1995 Breezer Lightning

[KayOs]

Once upon a time...which means in March 2024...my little electronic search agent found a bike on the internet that I had wanted ever since I first saw one. Unfortunately, they are not offered very often, and it is even rarer to find an offer where the price and condition are so well matched.

So when I saw the pretty blue and white bike in the thumbnail, I thought: this is my chance.



And when I saw the price next to it, I immediately wrote to the seller.

But since the offer had already been online for over an hour, I didn't have high hopes. And sure enough, the seller wrote back to say that someone else had already contacted him.

Sh#t!

Again I had just given up on the idea of ever owning a Breezer Lightning when the next message arrived.
Apparently, the other interested party had tried to negotiate the already very fair price down further, and so I was now the lucky one.

 

[pedestrian]

You lucky guy.
I want more pictures!

 

[KayOs]

Okay, here we go...

So I had just bought a completely original Breezer Lightning that had only been ridden on cycle paths....in Lübeck, 700kms away!

I don't know a soul in Lübeck.

Sh#t!

But as they say, luck favours the foolish, and this was no exception.
The seller mentioned that he was in Berlin from time to time, and I know people there.

Unfortunately, we couldn't find a time to meet up.

But as I just said, luck favours the foolish.
Not only was the bike very nice, but so was its owner, and he also has friends in Berlin.
So he transported the bike from Lübeck to Berlin at the next opportunity and handed it over to his friend there, who stored it until my friend picked it up from him.



My friend then stored it in his basement until I finally had something to do in Berlin... which was seven months later.

 

[KayOs]

When I picked it up in the evening and took it back to the hotel, I still couldn't believe my luck.



The Breezer was naturally my mode of transport for my appointments over the next few days.


"My God, help me survive this treacherous love."




The bike rode well, the geometry suited me perfectly, sporty but not painfully stretched, but somehow I had expected more from the highly acclaimed Lightning. I would soon find out what the problem was.

 

[KayOs]

My journey home took me first through my hometown to visit a few friends, and here too, the Breezer was a faithful companion.



Until I heard an unpleasant *CLINK* from the rear wheel.
A spoke nipple had broken off. The aluminium was completely corroded.



Luckily, on a Saturday, 10 minutes before closing time, I was able to find a suitable nipple at a very nice bicycle mechanic's shop. Thank you again if you're reading this. The friendly lady at the hostel reception also provided me with the house toolbox, so I was able to replace the broken nipple for the time being.



When I held the tyre in my hand, I knew why the bike had been riding so strangely.
The two tyres were as heavy as an anvil...weighing in at just under 1,200 g each, as I later weighed them.

 

[benjabbi]

Your little electronic search agent needs a raise! It's bloody good at it.
Another beautiful bike Kay, signing in for updates.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

 

[PhillB]

I love a Breezer and I love this story! (although how you managed to wait 7 months )

Paint is in insane condition for a Breezer too!! Are they Backdraft rims?

 

[KayOs]

When I finally got home with it, I had time to take a closer look.





Yes, @PhillB, they are Backdraft rims – you have a good eye.



You can see the bike's age, but the rust is only superficial and the cracks in the paintwork are minimal. Most of the damage is in the clear coat around the decals. All in all, I think the bike has a very nice patina.



So I was very happy riding it for the next few weeks until... *CLINK*... the next nipple failed.



Now it was clear to me that I would completely rebuild both wheels.
After some back and forth, I decided to go with aluminium nipples again. But more on that later.