I need help justifying....

[uforgot]

and you guys are the BEST at this. My Surly is for sale, my Trek fx is losing it's racks to be a quick around town bike, but I still wanted a fun commuter for Portland. I would think that even a low end Trek would scream "steal me". I advertised that I wanted a Raleigh Sports on Craigslist. (Lovely bike recommended them and I LOVE hers.) So the first response was this bike.

http://velospace.org/node/37047

Oh, my. I am SO not picturing this as the beater commuter I wanted. It's stunning. I feel that there is a responsibility with this bike to keep it original and in good shape. If I did get it, I would put alloy wheels on it and keep the steel ones on hand, just so I don't lose any part of it. Do I give this English 3speed the reverence it deserves, and pass or go ahead and ride it everywhere and love it?

Remember, Portland....misty rain????? I wouldn't intentionally ride in the rain, but it comes up frequently and could happen while I'm out.

[bmccasland]

She's a pretty bike! England has rain too, so she'd understand getting her feet wet.

Would be a lovely and fun addition to your stable! Buy! Buy! Buy!

Besides, wouldn't it be better if she went to a good home where she'd be appreciated?

[Wahine]

"Oh my" is right!! That is a very pretty bike.

I've not done this with a bike, but I often buy orchids that look like they would soon die if they didn't go to a good home for proper loving care. I think this falls into the same category. You need to save this beauty from falling into the wrong hands.

[goldfinch]

Bike's are meant to be ridden. Get it and ride.

[uforgot]

Oh, you guys are good! I am going to look at it tomorrow. I didn't even think about England getting a lot of rain. Not a beater, but I really take care of my bikes, so I deserve it, right?

[Chicken Little]

Life is sooooo short....

[jyyanks]

Did you get it?

[hebe]

Gorgeous! Yes, it does rain here too, I'm sure she'd be fine.

[uforgot]

Did you get it?

Oh, yeah, I got her. Pics to follow. She is beautiful!

[Seajay]

New and cheap. Torker Interurban

edit. Oh you already got the CL one. Be extra careful (especially in the rain) with those brakes.

[moderncyclista]

New and cheap. Torker Interurban

edit. Oh you already got the CL one. Be extra careful (especially in the rain) with those brakes.

That Torker is cool.

So is the old bike, however.

The brakes on my '77 and '83 Fuji are fine in the rain. Had them inspected and made sure they could stop me on a dime. That's all I'd recommend. On the '83 I opted for new levers. The '77 has beautiful donated levers from one of the gals here on TE. (Thank You!) The levers now make the bike, LOL!

Point being, have them looked at. Just in case.

[uforgot]

The Torker IS nice! I am going to put koolstop break pads on there, but I don't plan on having it in any rain.

Thanks for all of the nice replies. It's good to be riding again and active on TE.