Capitalizing on the last post about items purchased through Taobao, take a look at this little Flying Pigeon Brand headlight. It is used, but very gently. and other wise in great shape. It's battery operated, of course.
It's also rather thin. Not sure if I will mount this one, or keep it for a future project.
So as most of the long time readers know, I am no longer in Beijing, but back in the states. Now that the computer is out of the box, I'd like to start off the new year right and share some pictures of the smallest Flying Pigeon with you.
This particular bike is 6 inches tall and carved of rosewood. It was a gift from my team at work on my departure. I can certify that it is accurate in almost all respects.
Note that this is no mere statue but a working model. Note the rear stand which goes up and down. Yes the pedals and cranks turn as do the wheels. The bike also steers.
Let's zoom in a bit. You can see that the rear carrier is accurately represented including the bolts linking it to the seat stays and chain stays. There is a rear circle lock and a bottle dynamo as well The spokes are actually made of wood and you can clearly see the tread on the tires!!!
Looking at the front end, the rod brake assemblies, front and rear are fully detailed as are the fork trusses and the headlight dynamo.
Craftsmanship...through and through.It is now garaged on my desk, reminding me that I need to get out and pedal the real thing!
As I mentioned previously, I used my last day at the Panjiayuan old bicycle meet to acquire some choice goods.
One of the items that I have been looking for for 2 whole years is one of the small aluminum reflectors seen below.
I suspect this is a Bosch part as they always seem to accompany a Bosch dynamo, but have occasionally seen them with Lucas and Miller electrical bits too.
I have only seen one for sale ONCE, and the seller wanted an astronomical price for a little piece of metal. No deal. Otherwise, nobody could be persuaded to part with their petite treasure. And then....
Would you beleive that in almost 3 years of me discussing the goings-on, discoveries and deals at the Panjiayuan antique bike meet that I have never taken my own bike there? It's true. Maybe it's because it's a long ride down to PJY, and I am constantly pressed for time. Maybe it's because I live on top of the subway line that goes almost directly there. Yeah, actually, that's probably it.
In any case, I never took my bike to Panjiayuan.
Until last weekend....
With a conjunction of repulsively hot summer weather, an intercontinental travel schedule and then being laid up in the hospital for almost a month, it has been a long time since I had my Pigeon out for a ride.
Now summer is gone, travel is done, and I have the doctor's OK to ride. Problem is I have exactly one week left in Beijing before I leave indefinitely. Good thing today was a perfect autumn day. Great time to hit the pedals and cruise the hutongs. Thought I'd share some pictures with you.
First we see my Pigeon in it's latest incarnation of trim, resting elegantly against a moon portal courtyard entrance. You can't see it from this distance, but I have made some more changes. Like this thing...
