My bike got stolen (as often happens with bikes in NYC) last year and I suddenly found myself thinking about what my next ride would be. I was so tempted to get the beautiful, handcrafted in England, Pashley, but I knew I would be so heartbroken if it ever got stolen (that’s how we think about bikes in NYC) and they are just too heavy to carry up the stairs to my apartment. I then considered the very fashionable Linus, but after a lot of research, mainly on a great blog called Lovely Bicycle, I decided to go with an old Raleigh and fix her up.
I found my beautiful 1964 Raleigh on Craigslist for $190 – which is high, but this is NYC after all. I scrubbed her clean, using steel wool on the chrome parts, til she sparkled. I then got a basket, rear rack and saddle baskets,  new cork grips, a sweet little bell and some better brakes. A couple of months later, a very dear friend got me to most amazing birthday gift. The gorgeous Brooks saddle in honey was icing on the cake.
I love love love this bike and it is such a sweet ride. My pride and joy and the best way to commute around Brooklyn.
