SM #4 - LOCAL BICYCLE SHOPS (LBS)

My most ridden and much loved Marinoni Squadra was purchased through a local shop.  For two years I oogled the bike but the price was just too high.  Finally, after that long wait, I offered less than half what was originally asked, and the bike was mine.

The Local Bicycle Shop (LBS) is another good source for finding old bicycles.  I have found many vintage road bicycles stored away in LBS for very good prices.  I have also found a few that I paid well for.  This beautiful Motobecane Grand Jubilee being a perfect example of the more costly acquisition.  As was my 1977 Raleigh Competition GS.  I might add that one was too small and one too big.  Both now live with other rider/collectors.

Make a point out of visiting the bike shops in your area on a regular basis.  With repeated visits, you will get to know the owner as well as the bicycle mechanics. Tell them that you are interested in finding an old bike and…  Well you must know the rest by now.  However, there are a couple of things to include in your conversation.

Leave your telephone number, in case the LBS people are willing to give you a call.  Go back and visit/hunt from time to time.  See if you can get an invitation into the basement or storage area.  For me, this is the ultimate in bicycle hunting fun.  Some basements contain incredible stuff.

My best LBS find ever was a 1972 Atala Record 101 Professional frame and fork set and it was my size to boot.  Twenty dollars, and the owner threw in a near mint set of Cinelli old logo Track Bars.  Those gorgeous handlebars now live on my 1976 Marinoni Quebec.  This sort of situation crops up for me from time to time.  Incredible deals and finding stuff this way is FUN!

NEXT - SM #5 - LOCAL BUY/SELL PAPERS