1985 Mongoose Californian

Got this bike new on my birthday in '85. Had my pick of the bikes in the bike shop but fell in love with the Pro Class wheels with the silver trim strips and the Pro Class Power Plate. I remember being so proud of it I kept it in my room at night. Over time kids do what kids do to bikes and after a while there was only the F/F and crankset left. I carried this and my brother's Haro Master (only the F/F and crankset left too) for the next 25+ years. Through leaving home and getting married, and 4 other moves since then. When I wanted to put a bike together last February so I could ride back and forth to the neighborhood pool, I first pulled out the Haro and re-did it. Then I grabbed up the Mongoose and gave it some attention. Found the Pro Class rims I needed and got the oh so imprortant silver trim strips. Brake set is off a Mongoose Expert until I can do better. Bars are old school, but the rest is re-pop stuff because my bikes get ridden. And dropped. And crashed. Looks very similar to the way I remember it back then. Close enough to make me happy.  My favorite and best riding bike of all time.