If you’ve been reading my blog for awhile, you may know that I have a soft spot in my heart for vintage bicycles. My first was a 1970’s English made Raleigh that I restored at a local bike co-op. A year or so later my beautiful, cream colored Raleigh was stolen and shortly replaced with an early 1970’s, green Schiwnn Speedster (Scott found it at a yard sale and fixed it up for me! It really was a great surprise!).
For the past few years my green Schwinn has treated me well and has seen many bike rides and picnic dates, but recently the aged gears have been giving me troubles and scoring a new-to-me vintage bike has been on my mind. Flash back to a few weeks ago when Scott and I were wandering around a tiny town in Colorado and spotted this beauty at a local garage sale. I felt an instant connection to this sweet ride, but figured I should give it a little thought before I purchased another bike.
About an hour later Scott and I were right back in that same front yard making the seller an offer (she wanted a reasonable price for it and even gave it to us for a little less). She told me that a lady about my size previously owned the bike, and that she had really great energy. After she said that I knew it was meant to be!
This 1970’s Phillips was made in Nottingham, England and was actually manufactured by Raliegh (how cool is that?!). The paint and parts are still in really good conditioned, and there even was an original bike tube in one of the tires (marked Raliegh!).
This cute bike bell was included and the flower on it sort of reminds me of Colorado’s state flower, the Columbine.
This Brooks seat was also included and may be my favorite part of the bike! I’ve always wanted a Brooks seat, but didn’t think I could justify the price. The seat is in amazing condition, and Scott even wonders if someone put the Brooks label on a different seat (I’m less convinced, but the condition still makes me wonder as well).
I’m very excited about the newest addition to our bicycle collection, and can’t wait to ride it more this fall!
Outfit details:
Scarf: vintage
Top: Last Chance
Skinnies: Levi’s
Moccs: Minnetonkas
Bracelets: Kate Spade & Vintage
Are you into bikes? If so, what kind do you have, or what kind do you wish you had?
-Chelsea xo