Vintage cycling

[W1 Rover]

Some years ago ( to say the least ) I yearned for a racing type bike. My parents were adamant that I shouldn't have one , anyone who's ridden along The Marylebone Road or Hyde Park Corner would probably appreciate their concerns, my safety was first and foremost I'm sure.

To cut a long story short I came into a bit of extra cash and went out and bought a Raleigh Arena, a basic bike by today's standards, five speed and seriously iffy brakes, loved it to bits, served me well, I still see one about on the streets but very rarely.

Any other happy cycling memories out there?

[Richcoop]

As a kid, I dreamed about a computer when everyone else already had it. My parents bought me an MTB, and I was forever grateful.

[JulieSimpsong]

Running is harder on your muscles and joints compared to cycling.

[NervHQ]

When I was 17, I worked as a dishwasher and a line cook at a lake resort. And I slept in a place that was 16 miles away. I tried to make as much money as possible before the end of summer. So on my days off, I worked for an elderly couple taking care of their garden. They gave me two old bikes. One was a small decrepit MTB bike that belonged to their granddaughter. The other road bike was from the 60s, and it belonged to Mr. Earl who was over 6’7”. I am 5’7”. I still chose the retro style road bike over the MTB to ride 32 miles every day for the whole summer.

[70s kid]

My first bike that was bought new and not handed down was a Raliegh Arena. I used to do my five paper rounds on it. I didnt live in London. Its grim oop north.