In a message dated 10/24/04 3:14:15 PM, classicrendezvous-request@bikelist.org writes:
<< I think I got the deal of the day. For kicks, I tried the funky (and heavy) Alenax bike with the twin rear ratchets and long lever cranks in place of the standard rotating crank. It was fun in a strange way. Unfortunately a bit big for me, but for $25, I could not resist and got it for my friend there, who loved it too. He promises to try to commute to work (14 miles round trip) one day soon on it and give a full report.
Anyone out there ever ride one? I suspect that they are roughly from the end of the CR time frame (early 80's), does anyone know? Anyone have any info please let me know (and don't be scared to tell me it is junk, I suspect it is:) >>
Dan,
I bought several Alenax bikes years ago and I think I even sold one the super guy Dale Brown. I had an employee assemble one for display with expressed instructions; "DO NOT RIDE IT." In my absence they did and broke a special Alenax part. I forget which part failed but I seem to remember thinking I could make a replacement so maybe it won't be a big deal. It was an around the block test ride.
If you want preserve it I'd keep the use to an absolute minimum. The tires were worth more than $25 as I recall so it is a fine deal.
Yours in Cycling,
Gilbert Anderson
North Road Bicycle Company
519 W. North St.
Raleigh, NC 27603
USA
Toll Free Ph: 800-321-5511
Local Ph: 919-828-8999
E-mail: cyclestore@aol.com