{"id":17691,"date":"2023-03-06T15:58:12","date_gmt":"2023-03-06T15:58:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2023\/03\/06\/classic-cycle-thursdays-beam-me-up-scotty\/"},"modified":"2023-03-06T15:58:12","modified_gmt":"2023-03-06T15:58:12","slug":"classic-cycle-thursdays-beam-me-up-scotty","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2023\/03\/06\/classic-cycle-thursdays-beam-me-up-scotty\/","title":{"rendered":"Classic Cycle Thursdays: Beam Me Up, Scotty!"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div>\n<p>While I may joke about being a \u201csemi-professional bike blogger,\u201d I do have a full-time job, and it\u2019s one I take extremely seriously.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s my position as the <a href=\"http:\/\/classiccycleus.com\/home\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Classic Cycle<\/a> Old Crap Test Pilot:<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" data-lazy-fallback=\"1\" data-attachment-id=\"14940\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2023\/03\/06\/classic-cycle-thursdays-beam-me-up-scotty\/screenshot-2023-03-06-094848\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-2023-03-06-094848.png?fit=459%2C478&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"459,478\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Screenshot-2023-03-06-094848\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-2023-03-06-094848.png?fit=288%2C300&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-2023-03-06-094848.png?fit=459%2C478&amp;ssl=1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"459\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-2023-03-06-094848.png?resize=459%2C478&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14940\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-2023-03-06-094848.png?w=459&amp;ssl=1 459w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-2023-03-06-094848.png?resize=288%2C300&amp;ssl=1 288w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 459px) 100vw, 459px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>There are certain cycling media outlets I won\u2019t name were the vintage bicycles are far more photographed than they are ridden.  However, with me it\u2019s quite the opposite\u2013and not only because I suck at photography.  I am not a dilettante or a collector; I am an intrepid time traveler whose mission is no less than charging bravely and selflessly forward (well, technically backward) into the swirling mists of time and returning with revelations with which to enlighten my dozen or so readers.  Oh, sure, sometimes my job isn\u2019t that hard, like when I\u2019ve got to parade around on a <a href=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2021\/11\/15\/fear-of-commitment\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">classic Colnago<\/a>, for example:<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" data-attachment-id=\"7814\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2021\/11\/15\/fear-of-commitment\/img_0712-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG_0712.jpg?fit=3024%2C4032&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3024,4032\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_0712\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG_0712.jpg?fit=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG_0712.jpg?fit=736%2C981&amp;ssl=1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"736\" height=\"981\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG_0712.jpg?resize=736%2C981&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7814 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG_0712.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG_0712.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG_0712.jpg?resize=1152%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1152w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG_0712.jpg?resize=1536%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG_0712.jpg?resize=900%2C1200&amp;ssl=1 900w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG_0712.jpg?resize=600%2C800&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG_0712.jpg?resize=300%2C400&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG_0712.jpg?resize=150%2C200&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG_0712.jpg?resize=1200%2C1600&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG_0712.jpg?resize=1400%2C1867&amp;ssl=1 1400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG_0712.jpg?w=1472&amp;ssl=1 1472w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG_0712.jpg?w=2208&amp;ssl=1 2208w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG_0712.jpg?resize=736%2C981&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"\/><noscript><img data-lazy-fallback=\"1\" data-attachment-id=\"7814\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2021\/11\/15\/fear-of-commitment\/img_0712-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG_0712.jpg?fit=3024%2C4032&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3024,4032\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_0712\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG_0712.jpg?fit=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG_0712.jpg?fit=736%2C981&amp;ssl=1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"736\" height=\"981\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG_0712.jpg?resize=736%2C981&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7814\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG_0712.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG_0712.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG_0712.jpg?resize=1152%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1152w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG_0712.jpg?resize=1536%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG_0712.jpg?resize=900%2C1200&amp;ssl=1 900w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG_0712.jpg?resize=600%2C800&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG_0712.jpg?resize=300%2C400&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG_0712.jpg?resize=150%2C200&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG_0712.jpg?resize=1200%2C1600&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG_0712.jpg?resize=1400%2C1867&amp;ssl=1 1400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG_0712.jpg?w=1472&amp;ssl=1 1472w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG_0712.jpg?w=2208&amp;ssl=1 2208w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>But when duty calls I snap into action, standing at attention with a hearty, \u201cSir, yes sir!,\u201d even if it means profound displeasure or even serious injury to my person.  That\u2019s why when Paul of Classic Cycle informed me that he was going to send me something called the \u201cPoorly Executed Idea Bike\u201d I didn\u2019t hedge, waffle, shirk, or deflect.  Moreover, when Paul followed up to confirm that I was absolutely sure I wouldn\u2019t be having any more children, I remained unflappable, since I prioritize my job over even my own fertility, and anyway I have seventeen (17) children as it is so it\u2019s not like I\u2019ll be telling the Great Blackjack Dealer On High to \u201chit me\u201d anytime soon, if you know what I\u2019m saying.  So when a large box arrived at my door yesterday, I did not pretend to be someone else, refuse delivery, and insist that the delivery driver had the wrong address.  