Vic's Classic Bikes

55cm Windsor Carerra Sport

2011-12-22T10:27:00.008-05:00

During the 1970s and 1980s, Acre-Mex manufactured Windsor bicycles under the direction of Remo Vecchi. Vecchi had formerly worked as a builder for Cinelli in Italy. The Carerra Sport model features chromoly tubes, Sun Tour forged dropouts, striking chrome head lugs and Sun Tour components. It also has Sunshine high flange hubs laced to Windsor branded alloy rims.

Our freshly restored Windsor had been stored indoors by its sole owner and is now available for $550.

Justin

2011-12-18T09:00:00.002-05:00

Justin remembers: he can tell you most everything you might want to know about classic lugged steel road bikes. Although he has only really been working on bikes for a few years, Justin already has the knowledge of the passionate hobbyist, and he is ready to answer most any question with information and enthusiasm.

Justin holds degrees in finance, hotel management, culinary arts, and accounting. He goes to see local music and plays his own, drinks bourbon, works on bicycles in his garage, and works full-time as an accountant.

He plays electric guitar in the band Dallas Alice, named after the character in the song Willin’ by Little Feat.

Out on the road late last night,
Seen my pretty Alice in every head light
Alice, Dallas Alice

Justin once visited 17 out of 24 restaurants over 350 miles of the North Carolina Historic Barbecue Trail. That means driving 350 miles and eating 17 meals that look something like this:

Even with all these hobbies, he still has time to cook for his wife Tiffany. In fact, I have been over to their house and managed to catch a few of those "everyday" meals, and was so impressed I had to record two for posterity:

Justin is a great guy, who is likeable to all, and his wide-ranging, sincere interests makes him a singularly interesting guy too.

by John Wade

Fine Hand Built Bicycles and Making New Friends

2011-12-06T17:57:00.009-05:00

Recently, I rode my 650B World Voyageur conversion to the shop. As I dismounted and went to roll my bike inside I spied a beautiful orange bike locked to the lamp post in front. I walked in to meet the owner and ask about the bike; obviously not something I see everyday.

Inside I met Negishi, a distinguished looking gentleman in a driving cap. Negishi's English is not perfect, but we had no trouble discussing fine bicycles. I asked him if I could photograph his bike (I had only my cell phone) and he politely obliged. Gishi, who is from Tokyo, has been in Louisville for two years. Gishi, Vic and I spent over two hours discussing vintage bicycles, fishing and food. I got such a kick out of hearing Gishi "oooh" and "ahh", searching for the English word as he pointed at bikes in the Golden Age of Handbuilt Bicycles. I asked him how many bikes he owned and Gishi answered "Two."

"Only two, huh?", I asked. "What is your other bicycle?". He explained that his other bike is a Gary Fisher klunker replica. "Cool!", I exclaimed. We exchanged contact info and promised to meet up for rides and perhaps some fishing soon. It's always nice to meet someone much like yourself and it seems even more so when that person is from a different country and culture.

As we were outside the shop looking at his bicycle Parkside Bikes owner, Ben, rolled up on his gorgeous Merckx. Wow! Three orange bikes!

Here is Gishi's Alps 650A machine built by renowned Japanese constructeur Hiroshi Hagiwara. It's purpose built for hill climbing. He pointed out several of the features to which I was naturally drawn. He explained that the pump is positioned behind the seat tube to make portage easier and that he chose to have if fillet brazed rather than have lugs as he preferred a simpler look. Pretty neat, huh?

A Bike Built for Dad

2011-11-16T14:20:00.000-05:00

My dad has been increasingly interested in my bicycle builds and a few months back decided that getting back on a bike was how he would shed a few pounds and get his heart and lungs in better shape. He left all the details to me. I built this bike with the idea that this would be his only bike and that it should be comfortable, reliable and versatile. He can use this bike for short jaunts, long rides, picnics and hauling things to and from his workshop. Mostly, it’ll be a comfortable perch to ride along the rivers and lakes near his home.

I delivered the bike to him in western Kentucky--where he and my mother live--this past weekend. He hadn’t seen the bike. He loves it. It fits him well and he’s a big fan of the bar setup and 8-speed indexing thumb shifters.

The frameset and racks were powder coated locally by JHF Finishing.

We had a great weekend of visiting and riding the local roads. Happy riding, dad!

Frame: 1985 Trek 620

Headset: VO Grand Cru sealed bearing

Racks: Dajia Expedition and VO Pass Hunter with integrated decaleur

Saddle: Brooks B72

Cockpit: Soma Oxford bar, Nitto Technomic stem, Sturmey Archer levers, Dia Compe knob, VO elkhide leather wrap and PDG leather grips

Drivetrain: VO Polyvalent crank (46/30) and Grand Cru sealed BB, SRAM PC-870 chain, Ultegra 6500 deraileurs and 8sp indexing shifters mounted to VO thumb shifter mounts

Pedals: VO sealed bearing touring pedals with MKS deep half clips

Cables & Housing: VO braided stainless housing and stainless cables

Brakes: NOS Shimano SLR BR-M732 with Kool Stop Eagle pads

Rear wheel: VO 36h Grand Cru Touring hub, Sapim Race spokes, polished Sun CR-18, 11-28t SRAM cassette

Front wheel: Sanyo H27 dynamo hub, Sapim Race spokes, polished Sun CR-18

Tires: Soma Xpress terra cotta 700x35

Fenders: VO Zeppelin 700c 52mm

Lights: Lumotec IQ Cyo Senso R (dynamo) and Spanninga Plateo (battery), custom made mount

By Justin Hughes

1998 Bianchi Trofeo 57cm NOS

2011-11-12T14:22:00.007-05:00

Having bought over 400 vintage bikes in the last 5 years this only the 3rd one that I have found in this condition. This bicycle was bought new in 1998 at Highland Cycles in Louisville KY by a bike enthausist who owned several other bikes. A computer was installed which shows just over 300 miles. The rest of the time it sat stored in a spare room in the house. 1998 was the last year that Bianchi frames were hand braised in Italy.

