation through 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 previous 8-speed Ergos are going to wear down ultimately, and when that occurs you’re most likely not going to wish to rebuild them until you’re a Campy-phile and have already got the elements. Similar goes for the rear hub–it rolls simply superb, however it’s nonetheless a little bit tough even after I overhauled it, and in case you demand perfection if you decide 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 journey and luxuriate in as is or simply consider it as a venture and get to work instantly, no matter works for you. You would 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 may need given it a attempt only for the hell of it.
As for the way a lot to bid, clearly I’ll take the most effective one, however you’re welcome to supply something from $1 to a gazillion {dollars}. It’s an previous bike, so don’t be shy, no supply too low, actually. Should 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, understand that if I’ve to ship it I’ll take the price of that into consideration when contemplating your bid. (I believe the final time I shipped a street bike by way of Bikeflights it was round $100, and I do reserve the proper to recoup my transport prices.) As for transport internationally, I don’t know the way a lot of a trouble that’s, so whereas I gained’t rule it out, however I’ll say that in case you’re right here in Canada’s skid plate that can actually work in your favor.
Okay, so with that in thoughts, in case you’re curious about bidding on the bike ship me an electronic mail with the next topic line:
‘NONER IS FOR THE CHILDREN [amount of your bid]
Please notice that it is best to PUT THE ACTUAL AMOUNT OF YOUR BID within the brackets, and in case you 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 info, like whether or not you’re in a position to decide up the bike right here in New York, or whether or not you’d want it shipped, and in that case the place you’re situated. 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 already know. As soon as I settle for your bid I’d count on immediate fee by way of one of many standard fee providers*, since we wish to get Star Observe their cash whereas they’re nonetheless matching bids. Should you want the bike shipped, it shouldn’t take me various days to get that collectively, although once more, in case you’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 if in case you have any questions. Blissful bidding, and will your goals of proudly owning a rusty classic Canadian street bike lately overhauled by a horrible mechanic lastly come true.
Love,
–Tan Tenovo