Instead I wielded my boxcutter with the valor of Lancelot himself and confronted my fate: <\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" data-attachment-id=\"14909\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2023\/03\/06\/classic-cycle-thursdays-beam-me-up-scotty\/note\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note.jpg?fit=700%2C933&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"700,933\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"note\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note.jpg?fit=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note.jpg?fit=700%2C933&amp;ssl=1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"933\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note.jpg?resize=700%2C933&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14909 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note.jpg?w=700&amp;ssl=1 700w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note.jpg?resize=600%2C800&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note.jpg?resize=300%2C400&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note.jpg?resize=150%2C200&amp;ssl=1 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note.jpg?resize=700%2C933&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"\/><noscript><img data-lazy-fallback=\"1\" data-attachment-id=\"14909\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2023\/03\/06\/classic-cycle-thursdays-beam-me-up-scotty\/note\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note.jpg?fit=700%2C933&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"700,933\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"note\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note.jpg?fit=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note.jpg?fit=700%2C933&amp;ssl=1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"700\" height=\"933\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note.jpg?resize=700%2C933&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14909\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note.jpg?w=700&amp;ssl=1 700w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note.jpg?resize=600%2C800&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note.jpg?resize=300%2C400&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note.jpg?resize=150%2C200&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>At first upon opening the box I thought maybe Paul was putting me on, like he had when he said he was sending me the latest Specialized gravel bike and <a href=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2020\/11\/16\/classic-cycle-thursdays-and-bonus-lock-and-tire-content\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">it turned out to be the RockCombo<\/a>.  I mean the bike was supposed to be horrible, but as I opened the flaps this one seemed quite promising:<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" data-attachment-id=\"14911\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2023\/03\/06\/classic-cycle-thursdays-beam-me-up-scotty\/unbox\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/unbox.jpg?fit=645%2C860&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"645,860\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"unbox\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/unbox.jpg?fit=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/unbox.jpg?fit=645%2C860&amp;ssl=1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"645\" height=\"860\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/unbox.jpg?resize=645%2C860&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14911 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/unbox.jpg?w=645&amp;ssl=1 645w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/unbox.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/unbox.jpg?resize=600%2C800&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/unbox.jpg?resize=300%2C400&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/unbox.jpg?resize=150%2C200&amp;ssl=1 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 645px) 100vw, 645px\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/unbox.jpg?resize=645%2C860&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"\/><noscript><img data-lazy-fallback=\"1\" data-attachment-id=\"14911\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2023\/03\/06\/classic-cycle-thursdays-beam-me-up-scotty\/unbox\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/unbox.jpg?fit=645%2C860&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"645,860\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"unbox\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/unbox.jpg?fit=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/unbox.jpg?fit=645%2C860&amp;ssl=1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"645\" height=\"860\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/unbox.jpg?resize=645%2C860&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14911\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/unbox.jpg?w=645&amp;ssl=1 645w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/unbox.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/unbox.jpg?resize=600%2C800&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/unbox.jpg?resize=300%2C400&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/unbox.jpg?resize=150%2C200&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 645px) 100vw, 645px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Knobby tires?  XTR?  A frame that appeared to be rigid?<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" data-attachment-id=\"14913\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2023\/03\/06\/classic-cycle-thursdays-beam-me-up-scotty\/xtr\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/xtr.jpg?fit=645%2C860&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"645,860\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"xtr\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/xtr.jpg?fit=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/xtr.jpg?fit=645%2C860&amp;ssl=1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"645\" height=\"860\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/xtr.jpg?resize=645%2C860&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14913 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/xtr.jpg?w=645&amp;ssl=1 645w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/xtr.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/xtr.jpg?resize=600%2C800&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/xtr.jpg?resize=300%2C400&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/xtr.jpg?resize=150%2C200&amp;ssl=1 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 645px) 100vw, 645px\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/xtr.jpg?resize=645%2C860&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"\/><noscript><img data-lazy-fallback=\"1\" data-attachment-id=\"14913\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2023\/03\/06\/classic-cycle-thursdays-beam-me-up-scotty\/xtr\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/xtr.jpg?fit=645%2C860&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"645,860\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"xtr\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/xtr.jpg?fit=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/xtr.jpg?fit=645%2C860&amp;ssl=1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"645\" height=\"860\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/xtr.jpg?resize=645%2C860&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14913\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/xtr.jpg?w=645&amp;ssl=1 645w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/xtr.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/xtr.jpg?resize=600%2C800&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/xtr.jpg?resize=300%2C400&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/xtr.jpg?resize=150%2C200&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 645px) 100vw, 645px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Yet the package included still more ominous notes:<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" data-attachment-id=\"14915\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2023\/03\/06\/classic-cycle-thursdays-beam-me-up-scotty\/note-1\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-1.jpg?fit=1147%2C860&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1147,860\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"note-1\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-1.jpg?fit=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-1.jpg?fit=736%2C552&amp;ssl=1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"736\" height=\"552\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-1.jpg?resize=736%2C552&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14915 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-1.