Specs are as follows;
Years this model was made: 1995, 1997, 1998
Bicycle Type Road/sport
MSRP (new) $819.00
Sizes 49 cm, 51 cm, 53 cm, 55 cm, 57 cm, 59 cm, 61 cm, 63 cm
Colors Fire red, silver
Item ID 79115
Frame & Fork
Frame Construction Lugged
Frame Tubing Material Dedacciai Zero/Tre
Fork Brand & Model Bianchi
Fork Material Dedacciai chromoly, butted, unicrown crown
Components; Campagnolo Avanti
Brakeset; Campagnolo Avanti dual pivot brakes, Campagnolo Avanti levers
Shift Levers; Campagnolo Avanti Ergo
Front Derailleur; Campagnolo Avanti, bottom-pull/braze-on
Rear Derailleur; Campagnolo Avanti
Crankset; Campagnolo Avanti
Bottom Bracket; Ofmega Axis, 119mm spindle
BB Shell Width; 68mm English
Rear Cogs; 8-speed, 13 - 26 teeth
Chain; Sachs SC-20, 1/2 x 3/32"
Seatpost; Selcof, 27.2mm diameter
Saddle; Selle Italia Future Race
Handlebar; ITM Super Europa
Handlebar Stem; ITM
Headset; 1" Miche Trofeo
Wheels:
Hubs; Campagnolo Avani Rims
Rims; Ambrosio Super Elete clinchers
Tires; 700 x 25c Vittoria Roma
Spoke Brand; Inox stainless steel, 2.0mm straight gauge
Spoke Nipples; Brass nipples

This fine bicycle is available for purchase for $950.00

Meet Perry

2011-11-11T12:57:00.000-05:00

Meet Perry Finley, AKA Our Hero, AKA Super Perry, AKA Perry Finley Internet Sensation. Perry comes in when he wants, contributes what he wants, and, as Vic plainly states, "We are blessed to have him as a part of the shop." He has helped Vic improve the products in stock, and he is a mainstay, go-to consultant for any project.

To Perry, bicycles are simply "A wonderful way to get around." When asked what first made him interested in bicycles as an adult, Perry says he never got away from bicycles so he didn't ever have to come back to them. When everyone in high school was getting cars and motorcycles, Perry got into that too, but he never stopped riding the bicycle either.

Perry has ridden his bicycle across the USA from Astoria, Oregon to Norfolk, Virginia. When he got done, he still felt like riding his bike, so he rode around the that part of the East Coast a little bit, going to Virginia Beach, then up to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and back down to Washington DC! He has also been a daily bicycle commuter for 25+ years. Perry has been involved with the Louisville Bicycle Club for the past five years, where he is an enthusiastic ride captain.

To Perry, Louisville is a great town for bicycling. He enjoys working on his bikes, as well as working with Vic, Justin and Beth at the shop. For the past three or four years he has become a fixed gear enthusiast. He says, "The fixed gear bike and the rider become one, and you have more feedback with the terrain." He also managed to survive this.

Perry works at the University of Louisville and is from Louisville. He is married to Anita Finley, who he has been with for 37 years! They have two children, Perry IV and Tilly.

By John Wade

Centurion Pro-Tour

2011-11-01T21:38:00.003-04:00

"The Pro Tour also appeared in the late 1970s and survived into the mid-1980s. It is a gem, perhaps the nicest mass-produced touring bike ever..."

-Ashley Wright, writing on Sheldon Brown's "Harris Cyclery"
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/centurion/index.html

This bicycle is 59 cm center-to-top. It is in like-new condition. We even have the original owner’s manual!

It has braze-ons on either side of the forks for the centerpull brakes to attach--this feature is not often found in production bikes, and it decreases arm flex as the brake grabs the wheel. The calipers and levers are Dia-Compe.
This bike has a SR Apex triple crank with a half-step between the first two rings, and a "granny gear" for serious touring. By the way, Gary Fisher says "Someone gave a lot of thought to this bike."

This bicycle has a SunTour Cyclone rear derailleur and SunTour bar end shifters. These were top of the line in the height of SunTour awesomeness. These components could go up against any other company's components from the same year (yes, SunTour is a great component company. Read their story here).

The whole bike is chrome under the paint, you can see the chrome lugwork. And check out that pin striping!

This bicycle is in like-new condition. The vintage saddle will be exchanged for a new Brooks B17.

You can also read about the Centurion Pro-Tour on Wikipedia

This bicycle is available for purchase. $1,400. That is in like-new condition, for about what it cost new, adjusted for inflation.

