I rode ( raced ) to work for 25 years in all weather, 35 miles a day, 5 days a week. I am retired now and still train and race doing time trials at 62. This year I came first over 60 and third overall first claim member scratch of any age, in my cycling club's evening series of races and put my current fitness down to the years I battled to work. I do not know anybody my age who is as fit and healthy and see nearly all of my mates (who are still with us) now suffering with what I call lifestyle diseases. Cycling keeps you fit, healthy, sane and most importantly alive.
I have ridden my bikes almost every day,since I got my Raleigh Chopper in 1977,and I can honestly say that it is the only thing that has kept me from suicide. The world seems to be in a massive hurry,to get nowhere fast. I think a lot of adults today think that bikes are for kids,or people that can't afford a car. When in fact it is probably the greatest invention in transportation ever. It is remarkably simple,but at the same time incredibly ingenious in its design. It is a machine that is great for the body and the mind alike. This was a fascinating documentary. I would love to have been an apprentice of the three guys building the frames in the UK.
A proper documentary, made in an age where producers and directors didn't rely on music and fancy editing to make the subject matter more interesting. Just as the old frame builders took their time, so did the people who made this. What a fantastic programme.
Ah, 1989. I was working in a bicycle shop (and was therefore living in poverty), and watching Greg Lemond on television. I was in sunny Southern California, riding on the coast, the hills, and the deserts, and having a wonderful time. Today I am watching this video while cleaning and adjusting my Moulten after enjoying a 10 mile ride (I had t cut the ride short due to the weather). The bicycle is the reason why I am not overweight in my middle age, and why my blood pressure today is the same as when I was 18.
I’m not a big fan of how they say the bike isn’t working class, and that it being working class is bad - of course the bike is working class! And that’s great!
I imported Bob Jackson Bicycles for 5 years. Sadly, England does not have a trade agreement with the USA and every frameset I imported was socked with a $150 fee. Amazing. Chinese junk comes free.
Testimony to the quality of this episode, my obsession with bikes and the fact that I've probably watched it about ten times, I found myself speaking along with some of the narrative ....word for word, with a silly smile on my face :-) <-----
I sorta knew how a billet of steel was turned into seamless bike tubing, but this documentary actually shows the process being done in a Columbus factory. Incredible!
Thanks for posting this. I saw it when it was first aired, and taped it. I almost wore the tape out watching it. Haven't seen it for years, it is still one of the best bicycle documentaries out there.
Correct - this was first shown immediately after the final stage of the 1989 Tour De France (Lemond's epic defeat of Laurent Fignon by 8 secs) on Channel 4. In my opinion, it is one of the best ever documentaries on cycling/bicycles - although I still don't understand why architecture (in the person of Norman Foster) was used as a metaphor. (bicycles are pure engineering). Incidentally, the Cinelli TT bike so poetically lauded by Foster in the conclusion actually 'failed' during the Olympics!
I rode ( raced ) to work for 25 years in all weather, 35 miles a day, 5 days a week. I am retired now and still train and race doing time trials at 62. This year I came first over 60 and third overall first claim member scratch of any age, in my cycling club's evening series of races and put my current fitness down to the years I battled to work. I do not know anybody my age who is as fit and healthy and see nearly all of my mates (who are still with us) now suffering with what I call lifestyle diseases. Cycling keeps you fit, healthy, sane and most importantly alive.
I have ridden my bikes almost every day,since I got my Raleigh Chopper in 1977,and I can honestly say that it is the only thing that has kept me from suicide. The world seems to be in a massive hurry,to get nowhere fast. I think a lot of adults today think that bikes are for kids,or people that can't afford a car. When in fact it is probably the greatest invention in transportation ever. It is remarkably simple,but at the same time incredibly ingenious in its design. It is a machine that is great for the body and the mind alike. This was a fascinating documentary. I would love to have been an apprentice of the three guys building the frames in the UK.
A proper documentary, made in an age where producers and directors didn't rely on music and fancy editing to make the subject matter more interesting. Just as the old frame builders took their time, so did the people who made this. What a fantastic programme.
Ah, 1989. I was working in a bicycle shop (and was therefore living in poverty), and watching Greg Lemond on television. I was in sunny Southern California, riding on the coast, the hills, and the deserts, and having a wonderful time. Today I am watching this video while cleaning and adjusting my Moulten after enjoying a 10 mile ride (I had t cut the ride short due to the weather). The bicycle is the reason why I am not overweight in my middle age, and why my blood pressure today is the same as when I was 18.
I’m not a big fan of how they say the bike isn’t working class, and that it being working class is bad - of course the bike is working class! And that’s great!
as a bike mechanic for over 30 years i find this fasinating its not just a lifestyle but a way of life.
All the cyclists, mechanics and experts in the comments section bragging about themselves as usual 🙄🙄🙄
When TV was worth watching.
I imported Bob Jackson Bicycles for 5 years. Sadly, England does not have a trade agreement with the USA and every frameset I imported was socked with a $150 fee. Amazing. Chinese junk comes free.
Now it’s e-bikes specifically for commuters in large cities.
Thank you so much for sharing - I am the chap join the black 'NESS" kit throughout - on the front at
Testimony to the quality of this episode, my obsession with bikes and the fact that I've probably watched it about ten times, I found myself speaking along with some of the narrative ....word for word, with a silly smile on my face :-) <-----
This explains everything about why I love bicycles. Greetings from USA.
I sorta knew how a billet of steel was turned into seamless bike tubing, but this documentary actually shows the process being done in a Columbus factory. Incredible!
Born in Kent, CT, USA, raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, proud framebuilder and mechanic, thanks for the upload!
Thanks for posting this. I saw it when it was first aired, and taped it. I almost wore the tape out watching it. Haven't seen it for years, it is still one of the best bicycle documentaries out there.
Correct - this was first shown immediately after the final stage of the 1989 Tour De France (Lemond's epic defeat of Laurent Fignon by 8 secs) on Channel 4. In my opinion, it is one of the best ever documentaries on cycling/bicycles - although I still don't understand why architecture (in the person of Norman Foster) was used as a metaphor. (bicycles are pure engineering). Incidentally, the Cinelli TT bike so poetically lauded by Foster in the conclusion actually 'failed' during the Olympics!
been looking for this for years remember watching it in the eighties,thanks classic film.
2021 update:
A visit back in time to 1989 is never bad.