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-1.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-1.jpg?resize=800%2C600&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-1.jpg?resize=400%2C300&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-1.jpg?resize=200%2C150&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-1.jpg?resize=600%2C450&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-1.jpg?w=1147&amp;ssl=1 1147w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-1.jpg?resize=736%2C552&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"\/><noscript><img data-lazy-fallback=\"1\" data-attachment-id=\"14915\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2023\/03\/06\/classic-cycle-thursdays-beam-me-up-scotty\/note-1\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-1.jpg?fit=1147%2C860&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1147,860\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"note-1\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-1.jpg?fit=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-1.jpg?fit=736%2C552&amp;ssl=1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"736\" height=\"552\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-1.jpg?resize=736%2C552&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14915\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-1.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-1.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-1.jpg?resize=800%2C600&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-1.jpg?resize=400%2C300&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-1.jpg?resize=200%2C150&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-1.jpg?resize=600%2C450&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-1.jpg?w=1147&amp;ssl=1 1147w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>So I didn\u2019t know what to think:<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" data-attachment-id=\"14917\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2023\/03\/06\/classic-cycle-thursdays-beam-me-up-scotty\/note-3\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-3.jpg?fit=645%2C860&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"645,860\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"note-3\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-3.jpg?fit=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-3.jpg?fit=645%2C860&amp;ssl=1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"645\" height=\"860\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-3.jpg?resize=645%2C860&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14917 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-3.jpg?w=645&amp;ssl=1 645w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-3.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-3.jpg?resize=600%2C800&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-3.jpg?resize=300%2C400&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-3.jpg?resize=150%2C200&amp;ssl=1 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 645px) 100vw, 645px\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-3.jpg?resize=645%2C860&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"\/><noscript><img data-lazy-fallback=\"1\" data-attachment-id=\"14917\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2023\/03\/06\/classic-cycle-thursdays-beam-me-up-scotty\/note-3\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-3.jpg?fit=645%2C860&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"645,860\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"note-3\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-3.jpg?fit=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-3.jpg?fit=645%2C860&amp;ssl=1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"645\" height=\"860\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-3.jpg?resize=645%2C860&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14917\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-3.jpg?w=645&amp;ssl=1 645w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-3.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-3.jpg?resize=600%2C800&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-3.jpg?resize=300%2C400&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/note-3.jpg?resize=150%2C200&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 645px) 100vw, 645px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Soon however I began to confront the horrible reality of what I\u2019d be dealing with:<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" data-attachment-id=\"14932\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2023\/03\/06\/classic-cycle-thursdays-beam-me-up-scotty\/img_7055\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7055.jpg?fit=4032%2C3024&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4032,3024\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_7055\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7055.jpg?fit=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7055.jpg?fit=736%2C552&amp;ssl=1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"736\" height=\"552\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7055.jpg?resize=736%2C552&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14932 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7055.jpg?w=4032&amp;ssl=1 4032w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7055.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7055.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7055.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7055.jpg?resize=1536%2C1152&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7055.jpg?resize=2048%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7055.jpg?resize=1200%2C900&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7055.jpg?resize=800%2C600&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7055.jpg?resize=400%2C300&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7055.jpg?resize=200%2C150&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7055.jpg?resize=1400%2C1050&amp;ssl=1 1400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7055.jpg?resize=600%2C450&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7055.jpg?w=1472&amp;ssl=1 1472w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7055.jpg?w=2208&amp;ssl=1 2208w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7055.jpg?resize=736%2C552&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"\/><noscript><img data-lazy-fallback=\"1\" data-attachment-id=\"14932\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2023\/03\/06\/classic-cycle-thursdays-beam-me-up-scotty\/img_7055\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7055.jpg?fit=4032%2C3024&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4032,3024\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_7055\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7055.jpg?fit=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7055.jpg?fit=736%2C552&amp;ssl=1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"736\" height=\"552\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7055.jpg?resize=736%2C552&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14932\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7055.jpg?w=4032&amp;ssl=1 4032w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7055.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7055.