Mike Barry and Mariposa

[fiamme red]

http://twoseriousbikes.blogspot.com/2010/02/mariposa-bicycles-job-worth-doing.html

[Johny]

That man looks good.

http://bikespecialties.com/site/images/image_aboutB.jpg

[goonster]

I will always regret not ordering a Mariposa when I had a chance (and the Loonie was cheap). :(

[dancinkozmo]

...thanks !
that was a nice read !!

[Frankwurst]

I will always regret not ordering a Mariposa when I had a chance (and the Loonie was cheap). :(

That would make two of us. :beer:

[Pete Serotta]

I had the opportunity to meet Mike Barry a few times. He is a wealth of knowledge and quite a gentleman. I also regret not getting one of his bikes after seeing it at DBRKs.

[CNY rider]

I will always regret not ordering a Mariposa when I had a chance (and the Loonie was cheap). :(

Between the time I ordered mine and the actual delivery date I would say that the price increased by $1000 in US dollar terms. FRNication as Ahneida can explain.
Still worth every cent. :beer:

[Kevan]

Nicer bikes ;-)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3253/2760887969_4d5545aa87.jpg

[Ahneida Ride]

When you meet Mr. Barry, your faith in humanity is restored.

I had the privilege of interacting with Mr. Barry at the TdFL.

[Joellogicman]

And every component he used, made or altered. His bikes are never flashy but always perfect for their intended use.

Without knowing he was on the verge of retirement, I called to ask him about a TA chain guard mod I saw on one of his bikes. Mike did not know me from Adam, but said he happened to have one handy and would let me have it for cost as he was not going to be using it for anything. I am sure if he had wanted he could have put it on eBay and made a lot more.

Finally, I am surprised and somewhat tickled that my forthcoming custom city and light touring bike (I'll post pics in the custom forum soon) is pretty close to Mike's ideal city bike. We'll see how well the builder did lining up the fenders (mud guards for Mike).

[SamIAm]

Between the time I ordered mine and the actual delivery date I would say that the price increased by $1000 in US dollar terms. FRNication as Ahneida can explain.
Still worth every cent. :beer:


This is one time where my predisposition to pay in full at time of order worked really well for me. I love my Mariposa and I paid so relatively little for it in comparison to others that I own. Everything about that bike is just right. I am lucky to have gotten one of the last ones.

And Mike, well really what more can be said about him, a true gentleman! Oh to have his fitness and youth when I reach his age. :)

[Johny]

Mike and me at the Ramble (photo credit to Dave aka BBD):
I heart this man.

[CNY rider]

Mike and me at the Ramble (photo credit to Dave aka BBD):
I heart this man.

Caption:

Johny: If I could make a guy ride by right now in a full leopard suit would you give me that beautiful bicycle of yours?

Mike: Sure, there's no way that will ever happen.

Cue BBDave..................

[monkeypants]

I went to Bicycle Specialties couple of years ago before he retired and was astounded by his collection of classic bikes and parts (lots of Italian and UK stuff). They are literally hanging from the ceiling.

Plus he's a really nice guy.

[Polyglot]

Woohoo! I'm quoted in the article. Over the last 30 years, Mike has been my boss, my mentor and my friend. Just today I was speaking with another friend in London who still owns and rides an over 30 year-old Mariposa.

[drewski]

I have to echo these sentiments. I met Mike at Classic Rendezvous
Cirque Du Cyclisme in Greensoboro about 3 years and managed to speak with him a few times. I have to say his bicyles were trully beautiful in every respect. I found to be very king like in his discussions with me.

Raise a glass to Mike Barry.

Andrew

[sean]

Always a stand up guy. I tried several times to go visit his shop, which is still there, just not open for business while in Toronto the last couple weeks. Mike was more than willing to meet me there and show me around- unfortunately my schedule got way too crazy!

[weisan]

I have the pleasure of meeting Mike and his wife in 2006 at Douglas' house in Finger Lakes. I rode with them for a while in their tandem. I thought we were engaging in a fine conversation when all of a sudden the crazy couple just took off on a downhill. I couldn't catch them spinning out on my 53/11.
http://alicehui.com/serotta/FLRambler06/2.jpg

Now, let me introduce you to the famous inventor of the most wonderful product, "THUNDERBRA"...ahem...I mean "HANDLEBRA", to the left of me, it's none other than our very own Mr. Ahneida-"Ray"-FRN-WORTH-NUTHIN. :p

There were more sweet memories of that forum gathering recorded here:
http://serotta.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20494

[rwsaunders]

That man looks good.

http://bikespecialties.com/site/images/image_aboutB.jpg

That photo should be on the cover of Rapha's website....no Poseur for sure.