This time of year people are cleaning out garages, attics
and storage sheds. Old bicycles and parts are showing up all over
(no I do not pick through garbage, much). I saw a very dusty, little
used Peugout UO-8. It was fun to look at, but stayed were it was
along with the 8 track tapes.
I did pick up a frame called "Openroad." It looks like a medium
quality low end bike from the early 80s. It says 4130 steel on it, but
does not say what country it was made in. I seem to remember that Huffy
might have tried to make a real bike back in the 80s, but soon realized
that disposable pot metal products were their true market niche. Anybody
know about Openroad bikes?
From a very corroded unidentified frame, I ended up with a leather
saddle in very good shape. It must have had a cover on it, there is no
rust on metal frame at all and the leather is dry but perfect. Embossed
in the sides is, "Middlemore Coventry," with the usual crown, wreath
and banner design. The back of the seat has a little plate with the
Middlemore name on it, just like my Brooks. The LBS owner just gave it
to me, when I offered to buy it. He said, " Who do you think is going
to buy a leather saddle around here?"
"Me," I had to reply.
Anyone in the collective BOB memory remember Middlemore saddles
of Coventry?
Still haven't found that Cinelli. There is the story of the all
Campy Huffy track bike for 25 dollars. It probably was a team bike
from the Lemond sponsoring days, and it was sold for something over
a thousand dollars by a local bike mechanic. The guy in the thrift
store said, "Anybody who rides a bike with no brakes you have to
pedal all the time must be totally stupid."
If you come across this old stuff, just a tip. Greg Lemond advises
in his racing book, to avoid those steel three arm spider cranks. The
five arm spiders are much better.
Steve Johnson
Millersville, MD
