He always manages to get my good side...

[beboots]

So there is this amazing German-Canadian man who comes to the park pretty much every week - and has been doing so since the early 1980s. He knows his photography. Occasionally he sends me spectacular pictures. Here are a few: 

Comments

[anyjen]

Wonderful pictures... and wonderful job. Seriously, I envy you.

And uh, is that really a WWI bike? Because I swear I have one just like it...

(yes, yes, I know single-speed bikes basically haven't changed since they were first introduced, but still, it's hard to believe, is all. ^^U)

[beboots]

You're right, those bikes haven't changed much in style. I think that this particular one is from the 1930s? But don't quote me on that. ;)

[anyjen]

Pity I'm not there; I'd give you guys a few tips on how to restore that beauty to its former glory... I can't really tell without a close-up, but the wheels seem to need a bit of work... *is a fan of bikes*

[beboots]

Yeah, there's a bit of rust on the rims. :( Any pro-tips you can give us from afar?

[anyjen]

Well, if someone is willing to spend the time necessary to do it, you can make those wheels shine again by carefully (veeeery carefully) sanding the rims and spokes with ultra-fine sandpaper meant for metal. If the rims aren't rusted all the way through, you'll be surprised at how quickly you can improve the looks of a bike that way. Just don't be tempted to substitute the ultra-fine sandpaper for a coarser one; you'll go faster and it will be easier, but you're likely to scratch the metal that way

[beboots]

Thanks for all of the pro-tips! :D I have to talk to our artifacts director before doing anything to it, but I'll give it a shot! :) Thanks.

[anyjen]

No problem. :)

[anyjen]

You could also make sure the wheels are centred, but that needs to be done by someone who knows what they're doing. Seriously, it's not easy, though cashing out for someone to do it properly will result in a much smoother ride with less chance of damaging the bike at every pothole.

[beboots]

I was also just flipping through a copy of the 1927 summer season Eaton's mail order catalogue and I essentially found this exact bike (selling for $34 in that year!). So it's ultra accurate!

[anyjen]

Wow! It's hard to believe that we ride essentially the same machines today. Single-speed and fixed gear bikes basically haven't changed since they realised making both wheels the same size and sitting the rider in between them instead of on top of one of them might just make it safe enough for daily use.

There's just one thing I noticed... this bike doesn't have any brakes? O_O

[beboots]

This bike does have brakes, don't worry! (You backpedal.)

That being said, we also have a tandem bicycle that DOESN'T have brakes except for your feet. D:

[anyjen]

This bike does have brakes, don't worry! (You backpedal.)

Uh, that's not called having brakes... that's called having a fixed gear *is a stupid bike geek now*

That being said, we also have a tandem bicycle that DOESN'T have brakes except for your feet. D:

Yipes. That sure takes me back. I am the youngest of four sisters, so all my stuff was basically hand-me-downs. One of my "new" bikes had broken brakes, and instead of having them fixed, I'd brake using my feet. I went through a pair of shoes a month back then. :/

(but then again, the shoes themselves were often hand-me-downs, so no big loss)

[beboots]

Hey, I just learned something new! So: no real brakes, just a fixed gear. Interesting!