On the finish of final yr, Bicycling requested me to jot down a bit one thing in regards to the Star Monitor Youth Biking Program in New York Metropolis, which I gladly did:
My elder son participated in Star Monitor for 2 or three years, and whereas he’s now not concerned, I used to be persistently 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 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 In the meantime, a Begin Monitor child who realized how you can journey in a paceline on a fixed-gear at 9 years outdated is means, means forward of the sport after they develop up and determine they wish to begin commuting to work by Citi Bike or no matter. So far as primary life expertise, having the ability to journey a motorbike competently is correct up there with having the ability to swim, and if New York Metropolis had a Star Monitor in each borough we’d be an actual bike metropolis inside a technology.
All of that is to say I see Star Monitor is trying to elevate cash to ship riders to Nationals this yr:
This instantly bought me pondering, “How can I assist Star Monitor and assist myself on the similar time, without charge to me?” Then it hit me: I’ll promote a motorbike and provides Star Monitor the proceeds!
This helps Star Monitor as a result of cash, and it helps me as a result of I’ve too many highway bikes. In truth, 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 strive it?” and never sufficient “I’ll come get bike and produce cash.” So I made a decision it wasn’t well worth the problem and that I’d as effectively 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 Monitor then that modifications the calculus significantly.
So how is that this going to work? Nicely, at first I considered making an attempt 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 option to do it’s with a easy greatest bids public sale. First, take an in depth have 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. But it surely’s a metal body from an esteemed builder that can most likely outlive us all, and due to a whole lot 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 acquired 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 most likely not going to wish to rebuild them except you’re a Campy-phile and have already got the elements. Similar goes for the rear hub–it rolls simply positive, but it surely’s nonetheless a bit tough even after I overhauled it, and for those who demand perfection once 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 challenge 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 might need given it a strive only for the hell of it.
As for the way a lot to bid, clearly I’ll take the perfect 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 greatest, although I’m definitely keen to field it up and ship it to you. Nevertheless, remember the fact that if I’ve to ship it I’ll take the price of that under 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 problem that’s, so whereas I received’t rule it out, however I’ll say that for those who’re right here in Canada’s skid plate that can definitely work in your favor.
Okay, so with that in thoughts, for those who’re all for 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 for those who 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 data, 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 in that case the place you’re positioned. As of now I’m going to go away 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 fee by way of one of many common fee providers*, since we wish to get Star Monitor their cash whereas they’re nonetheless matching bids. When you want the bike shipped, it shouldn’t take me various days to get that collectively, although once more, for those who’re right here in New York that’s clearly greatest.
*[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 in case you have any questions. Completely happy bidding, and should your goals of proudly owning a rusty classic Canadian highway bike lately overhauled by a horrible mechanic lastly come true.
Love,
–Tan Tenovo