By John Wade

Schwinn Paramount from OUTER SPACE

2011-10-23T11:00:00.001-04:00

This Schwinn Paramount is a 56cm center to top. It has a 32.5" standover height. All of its component and geometry information can be found at the bottom of this post.

The Schwinn Paramount is literally the best or "paramount" Schwinn frame. All are collectible. This is a Japanese-made model, and it has a large "OS" decal which means "over-sized." This tubing was over-sized in order to make it with less steel but the same strength. It is about a half pound lighter than comparable frames, according to Schwinn.

The paint job is a blue with bright red speckles. It is pretty awesome. There are double Paramount decals running down the front of the fork.

This bicycle is available for purchase. $850.

by John Wade

Cycle Safely!

2011-10-16T09:59:00.006-04:00

DISCLAIMER:
In the following few tips on riding safely with automobile traffic, it might sound like we think bicyclists are the ones usually responsible in a bicycle-automobile crash. Far from it! We know that bicyclists tend to be more alert than automobile drivers--they have to be.

And that is just it. A bicyclist, like any individual, must be conscious of the fact that s/he is responsible for his/her own safety. The bicyclist must control their part of the road, so that--like any vehicle--they can scan the road ahead and make their way along in a straight line. Don't weave in and out of your "safe zone" in traffic, and don't bet your life that car drivers will be good citizens. With defensive riding habits, you can stay safe!

Here it is in three rules:

-Be as visible as possible.
Wear lights at night, stick your hand out, wave it around, do whatever necessary so that you know that you are clearly visible to bored, distracted automobile drivers.

If there is ever a car behind me and I do not think it is safe for them to pass, I stick my left arm out at a 45 degree angle and point at the ground. It is unfortunately a not-quite turn signal, but it lets drivers know that I consider that area my space.

I have found that even the most aggressive drivers will come only as close to my outstretched hand as they otherwise would to my body. Just like that, my worst-case scenario for a car coming from behind and passing me on the left has gone from them squeezing me off the road or hitting me, to them hitting an outstretched hand. Don't play the odds that a driver will have good judgment, make sure drivers are aware that you expect them to follow the law in Kentucky: three feet to the side to pass a bike. If you are anywhere in the lane, they should basically be changing lanes to pass you.

-Ride predictably, signaling violently where appropriate.
Only move out of the lane and to the right if you have enough future open space, and traffic is light enough, that you will be able to move back into the flow of traffic without having to ask a new car behind you to yield and let you in. It is great that you consider yourself a bicycle ambassador. We want to win the hearts of automobile drivers, but do not let your considerate nature get in the way of your safety. Better to just stick well in the lane and try to go as fast with traffic as possible than to weave in and out of traffic and get squeezed to the right.

-Know your "safe zone."
At least one and a half feet away from any obstructions to the right, or in the same position relative to any potential future obstructions, based on your knowledge of the type of road you are on. If the obstructions or potential future obstructions to the right are parked cars, then the bicyclist should be a full car door's length away from those cars/potential future cars. Do not compromise on this basic principle; the lane is your birthright as a vehicle!

Remember, know the law! If you use your good judgment, chances are the law will be on your side, although you might have to remind the police.

For those of you interested in better, more comprehensive instructions, see this great page on bicycle safety, with cartoons that show how bike wrecks occur and how to avoid them.

Remember, stay out of bike lanes if there are parked cars to the right of them!

by John Wade

Copper and Chrome Raleigh International

2011-10-13T10:00:00.005-04:00

This Raleigh International is a 57cm center to top (that link contains a wealth of information on bicycle sizing, once again from the late, great Sheldon Brown). It has a 31" standover height, and would have been called a 21" by Raleigh at the time it was made. It is an example of a Raleigh bicycle that was built by Carlton (as mentioned in an earlier post about a Carlton bike), and both the Carlton and obviously the Raleigh logos are in great condition.

This bicycle is a one-owner, all-original example that has been properly stored and maintained. The condition is 9.5 out of 10. These pictures are of the bicycle in original, unrestored condition, but before it goes out of the shop it will undergo a full restoration including all bearings greased, bicycle polished, new tires, chain, tubes, cables, bar wrap with full tuneup.

This bike has a full Campagnolo Nuovo Record group, except for the necessary brake calipers for the International's long geometry.

"While the Professional was patterned after the popular Italianate style popular in the early '70s, the International hearkened back to an earlier ear. The International frame was built for comfort, lightness and versatility, while the Professional was built for stiffness and maneuverability. The Internationals had very generous tire clearance (hence the need for the long-reach Weinmann calipers) and relaxed angles. The frames make very nice light-touring bikes, but the racing components supplied as stock, including tight 10 speed gearing and tubular tires make the stock version somewhat of an anomaly."
--Sheldon Brown

"Some years featured Reynolds "Rapid Taper" chainstays, which are round in cross-section from one end to the other, but taper rapidly from the bottom bracket to the tire area for clearance." --Sheldon Brown

In my opinion, it is better for most riders to have a bike that is a little longer like this one. It puts the weight farther forward on the bike and gets it a bit off the back wheel. This makes for a smoother ride, and it will be easy to ride this bicycle "no hands."

