This Raleigh Rocky II Mountain Bike started out in the shop with no wheels (and therefore no rear wheel cassette, or rear derailleur) worn out brake pads, and cracked cable housing. I found some old wheels which I trued, tensioned, and installed inner tubes and tires onto. The tires were second hand, believe it or not. Someone else added the 5 speed cassette. I installed a used shimano rear derailleur and a new chain, replaced and aligned the brake pads and replaced all the cables and housing. It's almost ready to go. I have to find a missing barrel adjuster for the rear derailleur, adjust the shifters, and finish it off with a few bells and whistles. We will sell the bike for about $80. Not bad for a total cost of new parts of $8.00.

1973

When I was young, my father took me to the local RCMP bicycle auctions to buy one or two old and broken bicycles. At home he would combine all the good parts, and build one nice bike. At one memorable bike auction, my Dad had bid 50 cents on a bike. It was the third bike that had been wheeled out onto the auction block, with broken brake cables, a missing wheel or handle bars dangling uselessly from the frame. My father's first two bids of 50 cents for each of these bikes had not been challenged. As the third bike was wheeled out for bidding, a few interested onlookers turned to watch my father. They were not disappointed; my father placed his 50 cent bid. Unexpectedly, someone spoke out, raising the bid to one dollar. Amused laughter rippled through the crowd. The onlookers waited in silent anticipation. My father did not counter. He turned to me and said, "That bike is only worth fifty cents."the guy who challenged my father in jest had to pay one dollar for his broken 50 cent bike. Many of us have stories about the first time they were inspired to pursue a passion. This is my story.