Pluggers by Rick McKee for May 04, 2012

In the ’40’s only those fortunate enough to be in the middle class could afford the luxery of a 3 speed.

Pluggers are hipsters?

I was happy, I didn’t end up with a sister’s hand-me-down bike like a friend of mine ended up with…

One speed and two baseball cards stuck into the spokes.

Mine was hand-me-down, but I didn’t care…just thankful to have one!!!!!

First bike, in the 50s – one speed – guess I am a plugger!

Mine is older now, but it’s one speed got me here just fine.

My first bike was a one-speed with a banana seat, flowered basket and handlebar streamers! I wore that thing out!!

…AND you had to share it w/your brothers and sisters…

Be blessed.

I forgot to mention that your dad got it at a yard sale for $3.00.

Moe.

One of the few and fondest memories with my father- my first 2-wheeler. He bought it used. We painted it with leftover blue paint (of some sort) and painted my nickname on with red paint. I was so black and blue by the end of the day, but I learned how to ride it. Sweeeeet.

My mother would grieve because I too often used my sneakers for brakes.

Wait aren’t most bicycles kids learn to ride a single speed? Right after the training wheels come off bikes do not go to ten speeds or even three. Plus Pluggers must love modern hipster cycle culture and the cult of the single speed no brake bike. Pluggers full circle?

and had a coaster brake!!!!

No such thing as training wheels in the 40’s, at least not in our neighborhood. My bike was one Dad made from parts he found at the dump. I was the slowest learner on earth. It took me all summer to master the backwards-for-brakes thing. I think I still have the scars to prove it.

When the first 10-speeds hit the market, I was shocked to find out that the deraillieur technology was older than my parents (born in late 1903).

OMG -- I’m a plugger!!!!!!

I’m a plugger…and proud of it.

Today what would that bike be worth?

I think this one falls flat… I was born in 1980 and I had a BMX bike (which only have 1 speed) until I was in high school.

I resemble that remark!

My brother and I had Kent bicycles made in England. 3 speeds. Don’t know what our parents paid for them, but dad only made about $4500 per year….. 1958

After reading this strip for quite a while, today’s the first day I actually qualify as a Plugger. How monumental!

My last one came from Sears, shipped to my parents’ house, and I bought it for my own 16th birthday. ‘Rusty’ is sitting in my garage now in need of a restoration.

Had a guy once who went up the Mt Washington 7 mile (steeeeep incline) in New Hampshire with a ten speed, proud of himself until he got to the top and found the above bike (with 2 baskets!) and a back “license” plate that said “Gears Are For Wimps!