This bicycle is available for purchase. $1,400.

by John Wade

Louisville Sunday Group Bicycle Ride

2011-10-10T08:50:00.000-04:00

The Louisville Bicycle Club-sponsored Sunday morning ride left from Vic's Classic Bikes at 9:15am. It was a bit chilly in the early part of the morning, but very comfortable with long sleeves.

This bicycle ride leaves Vic's Classic Bikes at 9:00 every Sunday morning. Riders of all skill levels are welcome, but this is a Louisville Bicycle Club ride, so bring a helmet!

View Larger Map

by John Wade

Guerciotti

2011-10-07T09:11:00.002-04:00

This Guerciotti is a 61cm center to center.

This frame is absolutely top of the line. It was hand-built in Italy with Columbus tubes. Guerciotti is engraved into seat-stay tips and bottom bracket shell. Guerciotti logo is engraved into the fork crown on both sides. Forged dropouts front w/ adjusting screws in the rear. Fork is chrome, with fresh plating.

Grey anodized Wolber alloy rims laced to low flange alloy hubs.

The cranks are Nuovo Record as well as the rear derailleur. Shimano Dura Ace front derailleur. Shimano 600 tricolor brakes & levers (aero). The brakes are model BR-6403 and are some of the first dual pivots. They are great brakes. Stronglight headset.

Perforated Turbo Saddle, Sakae alloy seat post.

This bicycle is available for purchase. $1200.

2011-10-05T14:35:00.001-04:00

Schwinn Peloton

2011-10-02T20:00:00.001-04:00

A few years ago, this Schwinn Peloton was sitting outside my friend's garage collecting some serious rust. He gave it to me, and I built it up and rode it back down. Now, he needs a bike, so we built it back up for him--ahh, steel everlasting!

We put on Shimano 105 brakes. Above the "Schwinn Peloton" head badge, you can see the chrome where my terribly thin spray paint job has scratched off (or possibly blown off!). The entire bike is chromed though, so it won't be rusting so easily.

We added SunTour down tube shifters. SunTour is my favorite component company of the era of the widespread manufacture of this sort of classic lugged steel racing bike. Their parts always really perform, and they last. Read the awesome story of their company here.

My friend built a front fender using a quarter section of a cheap plastic tube and some zip ties. He needs this commuter to be totally functional, because he will be using it to ride to Capitol Hill every day for his job as a congressional aide.

A Shimano 105 front derailleur. We left the old crank on, as it is in fine shape.

We put on a very old Shimano 600 rear derailleur. Justin, who did not seem impressed by this derailleur, says it is from the mid-70s. I really love it because it shows no sign of use after thousands of miles and over thirty-five years! The whole body and cage appear sturdily constructed.

It is very short, as most road derailleurs were at that time, and so we put a more of a small "corn cob" type cassette on the wheel with a max sprocket count of 23 to ensure easy shifting to all gears. As this is a commuter, we were comfortable with not having a greater range of easy gears.

The most exciting thing about this frame has to be the awesome lug work. Check out those wrapping seat stays!

by John Wade

Cinelli SUPERCORSA

2011-09-29T09:30:00.003-04:00

This two-wheeled beauty is 54 cm center to center.

It has a full Campagnolo Super Record groupo except the Suntour retro friction downtube shifters and Sugino 75 carbon aero brake levers.

The Campy Super Record hubs are laced to Synthesis Ambrosio Super Professional tubular rims. This bike is an Italian racing machine.

Sheldon Brown, who we trust in all things, has a lot of nice things to say about this bike here.

This bicycle is available for purchase. $1,500.

by John Wade

Carlton Professional

2011-09-26T08:30:00.002-04:00

This bike is a 56cm center to center Carlton Professional frame from the late 60s. Carlton was a high-end frame-building workshop that was purchased by Raleigh in 1960 and eventually took over all of Raleigh's high-end road builds.

This bicycle was manufactured by Carlton, under the Carlton name. Oddly enough, the Carlton name had too good a reputation for quality, and eventually the "powers that be" at Raleigh decided it was eclipsing the Raleigh brand and making it more difficult to sell Raleigh branded product. So, Raleigh stopped producing bikes under the Carlton name.

This sweet ride has a full Zeus groupo except the Sugino crank (it was probably considered an upgrade at the time, but now we would rather just have all Zeus components).

The Zeus components are highly regarded, and were basically a high-quality Campagnolo knock-off. They also made frames.

This bicycle is available for purchase. $1,200.

by John Wade

Concord Pro 1 Gets a Face Lift

2011-09-25T16:33:00.005-04:00

I acquired and restored this bicycle about 2 years ago. The Pro 1 was the top of the line for Concord. I was wondering why this bike had not sold. As I studied the bike it just had no panash.
So into the rack it went. I had originally left the thick-form bar covers on and wrapped over them with black cloth. The white finish on the paint was rather dull. The brake calipers and cables were just dull and tired looking. Just difficult to get excited about. Soooo......

I took the brake calipers apart for a thorough polishing to a bright shine.

Off came the bar wrap, brake calipers, and cables. A little polishing compound and wax brought the finish on the frame up to standard. Chrome polish to the chrome and now it shines like new.

Yellow, Yellow, Yellow. Replaced the black rivited saddle with a brite yellow one. Yellow cable housing & yellow cloth bar tape with several coats of schellac.

