A Gazelle by any other name
Posted: August 25, 2013 Filed under: Other Bikes | Tags: Dieren Holland, drum brake hubs, Gazelle, rod brake, Royal Dutch 3 CommentsWhen you think of gazelles you probably think of something quick and nimble. We know we do. This particular Gazelle, on the other hand…
This Dutch-made beauty (circa 1978) is about as “adorned” as a bike could ever hope to be, with lights, generator, wheel lock, bell, fenders, front mudflap, drum brakes and rear carrier (all stock equipment). It even has a chainguard and skirtguard, made predominantly from vinyl, we’re thinking to avoid rust, and hopefully to lighten the thing a little.
Ok, so it might not be Gazelle-quick, but then again, it isn’t the worst bike we’ve ever pushed around. Even with its high profile (the handlebars hit us mid-stomach) and its 28″ wheels, the bike performs modestly well. Agreed, it’s not a Masi, but the bike easily outpaces a Raleigh DL-1 or Chinese equivalent. So, in that regard, we guess you could consider it the “gazelle” of the 28″ wheel bike world. Small claim, but it’s something.
Schwinn New World
Posted: August 25, 2013 Filed under: Vintage lightweights | Tags: A.S. & Co., hat in the ring, large flange hub, Schwinn lightweight, Schwinn New World Leave a commentOlder lightweights like this Schwinn New World have traditionally played second-fiddle to balloon-tire bikes. Without tanks, lights, or any other fancy sheet metal goodies, they aren’t as showy and thus don’t command the attention of their weightier siblings.
It’s a shame because they are really wonderful bikes; easy to ride with great styling. This is the first one we’ve run across in gray; blue and black being the more popular colors. It also came to us with a duplicate rear wheel, complete with Schwinn large-flange hub.