Mar 18 • 10:54 UTC 🇪🇪 Estonia ERR

Bicycle collectors: restoring the famous bikes of past champions

Bicycle collectors Raul and Rauno Oja are restoring bikes once owned by renowned cyclists and sharing their stories.

In Estonia, bicycle collectors Raul and Rauno Oja are dedicated to restoring bikes that once belonged to famous cycling champions. These collectors not only reconstruct the bicycles but also make them rideable, ensuring the legacy of these athletes continues. They emphasize that the bikes are not just museum pieces; instead, they are used in rides and shared among friends, enhancing their historical impact through practical use.

Raul Oja, a lifelong cyclist himself, reflects on the glory days of cycling, which were characterized by innovative designs and striking color combinations. As a former member of the national cycling team, Raul has a personal connection to the bikes he restores. He recalls a time when he lost interest in cycling after retiring but later rekindled his passion when he decided to restore his own old bicycle, highlighting the emotional connection and nostalgia associated with these vintage bikes.

Rauno Oja, Raul’s son, grew up in this environment and felt he had no choice but to embrace cycling, as he accompanied his father on rides since childhood. The father-son duo not only focuses on the restoration of these bikes but also on sharing the rich history behind them, revealing a deep respect for cycling heritage in Estonia and an aspiration to inspire future generations of cyclists.

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