Where can I buy a post office bike?

I heard recently that the GPO is going to replace their fleet of bikes with a new design (called the "millennium" or something wanky - made by Pashley as are the current bikes). I know that re-cycle.org company takes a lot of the old PO bikes and sends them off to Africa - which is great! But I'd quite like one for myself.

I want something heavy and durable that I can do a 2-person weekly shop on and ride it home fully laden. Also due to space it'd have to live outside so PO bikes (with their all weather hubs and drum brakes) would be ideal.

Anyone know of a source? Surely the PO sells some of them off?

Look at this badboy:

I'd need a rear rack though like they have on the new ones but I reckon I could make one or use a normal pannier:

Why not go and ask in one of the sorting/collection offices? I know that there is one on Almeida Street in Islington.

I really like the old work bikes, but theres not much special about the modern royal mail bikes.

Im sure you could build something of far higher standard very cheaply.

I have been after one of the older versions, on which the top tube kinked down just before it meets the seat tube

I really like the old work bikes, but theres not much special about the modern royal mail bikes.

Im sure you could build something of far higher standard very cheaply.

Maybe. I've not really been watching them on ebay or anything but have seen some (delivery bikes) that go for silly money. I guess some businesses (delis, restaurants etc...) use them as advertising nowadays (cheaper and better looking to chain up a delivery bike with a placard than pay for a bus stop advert)

The older ones pop-up from time to time on eBay - local delivery offices used to sell them off locally when they were replaced, and so there are a fair number in circulation. They were made by various manufacturers at different times - I have a Dawes one with the kinked top tube that I have had fifteen years, but which is currently off the road. They are really heavy bastards - brazed from gas pipe mostly, and they steer like an oil tanker even without a load. The older ones also tend to come with rod brakes which are crap - look to upgrade to hub brakes or a back pedal brake as a matter of priority. I also wouldn't bother with panniers or a rear rack if you can get one with the front basket/platform - you can carry a person on there without too much trouble.

As you say, with the newer ones they have an arrangement that sees them donated as workbikes to Africa.

I saw one for free outside my local PO. You need a pair of these though.

omg I've got a pair too!

I might just pay a postman £20 to look the other way.

ive never actually seen a postman on a bike, i wasnt aware this was done scince the 50's.

Saw a lovely one near south Ken tube the other day, a nice old one with a crown and 'P.O.' on the head tube. A real gem. Not that I'm suggesting anyone steals it, looked like it now has a private owner.

fuck postman bikes ... id rather carry a fridge up the stairs... love the drop out detail though the pinched tube is ace.

Not the same I know but what about a cheap mbt and one of these big baskets. If you can't fit a weeks worth of shopping in here you are too greedy.

http://www.hembrow.eu/frontrack.html

look on the pashley site, they make them for the po

I've got the rear triangle of an oldie post bike in my front yard if anyone is interested. Unfortunately some SERIOUS rusting going on, that and it's bent, and got ivy growing all over and through it, has a family of chipmunks using it for shelter, is a local crack den, isn't actually a bike.. hang on, nerver mind.

Anyway, I'll tell ya what I DO have; 2 of those pushy postman thingys with a brake (not fixed tho). One of them even comes with a shit load of peoples post in it (no parcels, already been through those!)

look on the pashley site, they make them for the po

I know. Thing is I don't want the new model. Also I want a cheap one (2nd hand)

There's a very nice, old, old green bakers bike (huge basket at front) at The Cobbled Yard antiques place in Stoke Newington. It's been there for a long time so they'd probably be open to a fair offer.

A source tells me that all RM bikes since 2003 go to Recycle only. Thats a shame. I mean its good they get used by ppl in Africa who clearly need them more than I do but still I want one!

I might do the cheap MTB conversion but I really wanted something with drum brakes and internal gears.

hey spoke to a postie today might have a lead will let you know later this week if I have found one

Not the same I know but what about a cheap mbt and one of these big baskets. If you can't fit a weeks worth of shopping in here you are too greedy.

http://www.hembrow.eu/frontrack.html

Those racks are pretty cool actually.

I know. Thing is I don't want the new model. Also I want a cheap one (2nd hand)

yea but pat would not approve !!!

hey spoke to a postie today might have a lead will let you know later this week if I have found one

thats cool. Only thing is I'm a bit skint at the moment. Depends how much it is.

Cheers

http://www.vintagecollectibles.co.uk/bicycles.htm

Sweet. I just need £85 now.

I used to ride one of these when I was a kid. I wonder if its still about. I reckon it'd make a pretty good shopping bike with a front rack.

Also its in Belfast.