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7055.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7055.jpg?resize=1536%2C1152&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7055.jpg?resize=2048%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7055.jpg?resize=1200%2C900&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7055.jpg?resize=800%2C600&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7055.jpg?resize=400%2C300&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7055.jpg?resize=200%2C150&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7055.jpg?resize=1400%2C1050&amp;ssl=1 1400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7055.jpg?resize=600%2C450&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7055.jpg?w=1472&amp;ssl=1 1472w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7055.jpg?w=2208&amp;ssl=1 2208w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<p>This explained the question about having children.<\/p>\n<p>Also, while I\u2019d been taken in by the rigid fork, the appearance of the word \u201cScott\u201d on a set of handlebars is never a good sign:<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" data-attachment-id=\"14933\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2023\/03\/06\/classic-cycle-thursdays-beam-me-up-scotty\/img_7053-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7053.jpg?fit=4032%2C3024&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4032,3024\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_7053\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7053.jpg?fit=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7053.jpg?fit=736%2C552&amp;ssl=1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"736\" height=\"552\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7053.jpg?resize=736%2C552&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14933 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7053.jpg?w=4032&amp;ssl=1 4032w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7053.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7053.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7053.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7053.jpg?resize=1536%2C1152&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7053.jpg?resize=2048%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7053.jpg?resize=1200%2C900&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7053.jpg?resize=800%2C600&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7053.jpg?resize=400%2C300&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7053.jpg?resize=200%2C150&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7053.jpg?resize=1400%2C1050&amp;ssl=1 1400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7053.jpg?resize=600%2C450&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7053.jpg?w=1472&amp;ssl=1 1472w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7053.jpg?w=2208&amp;ssl=1 2208w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7053.jpg?resize=736%2C552&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"\/><noscript><img data-lazy-fallback=\"1\" data-attachment-id=\"14933\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2023\/03\/06\/classic-cycle-thursdays-beam-me-up-scotty\/img_7053-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7053.jpg?fit=4032%2C3024&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4032,3024\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_7053\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7053.jpg?fit=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7053.jpg?fit=736%2C552&amp;ssl=1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"736\" height=\"552\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7053.jpg?resize=736%2C552&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14933\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7053.jpg?w=4032&amp;ssl=1 4032w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7053.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7053.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7053.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7053.jpg?resize=1536%2C1152&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7053.jpg?resize=2048%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7053.jpg?resize=1200%2C900&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7053.jpg?resize=800%2C600&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7053.jpg?resize=400%2C300&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7053.jpg?resize=200%2C150&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7053.jpg?resize=1400%2C1050&amp;ssl=1 1400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7053.jpg?resize=600%2C450&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7053.jpg?w=1472&amp;ssl=1 1472w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7053.jpg?w=2208&amp;ssl=1 2208w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<p>And isn\u2019t that seat tube a little short for a rigid mountain bike?<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" data-attachment-id=\"14935\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2023\/03\/06\/classic-cycle-thursdays-beam-me-up-scotty\/img_7052-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7052.jpg?fit=4032%2C3024&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4032,3024\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_7052\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7052.jpg?fit=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7052.jpg?fit=736%2C552&amp;ssl=1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"736\" height=\"552\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7052.jpg?resize=736%2C552&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14935 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7052.jpg?w=4032&amp;ssl=1 4032w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7052.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7052.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7052.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7052.jpg?resize=1536%2C1152&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7052.jpg?resize=2048%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7052.jpg?resize=1200%2C900&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7052.jpg?resize=800%2C600&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7052.jpg?resize=400%2C300&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7052.jpg?resize=200%2C150&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7052.jpg?resize=1400%2C1050&amp;ssl=1 1400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7052.jpg?resize=600%2C450&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7052.jpg?w=1472&amp;ssl=1 1472w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7052.jpg?w=2208&amp;ssl=1 2208w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7052.jpg?resize=736%2C552&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"\/><noscript><img data-lazy-fallback=\"1\" data-attachment-id=\"14935\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2023\/03\/06\/classic-cycle-thursdays-beam-me-up-scotty\/img_7052-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7052.jpg?fit=4032%2C3024&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4032,3024\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_7052\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7052.jpg?fit=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7052.jpg?fit=736%2C552&amp;ssl=1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"736\" height=\"552\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7052.jpg?resize=736%2C552&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14935\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7052.jpg?w=4032&amp;ssl=1 4032w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7052.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7052.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7052.