A Classic Conundrum

Over the last few years we've had a lot of customers from the past pulling out their classic Rodriguez and Erickson bikes, dusting them off, and hitting the road again. Apparently, once the kids are off to college, one gets the chance to start cycling more seriously again. As it turns out, these folks are hitting road only to find that 25 years is a long time, and they may need to make some adjustments. Needless to say, we've seen several dozen 'classic' Rodriguez bicycles and tandems, along with their 'classic' owners in here for re-fitting.

Deja Vu
Now, I've been the proprietor here a long time (even longer than Glenn and Angel). Seeing the old R+E bikes and their owners is a real fun treat for me. I'm having a good time guessing the bikes age, and can usually guess within a year or two the manufacture date. Sometimes I can even remember assembling the bike when it was new! (I was here as an emplyee way back in the 1980's) For me, there's a deja vu moment just about every day. It's fun to shoot the breeze with the customers from the 1980's, and a lot of them ask what Angel and Glenn are up to now. Just last week, I had a customer ask me if Angel lives in Michigan? This brings me to a small diversion, but then it's back to bike fit, I promise!

About the Founders:
If you are one of those wondering about Angel and Glenn, here's the quick scoop.

Angel Rodriguez is in Panama living at the base of Vulcan Baru (a volcano) and is just as busy as ever. He's making seismographic equipement with OSOP. Though we don't get see Angel much, he was gracious enough to come out for our 40th Anniversary party in 2013.

Currently, in keeping with his busy nature, he is launching a new seismograph project called brinco. It's a crowd funding project launching July 15th, and Angel invites you to participate.

You can find Glenn Erickson still here in the Seattle area when he's not in Europe leading bicycle tours for his company, Erickson Cycle Tours. We have the pleasure to work with his customers on a daily basis, and Glenn himself is frequent visitor to the shop. He also leads a fantastic bicycle ride each year to fight Parkinson's disease. Maybe some of you 'wise' folks would like to join him this year (August 2nd). It's a great time for all levels of cyclists, you're all invited, and you can even register online.

For a detailed article about the shop's history, there's a great article that The Bicycle Paper ran for our 40th anniversary a few years back. Or, you can read my ramblings here.

Now, back to our regularly scheduled article...

Fits and Starts

OK, that gets the small talk out of the way. Let's get to work on putting that old bike (and you) back on the road.

So, you pulled the old steed off the ceiling in the garage, aired up the tires and took her out for a spin. Much to your surprise, the ride wasn't nearly as comfortable as you'd remembered, right? Don't worry, you're not alone. This is a scene repeated time and time again all throughout the Seattle area these days. With age comes wisdom, and with with wisdom comes the acceptance that riding your old bicycle fit hurts....a lot!! You see, injuries, flexibility, core strength, pride, you name it, all have an effect on your proper bicycle fit. If you were 25 or 30 when your bicycle was fit to you last and now your...well...not, chances are there have been a few changes in those areas....ya think? We're finding that in almost every case, some modernization of a few parts, and some expert fitting work here at the shop, can put that old bike where it belongs...back on the road!

One more example
Just now, I went downstairs to get a cup of coffee, and low and behold, another classic Rodriguez was just brought in! After years of storage, this one looks to be returning to service.

It's not just Rodriguez and Erickson bikes either. We're seeing all brands of bikes from the past in here for fitting and modernization, then going back on the road. We're happy to work with any brand of bicycle to get it fitting comfortable for you. Most of these bikes are the original owners, and are just returning to cycling after a 'child rearing' break. Maybe your hair is grayer, but so is ours, and we've all gone through the same issues with our own bike fit. So what do you say? The water's warm...everybody's doin' it! Come on in, or just give us a call to talk about it.

You're friends are welcome too! Maybe you're already back on the road, but you know someone who used to ride, still has a bike, and all they need is a little encouragement to call R+E Cycles and get back in the swing. Just give 'em our number, and we'll be glad to help them out.

Our fitting services are by appointment, and the pricing is here

To schedule an appointment, give us a call at 206-527-4822

Or, email us at Bikefit@rodbikes.com

To see a few classic Rodriguez and Erickson bikes, click here