The past few weeks have been an exciting time in Bike Land. Today was the Orono installment of the Great Maine Bike Swap. I had initially intended to leave with just a handful of parts and call it a day, but that didn't exactly work out. I'll keep this simple:

My 1962 Raleigh Lenton Sport

This thing hit me in waves. I don't recall what exactly it was that struck me first, but once this bike grabbed my attention it didn't let go. There is an article about these things on Sheldon Brown's website, but allow me to break it down for you in in accessible terms: This thing has a very serious case of old. Though the numbers stamped on the rear hub suggest this to be a 1962, the design of this bike is based on conventions dating back to the 40s and 50s. The weird stubby stem and vaguely track style drop bars are the first tell, and from there, it just keeps going. It's not too too uncommon to find an old bike like this, but to find one in ridable condition, and with all it's parts and accessories intact, well, that's something special. Especially if it costs 25 dollars. Hell yes.

Original Brooks saddle in what I would consider to be fair condition. Definitely capable of restoration.

This bike is a three speed, with a Sturmey Archer TCW hub featuring smooth internal shifting and a coaster brake. Internal hub shifting has a mixed reputation, but I'm a long time fan. They require almost zero maintenance, give a simple but usable range of gears, and maintain that smooth simple chain-line I've come to love.

...Also, those plastic fenders are probably worth something on their own.

Univega Nuovo Sport

Not much to say about this other than that it is fodder for a project. It's a nice bike that's a few sizes small for me. Aluminum rims, centerpull brakes, forged dropouts, and a drive-train that is soon to be tossed into my spare parts bin.

That isn't all of it, but it does complete this post. I also acquired a third bike and a handful of parts. All in all, a productive day that has rendered me fairly poor.