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7052.jpg?resize=1536%2C1152&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7052.jpg?resize=2048%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7052.jpg?resize=1200%2C900&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7052.jpg?resize=800%2C600&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7052.jpg?resize=400%2C300&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7052.jpg?resize=200%2C150&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7052.jpg?resize=1400%2C1050&amp;ssl=1 1400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7052.jpg?resize=600%2C450&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7052.jpg?w=1472&amp;ssl=1 1472w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7052.jpg?w=2208&amp;ssl=1 2208w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<p>Then it hit me.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDear God,\u201d I said to myself.  \u201cIt couldn\u2019t be.\u201d  Then, closing my eyes, I wrested the bike from the box, took a deep breath, and opened them again.<\/p>\n<p>Yes, it was a Softride:<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" data-attachment-id=\"14936\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2023\/03\/06\/classic-cycle-thursdays-beam-me-up-scotty\/img_7056\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7056.jpg?fit=3024%2C4032&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3024,4032\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_7056\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7056.jpg?fit=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7056.jpg?fit=736%2C981&amp;ssl=1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"736\" height=\"981\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7056.jpg?resize=736%2C981&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14936 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7056.jpg?w=3024&amp;ssl=1 3024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7056.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7056.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7056.jpg?resize=1152%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1152w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7056.jpg?resize=1536%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7056.jpg?resize=900%2C1200&amp;ssl=1 900w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7056.jpg?resize=600%2C800&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7056.jpg?resize=300%2C400&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7056.jpg?resize=150%2C200&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7056.jpg?resize=1200%2C1600&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7056.jpg?resize=1400%2C1867&amp;ssl=1 1400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7056.jpg?w=1472&amp;ssl=1 1472w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7056.jpg?w=2208&amp;ssl=1 2208w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7056.jpg?resize=736%2C981&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"\/><noscript><img data-lazy-fallback=\"1\" data-attachment-id=\"14936\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2023\/03\/06\/classic-cycle-thursdays-beam-me-up-scotty\/img_7056\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7056.jpg?fit=3024%2C4032&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3024,4032\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_7056\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7056.jpg?fit=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7056.jpg?fit=736%2C981&amp;ssl=1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"736\" height=\"981\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7056.jpg?resize=736%2C981&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14936\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7056.jpg?w=3024&amp;ssl=1 3024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7056.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7056.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7056.jpg?resize=1152%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1152w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7056.jpg?resize=1536%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7056.jpg?resize=900%2C1200&amp;ssl=1 900w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7056.jpg?resize=600%2C800&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7056.jpg?resize=300%2C400&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7056.jpg?resize=150%2C200&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7056.jpg?resize=1200%2C1600&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7056.jpg?resize=1400%2C1867&amp;ssl=1 1400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7056.jpg?w=1472&amp;ssl=1 1472w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7056.jpg?w=2208&amp;ssl=1 2208w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<p>As I stared at that trademark beam, a great black tongue ready to lick my hopes and dreams forever, I realized the universe indeed has a sense of humor, since this just happened to be the shirt I was wearing:<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" data-attachment-id=\"14929\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2023\/03\/06\/classic-cycle-thursdays-beam-me-up-scotty\/img_7048\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7048.jpg?fit=2320%2C3088&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"2320,3088\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_7048\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7048.jpg?fit=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7048.jpg?fit=736%2C980&amp;ssl=1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"736\" height=\"980\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7048.jpg?resize=736%2C980&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14929 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7048.jpg?w=2320&amp;ssl=1 2320w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7048.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7048.jpg?resize=769%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 769w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7048.jpg?resize=768%2C1022&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7048.jpg?resize=1154%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1154w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7048.jpg?resize=1539%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 1539w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7048.jpg?resize=600%2C799&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7048.jpg?resize=300%2C400&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7048.jpg?resize=150%2C200&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7048.jpg?resize=1200%2C1597&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7048.jpg?resize=1400%2C1863&amp;ssl=1 1400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7048.jpg?w=1472&amp;ssl=1 1472w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7048.jpg?w=2208&amp;ssl=1 2208w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7048.jpg?resize=736%2C980&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"\/><noscript><img data-lazy-fallback=\"1\" data-attachment-id=\"14929\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2023\/03\/06\/classic-cycle-thursdays-beam-me-up-scotty\/img_7048\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7048.jpg?fit=2320%2C3088&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"2320,3088\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_7048\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7048.jpg?fit=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7048.jpg?fit=736%2C980&amp;ssl=1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"736\" height=\"980\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7048.jpg?resize=736%2C980&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14929\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7048.jpg?w=2320&amp;ssl=1 2320w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7048.