Sunday Group Ride

2011-09-22T16:45:00.001-04:00

Here Perry and Vic are making some last-minute adjustments to Perry's headset. A little bit of rain didn't stop the hardcore from gathering at nine o'clock on Sunday morning for the weekly 25 mile ride.

John rode over his Specialized Allez with a full Shimano 105 groupset.

This bicycle ride leaves Vic's Classic Bikes at 9:00 every Sunday morning. Riders of all skill levels are welcome, but this is a Louisville Bicycle Club ride, so bring a helmet!

View Larger Map

by John Wade

Custom Surly Single-Speed

2011-09-19T21:00:00.002-04:00

Eloy wanted a bike for short trips around town. He and his wife already have bikes that they use for long rides, but he wanted something simple for under five mile trips. He came in thinking about building a three speed 29er mountain bike, but after numerous discussions with Vic and much thought, decided instead to build this single-speed Surly Steamroller.

Vic advised investment in and hand built this monster wheelset. The Velocity Dyad rims have been laced with DT Swiss double-butted stainless steel spokes to Velo Orange high flange track hubs. This is a light-weight, high-performance, extremely durable wheelset for Eloy's 200 pounds.

If you think it looks like a monster now, wait until Eloy removes all the decals, as he plans to do immediately for an all black and silver look.

by John Wade

Vic Attacked by Pack of Wilding Youths!

2011-09-14T12:15:00.010-04:00

I arrived at my shop in the Highlands about 9:15 this morning looking forward to getting out for a 20 mile ride before opening the shop at noon. After taking care of a few chores, such as walking the dog, checking email, etc and I was out the door on the fixed-gear bicycle before 10:00am.

This ride takes me west on Christy to Barett, then a block north to pick up Breckenridge and continue west towards downtown. After passing under the railroad overpass on Breckenridge and continuing a few blocks through stop signs and lights, I was traveling slow at 5 to 10 mph. At about Shelby Street I noticed a group of 6 to 8 youths (late teens, early 20s) spreading into the street ahead of me.

View Larger Map

Their attention seemed maliciously focused at another youth on the other side of the street heading away from them. I heard some raised voices and shouting and things were looking like a disturbance of some sort.

I wondered if I should turn and avoid the street in front of me. I decided to veer to the left side of the street away from the group and proceed. As I crossed the intersection at Shelby, the attention of several in the group turned towards me and I heard one say,

"Get the guy on the bike!"

The young man closest to me was 2 or 3 strides away. At that instant I put everything I had into accelerating, veering to the left and ducking my assailants blow. He lunged and attempted a close line type manuever towards my throat. I ducked so the main force of the blow hit me in the helmet and sun glasses, and I felt him against my side trying to get a grip.

He caught on and was able to pull my new iphone from my hip.

As I broke free of him I heard several shoes hitting the ground just behind me as the pack gave chase. I suspect that if I had been on a geared bike instead if a fixed-gear, I might not have escaped.

I continued on at full speed looking for a policeman. At about 3rd street, I saw a city inspector getting into her truck. I told her what happened, she called 911 and soon there were 2 patrol cars there and a report to file.

I went back to the shop, got the car, and was off to Verizon for a new iphone.

All in all, a harrowing experience...I am lucky to be writing this from my shop and not a hospital bed.

Victor Miller

1973 Raleigh International Finds a Home

2011-09-08T15:00:00.001-04:00

From Vic:

"This bike came out of my personal collection. I did not want to sell it, but Walt caught me as there was a Trek 950 road bike available that I just had to have (post coming soon). Oh what a collection I could build if there only unlimited piles of cash at my disposal..."

From Walt, the satisfied customer:

"Hi Vic,

The bike arrived at 1:30 Wednesday. Your packing job was very good. As I opened each piece, I was both pleased and thankful to you for the cleanliness.

As I sat on the kitchen floor and assembled the bike I was again pleased as I could feel the fresh grease in the bearings, the finely adjusted cones, the wheels true and round, the new tires mounted straight, the bar tape just right- overall, the superb original condition of the entire 38 year old machine...

The Int'l was quiet, stiffer than I expected, and just real fine.

Thank you for all your hard work and expertise. I appreciate your letting me have it.

Walt"

View on the website

Make: Raleigh

Model: International

Frame Size: 57cm

Frame Description: Carlton built. Reynolds 531 tubes & stays. Chain stays are the uncommon rapid taper style (round at the bottom bracket shell then a rapid taper to provide greater clearence for tires). Nervex lugs, head lugs chromed. Campagnolo dropouts (rear has adjusting screws) Additional chrome accents include trident fork crown, chain stay, seat stay, and fork ends.
Wheels: Campagnolo high flange hubs laced to Sprint alloy tubular rims with stainless steel double butted spokes. New Servio Corsa sew up tires.
Components: Full Campagnolo Nuovo Record with the exception of Weinmann 610 Center pull brakes and QR drilled levers, Carlton hoods. All other components are Campagnolo engraved including crank, bottom bracket, pedals, crank dust caps, derailleurs, shifters, seat post, seat post binder bolt, and headset.
Saddle & Seatpost: Brooks Professional Saddle, Campy seat post.
Bars & Stem: Cinelli

PUCH FORCE XII 1987

2011-09-03T12:30:00.001-04:00

PUCH FORCE XII 1987 model Reynolds 531 tubing, Weinman 605 side pull brakes with drilled levers. Shifters, derailleurs, hubs, crank all Suntour. Saddle Selle Royal Sprint suede. Wolber alloy rims with eylets. World custom pantagraphed handlebar.

