if nothing else on this site is indication enough, here is tangible proof that the bike museum does not practice bike snobbery. This is a nearly all original, pretty decent condition Rampar Rapide 10-speed road bike. Apparently Rampar was a division or Raleigh bicycles and this bike probably comes from the late 70s-early 80s. The frame and paint are nearly perfect and other than some random rusting on a couple spokes, some of the typical grime on the drivetrain, deteriorated bar foam and old, discolored tires I'd say it's probably in better shape than a lot of bikes people are out riding. As you would guess, it has 27" wheels. The derailleurs are Suntour, with a front derailleur that works the opposite of most...in other words, the 'rest' position for the cable is at the large chainring. The rims and handlebar are chromed steel, so it's not a lightweight bike. The construction of the frame is nice, and clean with the typical classic lugwork you would expect to see from a bike from that era.
With a nod to the recognition that you can't have it all, the Rampar is currently for sale on the local Craigslist. I hope it will find an owner who will use it and enjoy it. This bike could make an excellent, sturdy, almost theft-proof urban commuter or be simply transformed into a clean single speed or fixed gear machine with the addition of new wheels and shedding some weight elsewhere on the bike.
Since I didn't find a lot about these bikes on the 'net, I figured I could do a modest service to other bike enthusiasts by providing some photo documentation of what these bikes look like in what is apparently their original form. Hope you enjoy them!
UPDATE: This lovely time capsule of 10 speed splendor was sold to a gentleman from Texas very shortly after it was added to the museum. I'd love to hear from him and see how the Rampar has turned out. For now, it's just nice to know it's gone somewhere where it can be appreciated.
With a nod to the recognition that you can't have it all, the Rampar is currently for sale on the local Craigslist. I hope it will find an owner who will use it and enjoy it. This bike could make an excellent, sturdy, almost theft-proof urban commuter or be simply transformed into a clean single speed or fixed gear machine with the addition of new wheels and shedding some weight elsewhere on the bike.
Since I didn't find a lot about these bikes on the 'net, I figured I could do a modest service to other bike enthusiasts by providing some photo documentation of what these bikes look like in what is apparently their original form. Hope you enjoy them!
UPDATE: This lovely time capsule of 10 speed splendor was sold to a gentleman from Texas very shortly after it was added to the museum. I'd love to hear from him and see how the Rampar has turned out. For now, it's just nice to know it's gone somewhere where it can be appreciated.