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7048.jpg?resize=769%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 769w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7048.jpg?resize=768%2C1022&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7048.jpg?resize=1154%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1154w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7048.jpg?resize=1539%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 1539w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7048.jpg?resize=600%2C799&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7048.jpg?resize=300%2C400&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7048.jpg?resize=150%2C200&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7048.jpg?resize=1200%2C1597&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7048.jpg?resize=1400%2C1863&amp;ssl=1 1400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7048.jpg?w=1472&amp;ssl=1 1472w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7048.jpg?w=2208&amp;ssl=1 2208w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u201cBeam me up\u201d indeed.<\/p>\n<p>A lesser man would have put the Softride back in the box, driven it 50 miles, dumped it in a ditch, and then pretended he never got it.  \u201cMusta been a package thief,\u201d I\u2019d have explained to Paul, \u201cIt happens all the time.\u201d  But that\u2019s not who I am.  Instead, I got right to work putting it together.  <a href=\"http:\/\/classiccycleus.com\/home\/repair\/museum-bikes-1980-to-present\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Here\u2019s more on the bike from the Classic Cycle website<\/a>, by the way, so you can see exactly what kind of sadist I\u2019m dealing with here:<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" data-attachment-id=\"14923\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2023\/03\/06\/classic-cycle-thursdays-beam-me-up-scotty\/softride\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Softride.jpg?fit=3072%2C2150&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3072,2150\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon PowerShot SD1000&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1675947503&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;5.8&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;400&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.002&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Softride\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Softride.jpg?fit=300%2C210&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Softride.jpg?fit=736%2C515&amp;ssl=1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"736\" height=\"515\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Softride.jpg?resize=736%2C515&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14923 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Softride.jpg?resize=1024%2C717&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Softride.jpg?resize=300%2C210&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Softride.jpg?resize=768%2C538&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Softride.jpg?resize=1536%2C1075&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Softride.jpg?resize=2048%2C1433&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Softride.jpg?resize=1200%2C840&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Softride.jpg?resize=1400%2C980&amp;ssl=1 1400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Softride.jpg?resize=600%2C420&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Softride.jpg?w=1472&amp;ssl=1 1472w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Softride.jpg?w=2208&amp;ssl=1 2208w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Softride.jpg?resize=736%2C515&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"\/><noscript><img data-lazy-fallback=\"1\" data-attachment-id=\"14923\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2023\/03\/06\/classic-cycle-thursdays-beam-me-up-scotty\/softride\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Softride.jpg?fit=3072%2C2150&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3072,2150\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon PowerShot SD1000&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1675947503&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;5.8&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;400&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.002&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Softride\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Softride.jpg?fit=300%2C210&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Softride.jpg?fit=736%2C515&amp;ssl=1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"736\" height=\"515\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Softride.jpg?resize=736%2C515&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14923\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Softride.jpg?resize=1024%2C717&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Softride.jpg?resize=300%2C210&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Softride.jpg?resize=768%2C538&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Softride.jpg?resize=1536%2C1075&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Softride.jpg?resize=2048%2C1433&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Softride.jpg?resize=1200%2C840&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Softride.jpg?resize=1400%2C980&amp;ssl=1 1400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Softride.jpg?resize=600%2C420&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Softride.jpg?w=1472&amp;ssl=1 1472w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Softride.jpg?w=2208&amp;ssl=1 2208w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">[Photo: <a href=\"http:\/\/classiccycleus.com\/home\/repair\/museum-bikes-1980-to-present\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Classic Cycle<\/a>]<\/p>\n<p><em>To start, take a look at the Softride beam. The idea: Suspend the rider instead of the bike. The execution: A fiberglass beam to flex up and down, ostensibly with a motion damping layer running the length of the beam. The side effects: Beam flex that could unpredictably change the saddle height (thereby interfering with pedaling efficiency) by as much as eight inches. A tendency to catapult the rider off of the bike and little to no help in keeping the wheels in contact with the trail.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Clearly Softride\u2019s idea was to literally kill you with comfort.  And that stem:<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" data-attachment-id=\"14925\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2023\/03\/06\/classic-cycle-thursdays-beam-me-up-scotty\/beam-and-stem\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Beam-and-stem.jpg?fit=3072%2C2304&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3072,2304\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon PowerShot SD1000&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1675947527&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;5.8&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;400&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.002&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Beam-and-stem\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Beam-and-stem.jpg?fit=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Beam-and-stem.jpg?fit=736%2C552&amp;ssl=1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"736\" height=\"552\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Beam-and-stem.jpg?resize=736%2C552&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14925 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Beam-and-stem.