The unique thing about this bike is that it only had one other owner, olympic swimmer Rachel Komisarz. It was bought new in a size too large, ridden twice then placed into climate-controlled storage. The bike is therefore basically new. The rims show no sign of brake wear, tires show no sign of dry rot. A small tear on the leather bar wrap which I covered with hemp twine. A great bike practically off the shop floor.

This bicycle is available for purchase. $850.

by John Wade

Ironwoman!

2011-08-29T10:17:00.006-04:00

Mey Tseng has ridden our 50cm Surly Pacer instead of our Nishiki to victory in the 2011 Louisville Ironman!

Mey raised money and traveled to Louisville to compete, as an amateur, in her first-ever Ironman. She successfully completed the three stages in under 17 hours, making her an Ironwoman!

Unfortunately, the Nishiki's new "brifters" just would not work perfectly. After going so far as to call Shimano, Vic just was not satisfied with the performance. The Tuesday morning before the Ironman, he ordered a Surly Pacer and then built it up by Sunday.

Mey says it worked out great, and she loved the bike!

by John Wade

Cruisin'

2011-08-28T08:06:00.003-04:00

Recently I bought this bicycle with a matching woman's bicycle at a picnic. What a great place to buy a bike! It is a "Deluxe Sports Tourist" with a coaster brake! Remember the coaster brake from your childhood bicycle?

To set it up, I bought an extra-long quill for the extra-small diameter steerer tube, fixed the fenders and tightened the chain.

Bicycles are great because they are such efficient, simple machines. I like this bicycle because it doesn't have a whole lot of mechanisms and wires running all over it.

Also, it is not necessary to replace the drive train (chain and rear cassette) often, as is needed with geared bicycles that see a lot of use. It has fenders for the rain and will make a great, dependable commuting bicycle for under ten mile trips.

by John Wade

Steel for the Ironman

2011-08-23T11:51:00.000-04:00

Vic is proud to announce that he has completed the bicycle build for Mey Tseng, who will compete in the Louisville Ironman on August 28.

He took the triathlon frame from a Nishiki Tri-A-Equipe' :

and put on the modern Ultegra components from his Mark Nobilette:

The Nishiki frame was built by Kuwahara, the "Carlton of Japan" (in that, like Carlton, they did a lot of business building bicycles for other companies, and had some bicycles released under their own name as well. This frame was obviously built by Kuwahara for Nishiki). You might recognize the Kuwahara built and branded BMX bicycle from the movie E.T.!

As far as components, Mey specifically asked for "brifters" (brake and shifter combination), so we put these on:

She might want a triple chainring with a "granny gear" for any hills around Louisville. Apparently, it is important in the Ironman to save yourself during the bicycling and the swimming portions so your body doesn't shut down for the running portion. I mean, I guess that is just pacing yourself writ large, but I can imagine that it takes a heck of a lot more calories to run 42.2 kilometers than it does to bike 180.3 kilometers, as you have to do in the Ironman (yes, I did just convert to metric, it is easier, but more on that in a later blog post).

GOOD LUCK IN THE IRONMAN MEY!!

by John Wade

Sunday Group Bicycle Ride

2011-08-22T00:40:00.006-04:00

We had another special visit from Bitsy this Sunday!

The Sunday morning Louisville Bicycle Club ride starts just after 9am at Vic's Classic Bikes. Come out and join us, all life forms which can balance on a bicycle and wear a helmet (see below) are welcome!

Families that bike together stay together!

by John Wade

Bicycling Across Generations

2011-08-19T09:00:00.007-04:00

Jonathan Capps found his Dad's old bicycle in the barn. He thought he saw a diamond in the rough, and he was right!

At Vic's Classic Bikes, we love it when quality bicycles see multiple generations of riders. Unfortunately, many consumer goods today, even high-end consumer goods, are not built to last nor to be repairable. This Raleigh Super Course was both!

_____________

This week I went through a pile of old bicycles at my uncle's house (or more properly, his garage) and came out with these two bicycles for my cousins, who just left for college yesterday. The one on the right is a Trek 820 hybrid bicycle with 700 wheels. It actually has a sweet enough steel frame.

The male cousin will be riding Mom's old bike while the female cousin will be riding Dad's.

A friend of mine from the Netherlands lived in California for a year. A story he would tell me that was supposed to illustrate something about America was how, in California, he bought a used woman's bicycle and thought he got a great deal because it was only fifteen bucks. In the Netherlands, if a bicycle can move forward, it costs real money. Everyone cycles, so there is kind of an infinite demand for working bicycles. He soon learned a valuable lesson; in America, males will be made fun of for riding a woman's bicycle. He has never forgotten being constantly harassed for his purchase.

Real men can take it.

By John Wade

Ironwoman? Triathalon Build for Mey Tseng

2011-08-12T23:00:00.002-04:00

Vic’s Classic Bikes is proud to announce that we are building a triathlon bicycle for Mey Tseng, who is competing in the Louisville Ironman competition.

