Shiny Things

Bikes come in so many bright colors now, and the vendors line them up like rainbows on the sidewalk. These are fat-tired cruisers, but when I was growing up, the rage in our neighborhood was "English bikes"--black 3-speed Raleighs with hand brakes. These English bikes were sold by an old Italian man who spoke with a thick accent; I never understand much of what he said, but it was apparent that he loved a well made machine.