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Beam-and-stem.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Beam-and-stem.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Beam-and-stem.jpg?resize=1536%2C1152&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Beam-and-stem.jpg?resize=2048%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Beam-and-stem.jpg?resize=1200%2C900&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Beam-and-stem.jpg?resize=800%2C600&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Beam-and-stem.jpg?resize=400%2C300&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Beam-and-stem.jpg?resize=200%2C150&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Beam-and-stem.jpg?resize=1400%2C1050&amp;ssl=1 1400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Beam-and-stem.jpg?resize=600%2C450&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Beam-and-stem.jpg?w=1472&amp;ssl=1 1472w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Beam-and-stem.jpg?w=2208&amp;ssl=1 2208w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Beam-and-stem.jpg?resize=736%2C552&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"\/><noscript><img data-lazy-fallback=\"1\" data-attachment-id=\"14925\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2023\/03\/06\/classic-cycle-thursdays-beam-me-up-scotty\/beam-and-stem\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Beam-and-stem.jpg?fit=3072%2C2304&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3072,2304\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon PowerShot SD1000&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1675947527&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;5.8&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;400&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.002&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Beam-and-stem\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Beam-and-stem.jpg?fit=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Beam-and-stem.jpg?fit=736%2C552&amp;ssl=1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"736\" height=\"552\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Beam-and-stem.jpg?resize=736%2C552&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14925\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Beam-and-stem.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Beam-and-stem.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Beam-and-stem.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Beam-and-stem.jpg?resize=1536%2C1152&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Beam-and-stem.jpg?resize=2048%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Beam-and-stem.jpg?resize=1200%2C900&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Beam-and-stem.jpg?resize=800%2C600&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Beam-and-stem.jpg?resize=400%2C300&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Beam-and-stem.jpg?resize=200%2C150&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Beam-and-stem.jpg?resize=1400%2C1050&amp;ssl=1 1400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Beam-and-stem.jpg?resize=600%2C450&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Beam-and-stem.jpg?w=1472&amp;ssl=1 1472w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Beam-and-stem.jpg?w=2208&amp;ssl=1 2208w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">[Photo: <a href=\"http:\/\/classiccycleus.com\/home\/repair\/museum-bikes-1980-to-present\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Classic Cycle<\/a>]<\/p>\n<p><em>Now let\u2019s take a look at the beam\u2019s evil twin, the flex stem. Once again, the idea was to insulate the rider from bumps in the trail without resorting to the more complicated and heavier suspension fork. The execution: a sprung parallelogram design that in the era of long 13 to 15cm mountain bike stems resulted in about 5cm of undamped travel and spring action. The side effect with these stems was that the handlebars could pull your center of gravity forward at times when you really needed get further back to maintain control of the bike.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>But that\u2019s just the tip of the <s>iceberg<\/s> bouncy fiberglass beam.  He\u2019s also fitted it some of the bike industry\u2019s greatest misses, such as those XTR levers everybody hated:<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" data-attachment-id=\"14944\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2023\/03\/06\/classic-cycle-thursdays-beam-me-up-scotty\/screenshot-2023-03-06-104021\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-2023-03-06-104021.png?fit=755%2C404&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"755,404\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Screenshot-2023-03-06-104021\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-2023-03-06-104021.png?fit=300%2C161&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-2023-03-06-104021.png?fit=736%2C394&amp;ssl=1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"736\" height=\"394\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-2023-03-06-104021.png?resize=736%2C394&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14944 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-2023-03-06-104021.png?w=755&amp;ssl=1 755w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-2023-03-06-104021.png?resize=300%2C161&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-2023-03-06-104021.png?resize=600%2C321&amp;ssl=1 600w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-2023-03-06-104021.png?resize=736%2C394&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"\/><noscript><img data-lazy-fallback=\"1\" data-attachment-id=\"14944\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2023\/03\/06\/classic-cycle-thursdays-beam-me-up-scotty\/screenshot-2023-03-06-104021\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-2023-03-06-104021.png?fit=755%2C404&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"755,404\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Screenshot-2023-03-06-104021\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-2023-03-06-104021.png?fit=300%2C161&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-2023-03-06-104021.png?fit=736%2C394&amp;ssl=1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"736\" height=\"394\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-2023-03-06-104021.png?resize=736%2C394&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14944\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-2023-03-06-104021.png?w=755&amp;ssl=1 755w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-2023-03-06-104021.png?resize=300%2C161&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-2023-03-06-104021.png?resize=600%2C321&amp;ssl=1 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<p>As well as this ungodly thing:<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" data-attachment-id=\"14921\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2023\/03\/06\/classic-cycle-thursdays-beam-me-up-scotty\/screenshot-2023-03-05-105654\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-2023-03-05-105654.png?fit=747%2C349&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"747,349\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Screenshot-2023-03-05-105654\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-2023-03-05-105654.png?fit=300%2C140&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-2023-03-05-105654.png?fit=736%2C344&amp;ssl=1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"736\" height=\"344\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-2023-03-05-105654.png?resize=736%2C344&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14921 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-2023-03-05-105654.png?w=747&amp;ssl=1 