In a couple weeks, on August 28^th at 7:00am, athletes from around the world will gather in Louisville to begin the 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, and 26.2-mile run that is the Ironman!

Mey is coming from Hawaii, the birthplace of the Ironman competition. If she can finish the three part competition in 17 hours, she will earn the title “Ironman,” which would be a highlight of any athlete’s career.

Crawling for fourth at the Hawaii Ironman, 1997.

Mey has been a commuter biker on and off since 1998. She has also competed in the 2009 and 2010 Honolulu Tinman competitions, and participated in the 2008 and 2009 Great Aloha Runs, the 2010 Honolulu Marathon, and the 2010 Northshore Swim Challenge as training for the Ironman. While getting her masters in Taiwan in 2000 and 2001, Mey won the two National Chung Cheng University 10 kilometer races.

She first started dreaming of completing an Ironman when she participated in her first Aloha Run for charity and signed up for information from a local triathlon and marathon training group. She went to their info session and decided that she wanted to do a triathlon, but wasn't ready to commit to the paid training.

Mey has been riding a Raleigh 500 bike she bought off Craigslist from a local triathlete in June before her first triathlon at the end of July 2009. The Kentucky Ironman will be her first Ironman. She used to be on her high school swim team, so swimming is the easier part of the race for her.

Look for a post in a couple days with details about the bicycle we are building for Mey Tseng, Ironwoman!

by John Wade

Bentley, Shop Dog

2011-08-11T13:50:00.005-04:00

A little over a month ago Bentley became a member of the Miller household. With Laura off for the summer she has taken care of him through the day. But with the aproach of a new school year Mrs. Miller is back in the classroom getting ready for this years students. Well it just would not do for Bentley to spend all day at home alone. So off we go to Feeders Supply. Bead, collar, leash, Nylabone; from the basement a rug and a couple bowles for food & water. Then off to the shop.

Clear out a spot under the work bench and Bentley has made himself at home. Stop by and allow him to introduce himself.

Long Distance on a Surly

2011-08-11T09:55:00.010-04:00

My Surly Long Haul Trucker, with knee-high rubber boots and stand-up bicycle pump strapped to the back. 200 pounds all together.

The thumbs-up is really popular in Colombia. I think they are on to something.

Since I discovered road bicycling after high school, I have always ridden steel racing bicycles from the 80s (during high school I rode mountain bikes around, slowly). High in quality and low on price, chromoly cycles are made to last.

Unfortunately, many consumers today purchasing new low to medium-end aluminum bicycles might find themselves paying more than twice what I would spend on a bike that will only last a few years. Trek, Raleigh, Schwinn…these are companies that people associate with quality because at one time they made a popular quality product, but most popular brands today make the bulk of their money selling low-end, overpriced, poorly manufactured (that is, Chinese) bikes.

For instance, Schwinn is now owned by a Canadian company charmingly called Dorel Industries. They got it a few years ago from a company called Pacific Cycle, Inc. who had acquired it during bankruptcy proceedings a few years before. Pacific Cycle, Inc. also owns Mongoose, Roadmaster, InSTEP, Pacific Outdoors, and Powerlite (story). These are NOT bicycle enthusiasts.

Surly is a company of a different breed (whose bikes are at least made in

Taiwan

). A solid bike with great, practical components. I bought my Surly Long Haul Trucker new in September 2010, and have since ridden it from Amsterdam to Turkey, all over Colombia in South America, and then from Miami here to Louisville.

View Larger Map

Through the sometimes terrible roads of Hungary, Macedonia, and Turkey, the landslides and flooding in Colombia (that even four-wheel vehicles could not get through), and carrying the extra weight that comes from touring with one’s girlfriend (yes girls, it is worth it to travel with you, but you do tend to pack more but carry less), I have had no problems with the bike at all.

Tourers aren't the only ones who rave about Surly; heavy people love them too because they can handle weight. I am not heavy, but I am tall at 6'2" and I like a big frame. Extra long and made from 4130 chromoly steel, the Surly Long Haul Trucker can take whatever you throw at it.
(Scroll all the way down for more pictures from the road)

When I finally made it to Louisville and walked into Vic’s Classic Bikes, I couldn’t believe my eyes when there were my favorites old and new: rows of quality used lugged steel racing bikes and also new Surly bikes. Heaven does exist…

MORE PICTURES FROM THE ROAD...

Carrying two people, milk, and food. Way to make it work in Colombia.

Lived here, in Manizales, Colombia for about two months.

From inside Manizales--the white peak you can see in the middle of the picture is a volcano that erupted in 1985 and over 23,000 people were killed, making it the fourth deadliest eruption in history.

Mom and daughter out and about in the Netherlands.

Kids all bicycle to school, and no one wears a helmet, ever.

Awww. Bike together, stay together.

by John Wade

The Bridgestone XO-2

2011-08-09T20:00:00.003-04:00

When the XO-2 arrived at the shop it created quite a stir. Many of us around the shop are devotees of Grant Peterson of Rivendell Bicycle Works. The XO series was GP's legacy at Bridgestone Bicycles before he left to found RBW.

