On the finish of final 12 months, Bicycling requested me to write down just a little 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 ideal 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 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 In the meantime, a Begin Observe child who realized how you can journey in a paceline on a fixed-gear at 9 years outdated is means, means forward of the sport once they develop up and resolve they need to begin commuting to work by Citi Bike or no matter.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, with the ability to journey a motorbike 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 seeking to elevate cash to ship riders to Nationals this 12 months:
This instantly obtained me pondering, “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 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 highway bikes. Actually, 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 deliver 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 definitely worth the trouble and that I’d as properly preserve it as a result of I actually do prefer it–although if I can promote it and make a couple of dollars for Star Observe then that modifications the calculus significantly.
So how is that this going to work? Effectively, 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 fee processor deciding I’m operating a playing ring and terminating my account. So I believe the simplest strategy to do it’s with a easy finest bids public sale. First, take a detailed take 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. But it surely’s a metal body from an esteemed builder that may most likely outlive us all, and because of a number of elbow grease (and Dumonde grease) on my half it’s operating properly contemplating the age of the elements and the situation wherein 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 eventually, 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 superb, however it’s nonetheless just a little tough even after I overhauled it, and in case you demand perfection whenever 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 revel in as is or simply consider it as a challenge and get to work straight away, no matter works for you. You may even give it a brand new paint job:
I do know completely nothing about that stuff, however had I identified 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, no supply too low, actually. When you’re in or round New York Metropolis that’s finest, although I’m definitely prepared 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 into consideration when contemplating your bid. (I believe the final time I shipped a highway bike by way of Bikeflights it was round $100, and I do reserve the fitting to recoup my delivery prices.) As for delivery internationally, I don’t understand how 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 may definitely work in your favor.
Okay, so with that in thoughts, in case 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 need 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 capable of decide 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 already know. As soon as I settle for your bid I’d count on immediate fee by way of one of many ordinary fee companies*, since we need to get Star Observe their cash whereas they’re nonetheless matching bids. When you want the bike shipped, it shouldn’t take me quite a lot of 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 when you have any questions. Pleased bidding, and should your desires of proudly owning a rusty classic Canadian highway bike not too long ago overhauled by a horrible mechanic lastly come true.
Love,
–Tan Tenovo
