While visiting the Arcata Library Bike facility to pick up a commuter bike f or a family member, the director of the facility asked if I'd like to see an old bike he'd just received. We went into the back and there sat a Hopper Vampire!
The bike had obviously been stored in a barn or similar place for many years . Badly rusted components, but complete. The frame appears in good shape, w ith the 531db and other decals clearly visible.
The director asked me to see if I could find a buyer for it, as the facility had just had over $2k stolen (most likely an inside job, sadly) and is in f inancial straits as a non-profit organization of its size can ill afford tha t kind of loss.
So, I am offering the Hopper to the list. Here's a rundown of the bike. I can e-mail pictures later this week after I shoot some.
Hopper Vampire - Serial #51760 (Would this make it a 1951?) Seat tube - 21" ctt Top Tube - 22.5" ctc Chainstays - 17.5" Full 531 frame and fork Not sure what kind of lugs, but they seem to be well finished. Benelux 8 speed derailleur system GB Coureur side pull brakes 32 x 40 wheels w/stainless spokes Rims are rusted out, as are the hub shell centers and cottered cranks.
I'd like to get $200 plus shipping for this, but any reasonable offer will d
o. Remember that this is for a not for profit organization that recycles ol
d bikes to allow students and others to ride bikes instead of paying the hig
hest gas prices in the mainland US. You can check it out at http://www.arcata.com/
Cheers,
Mark Ritz
Arcata, CA