The bicycle shown here was purchased on the 18th March, 1998. It has served me well and in the last four years has travelled about 30,000 miles. It is a hybrid style bike, a cross between a mountain bike and a more conventional tourer. I selected it particularly with urban riding in mind. This particular model is a Metro 21s made by Ridgeback Cycles, a 21" frame cycle from their Metro range... the 's' signifies a special model, with unique features added when I ordered. These at the time consisted of Shimano Inter-m series roller hub brakes, gears more suited to the kind of cycling I had in mind, full mudguards (they were horribly unfashionable then), pannier carrier on the rear and handlebars adjustable for angle as well as height. The original bike also came with an old-fashioned sprung saddle - now sadly worn out and replaced. Since new, the bike has had both wheels rebuilt, 2 sets of new gears, an new saddle and brakes replaced. Sometime this year I intend to get the bike fully rebuilt and re-sprayed - this should see it through another few thousand miles. I have made a few modifications and added extras since I had it, but the original bike is still there in spirit... it has served me well over the last four years and hopefully will continue to do so. We travel out in all weathers, sun, rain, snow and gales, and despite a few mishaps I love it as much now as I did when it was new.
To learn more about the bike, click on the component that interests you.
In case you're wondering, that is a plant pot the bike is resting on... and the bike had just been freshly cleaned. Thank god for the jet wash - the only pain being re-greasing the bearings afterwards....