On the finish of final 12 months, Bicycling requested me to write down a 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 not concerned, I used to be persistently amazed by what a fantastic program it’s. It’s fully 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 In the meantime, a Begin Observe child who realized tips on how to journey in a paceline on a fixed-gear at 9 years outdated is manner, manner forward of the sport after they develop up and determine they wish to begin commuting to work by Citi Bike or no matter. So far as primary life abilities, having the ability to journey a motorbike competently is true 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 technology.
All of that is to say I see Star Observe is seeking to elevate cash to ship riders to Nationals this 12 months:
This instantly bought me pondering, “How can I assist Star Observe and assist myself on the similar time, for gratis to me?” Then it hit me: I’ll promote a motorbike 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. In truth, I even briefly listed the ‘Noner on the market on-line not too long ago, however I took the advert down as there was an excessive amount of “Are you able to convey the bike over so I can attempt it?” and never sufficient “I’ll come get bike and convey cash.” So I made a decision it wasn’t well worth the trouble and that I’d as nicely preserve 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? Properly, at first I thought of attempting to do a web based raffle or one thing, however the very last thing I would like is a few cost processor deciding I’m working a playing ring and terminating my account. So I feel the best method 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 numerous use. Nevertheless it’s a metal body from an esteemed builder that can in all probability outlive us all, and because of loads of elbow grease (and Dumonde grease) on my half it’s working properly contemplating the age of the elements and the situation during which I obtained it. It’s additionally bought 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 ultimately, and when that occurs you’re in all probability not going to wish to rebuild them except you’re a Campy-phile and have already got the components. Similar goes for the rear hub–it rolls simply nice, but it surely’s nonetheless a bit tough even after I overhauled it, and when you demand perfection while 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 journey and revel in as is or simply consider it as a venture and get to work immediately, 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 might need given it a attempt only for the hell of it.
As for a 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, no provide too low, actually. Should you’re in or round New York Metropolis that’s finest, although I’m definitely keen to field it up and ship it to you. Nonetheless, needless to say if I’ve to ship it I’ll take the price of that under consideration when contemplating your bid. (I feel the final time I shipped a street bike by way of Bikeflights it was round $100, and I do reserve the precise to recoup my delivery prices.) As for delivery 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 when you’re right here in Canada’s skid plate that can definitely work in your favor.
Okay, so with that in thoughts, when you’re enthusiastic about bidding on the bike ship me an e mail with the next topic line:
‘NONER IS FOR THE CHILDREN [amount of your bid]
Please observe that you must PUT THE ACTUAL AMOUNT OF YOUR BID within the brackets, and when 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 choose 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 recognize. As soon as I settle for your bid I’d anticipate immediate cost by way of one of many traditional cost companies*, 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, when 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 feel that covers it! Let me know you probably have any questions. Completely satisfied bidding, and should your goals of proudly owning a rusty classic Canadian street bike not too long ago overhauled by a horrible mechanic lastly come true.
Love,
–Tan Tenovo
