My Dad bought it new in '79.
The 3-speed, Sturmey-Archer hub is stamped as a '76.
My Dad rolled it around the 'hood casually for a few years, then it sat in his garage forever...until like eight years ago when I bought my current house and had space to give it a home.
He bought fresh 28" tyres (British) and they sat in the house for a buncha years like new-old-stock.
Rear tyre repairs are very involved.
It could use some detailing, but it cleaned up easily.
The Brookes saddle has not even been broken in really.
My Dad liked the rod brakes and long fork.
A local dude may have some fresh brake shoes.
It is complete, functional and intact....the air pump still works.
When I was like 13, I had a spray-can of clear enamel go defective on me and sprayed a light mist on it.
I freaked!
Most of it is gone now, but I don't want to buff on it too hard and lose the neato pinstriping.
It's slow, heavy, sucks on hills...doesn't turn quickly, doesn't stop very well, but I love it.
Very well made and very stylish.
A great ride on straight, level ground.
Here's some action video!!!
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=CnnsVCB4Zg4
I recently had a deal pending to sell it.
The terms of the deal got sketchy and I backed out...and he didn't act quick enough.
I warned him!
I decided the price was too low too also, but mostly it's sentimental.
It will always remind me of my Dad, but if the right high offer were to come around, he's ok with me selling it.
He's still going strong at 77.
The bike is probably not going anywhere.