747w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-2023-03-05-105654.png?resize=300%2C140&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-2023-03-05-105654.png?resize=600%2C280&amp;ssl=1 600w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-2023-03-05-105654.png?resize=736%2C344&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"\/><noscript><img data-lazy-fallback=\"1\" data-attachment-id=\"14921\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2023\/03\/06\/classic-cycle-thursdays-beam-me-up-scotty\/screenshot-2023-03-05-105654\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-2023-03-05-105654.png?fit=747%2C349&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"747,349\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Screenshot-2023-03-05-105654\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-2023-03-05-105654.png?fit=300%2C140&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-2023-03-05-105654.png?fit=736%2C344&amp;ssl=1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"736\" height=\"344\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-2023-03-05-105654.png?resize=736%2C344&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14921\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-2023-03-05-105654.png?w=747&amp;ssl=1 747w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-2023-03-05-105654.png?resize=300%2C140&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-2023-03-05-105654.png?resize=600%2C280&amp;ssl=1 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Anyway, as I put this thing together I felt very much like I was building my own gallows:<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" data-attachment-id=\"14938\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2023\/03\/06\/classic-cycle-thursdays-beam-me-up-scotty\/img_7061\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7061.jpg?fit=4032%2C3024&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4032,3024\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_7061\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7061.jpg?fit=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7061.jpg?fit=736%2C552&amp;ssl=1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"736\" height=\"552\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7061.jpg?resize=736%2C552&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14938 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7061.jpg?w=4032&amp;ssl=1 4032w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7061.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7061.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7061.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7061.jpg?resize=1536%2C1152&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7061.jpg?resize=2048%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7061.jpg?resize=1200%2C900&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7061.jpg?resize=800%2C600&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7061.jpg?resize=400%2C300&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7061.jpg?resize=200%2C150&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7061.jpg?resize=1400%2C1050&amp;ssl=1 1400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7061.jpg?resize=600%2C450&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7061.jpg?w=1472&amp;ssl=1 1472w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7061.jpg?w=2208&amp;ssl=1 2208w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7061.jpg?resize=736%2C552&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"\/><noscript><img data-lazy-fallback=\"1\" data-attachment-id=\"14938\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2023\/03\/06\/classic-cycle-thursdays-beam-me-up-scotty\/img_7061\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7061.jpg?fit=4032%2C3024&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4032,3024\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_7061\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7061.jpg?fit=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7061.jpg?fit=736%2C552&amp;ssl=1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"736\" height=\"552\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7061.jpg?resize=736%2C552&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14938\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7061.jpg?w=4032&amp;ssl=1 4032w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7061.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7061.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7061.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7061.jpg?resize=1536%2C1152&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7061.jpg?resize=2048%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7061.jpg?resize=1200%2C900&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7061.jpg?resize=800%2C600&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7061.jpg?resize=400%2C300&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7061.jpg?resize=200%2C150&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7061.jpg?resize=1400%2C1050&amp;ssl=1 1400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7061.jpg?resize=600%2C450&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7061.jpg?w=1472&amp;ssl=1 1472w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_7061.jpg?w=2208&amp;ssl=1 2208w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<p>Still, one of the central tenets of my job as an Old Crap Test Pilot is to remain free from prejudice, and to be informed only by my own experience.  Hey, I thought I\u2019d hate the <a href=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2022\/04\/25\/vengeance-will-be-mine\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vengeance Bike<\/a> too, but it turned out to be one of my favorites.  Certainly fickle cycling consumers have consigned plenty of good ideas to the trash, and perhaps this is one of them.  Therefore I will ride it with an open mind, and if experience makes a Softride believer of me then I will embrace it.<\/p>\n<p>Though based on my brief test ride I highly doubt that it will.<\/p>\n<div class=\"sharedaddy sd-block sd-like jetpack-likes-widget-wrapper jetpack-likes-widget-unloaded\" id=\"like-post-wrapper-169895651-14907-6406261eeec62\" data-src=\"https:\/\/widgets.wp.com\/likes\/#blog_id=169895651&amp;post_id=14907&amp;origin=bikesnobnyc.com&amp;obj_id=169895651-14907-6406261eeec62\" data-name=\"like-post-frame-169895651-14907-6406261eeec62\" data-title=\"Like or Reblog\">\n<h3 class=\"sd-title\">Like this:<\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"button\"><span>Like<\/span><\/span> <span class=\"loading\">Loading&#8230;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"sd-text-color\"\/><a class=\"sd-link-color\"\/><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2023\/03\/06\/classic-cycle-thursdays-beam-me-up-scotty\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>While I may joke about being a \u201csemi-professional bike blogger,\u201d I do have a full-time job, and it\u2019s one I take extremely seriously. That\u2019s my position as the Classic Cycle Old Crap Test Pilot: There are certain cycling media outlets I won\u2019t name were the vintage bicycles are far more photographed than they are ridden. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":17692,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6804],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-17691","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-cycling"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17691","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17691"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17691\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17692"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17691"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17691"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17691"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}