Authenticity

Bikes

This morning we’ve been thinking about a phenomenon that’s been trawling its way through every aspect of our culture of late.

It’s all about authenticity.

In the boomtimes we’re always simply worried about the new: the cutting edge, the innovative, the next big thing. Bubble economies are inflated by this endless chase for the next way to turn around a pound note. It takes harder times and shrinking economies to wake us up to the enduring fact that the hand-wrought, the bespoke: the authentic are the things that really move your soul.

When all’s said and done, something that is abstracted from trends and flashes-in-the-pan; things that are rooted in things like hard-work, classic aesthetics and tradition – these are the things that bring you through the bad times.

The film below, that focuses on Liberty Vintage Motorcycles is a classic example of a focus on something that aches within us.

Now where did I put that adjustable spanner?

CLICK TO ENLARGE

8 Responses to “Authenticity”

  1. Johnjones4iip

    At 60 something and still ‘messing’about with old bikes and any old machinery I would be like ‘alice’ in wondeerland in this toy shop! But I do believe there are kids out there who would love to pick up a spanner and have a go – its up to us oldies to help them live & learn.

  2. Ayresathome

    i would love to spend even one day in there.

  3. Trikerman

    The film is brilliant. I am 64 that takes me back to when i was 16, i would love to see and spend some time there when bikes were bikes not plastic bulles as they are today. You could work on these bikes in them days.I still ride but not 2, 3 wheels now.

    Trikerman.

  4. davrobgee

    AND he can play the piano!!! Brilliant.

  5. Grahamhayg

    Wonderful ! I am almost 78, been like you since I was 15 years of age I love the old bikes I have recently had to give it up due mainly to Arthrightis rebuild several square fours,BSA’s Velo”s etc, I would be in my element in this workshop !!

  6. Keithcb1300

    At forty nine I know where this guy is coming from ,my father taught me to rebuild bikes just like his father taught him sadly my own son pays no interest ,how can a play station teach those lost skills enjoy while we can.

  7. adam cramer

    im really thrilled everyone has given me such huge compliments. im just a guy who didnt want a job so i had to figure out how to spend all day around old crappy bikes.. ANYBODY CAN COME VISIT US ANYTIME…