This 48cm, pristine example showed up on the Louisville CL site with an incorrect price. Seller was deludged with replys and pulled the add. I was able to contact seller, make a fair offer, and bring this bike into our collection. This bicycle originally came with the controversial "moustache" handlebars, as you can see here,

How it looks now, with bar-end shifters,

As soon as it arrived at the shop everyone seemed to want to work on it. Perry inflated the tires and did a quick tune up. It is in Beth's size so she took it out for its maiden ride. All went well but on its second outing it blew a tire. Back into the shop where it sat for a day or two before Justin and Beth started dismantling it.

A thorough inspection revealed a bike that had seen little use. All bearings in like new condition. Wheels trued up nicely. There was some evidence of some rough shifting with a few broken teeth on the chain rings. A complete set of Salsa rings was ordered as well as a set of stainless steel Giles Bertoud fenders. Panaracer Pasella TG tires were installed.

Bike is back together, next we will install the fenders and a vintage Jim Blackburn rear rack to increase the usefulness of the bike.

It is my personal desire for Beth to take a shine to this bike and make it her commuter. That way it will be a part of the shop into the future.

If Beth doesn't lay claim to this Bicycle it will be available for purchase for $1000.00.

More pictures to come with fenders & rack...

Vitus 92, Carbon from the E 90s

2011-07-31T19:56:00.004-04:00

We really wish we could say Vic's Classic Bikes had much to do with this build. Rebbecca and James came in to us because the seat post was too long, and we were happy to cut it down for them.

Carbon ZX1 frame from 1992, looks like it's in perfect condition!

Vitus is a French frame manufacturer. This excerpt from their company history on the Vitus website mentions the ZX1:

"Having first emerged as a supplier of frame tubing to French bicycle manufacturers including Peugeot, Motobecane and Gitane; the Vitus name began to appear on our own bikes in the 1970s and 1980s when we pioneered the design and manufacture of lugged and bonded aluminium frames made from our Dural tubing...

We continued our tradition of innovation throughout subsequent decades with frames include the 1991 ZXI monocoque carbon frame.

Today the spirit of the ZX1 lives on the monocoque carbon frames in our Dark Plasma, Venon and Vitesse road bikes as well as our Optimum platform of XC race bikes..."

What a bike!

by John Wade

58cm Ross Signature

2011-07-26T07:38:00.007-04:00

The Tom Kellog designed Ross Signature models (290S, 292S & 294S) are some of the nicest bicycles the Allentown, PA company ever produced.

The middle child of the Signature line-up is Justin’s favorite as the Golden Arrow group performs as great as it looks. The metallic, deep aqua blue looks amazing and the triple butted Ishiwata tubing provides a light and responsive ride.

A complete restoration was performed with all bearing systems cleaned, lubed and new bearing balls installed. New tires, tubes and cables were all that needed replacing as this bike saw very little use in its 27 years and was stored properly. It’s ready to pound the pavement; it just needs your legs to provide the power. This 58cm bicycle is for sale at Vic's Classic Bikes for only $575.

Make: Ross

Model: 1984 Signature 292S

Frame size: 58cm

Tubing: Ishiwata EX Cr-Mo Triple Butted

Wheels: 36h 700c Araya aluminum alloy rims, SS spokes, SR hubs, 14-28t Shimano 6sp freewheel

Tires: Panaracer Pasela Tourguard 700c x 32mm

Crankset: 52/42 Shimano Golden Arrow

BB: Shimano

Headset: Original (unknown make)

Brakes: Shimano Golden Arrow levers and calipers

Derailleurs & Shifters: Shimano Golden Arrow

Saddle: Original Ross Concor copy

Seatpost: SR

Handlebar: SR Custom

Stem: SR Custom

Schwinn Pixie Restoration

2011-07-25T09:38:00.008-04:00

Restoration of vintage bicycles is a rewarding endeavor. Transforming an undesirable cast-away into a prized jewel is very satisfying - restoring a precious heirloom even more so.

Recently, a Cincinnati customer brought her own childhood vintage Schwinn Pixie for restoration. Though she might have found a new or better condition Pixie elseware, she wanted this specific bicycle restored for her daughter.

The Pixie needed a lot of work. The frame needed a deep cleaning, fenders and all other bright metal needed to be re-chromed. The saddle and grips would need to be replaced. The heavy hard rubber tires needed to be replaced with new wheels that used lighter modern tires & tubes.

To satisfy my own curiosity I started to clean one of the fenders and was surprised to find the original triple-chrome plating still in good condition. What a testament to American quality in the 1960's! It took plenty of chrome cleaner and elbow grease, but the the fenders started to shine. The underside of the fenders required a coat of silver zinc oxide paint to keep any future corosion at bay. After a thorough cleaning of the entire bicycle, I was ready for reassembly. The Pixie now looks and handles beautifully, and the integrity of the personal value of this bicycle was maintained.

Laura Wallace and her new bike

2011-07-25T09:31:00.004-04:00

Laura was looking for some economical transportation and found this Free Spirit within her budget. Brought it in to Vics for an evaluatioin and to get it up and rolling. The origional drive train was rather primitive and needed alot of work. On the upside, the tires had been replaced recently and were ok. The decision was made to remove the shifters, derailleurs, and shift cables. Replace the 5 speed cluster with a new singlespeed freewheel, fit a new chain and brake pads. Laura is now enjoying her vintage singlespeed conversion that didnt break the bank.

Louisville Bicycle Maps are in!

2011-07-24T07:34:00.006-04:00

THE Louisville bicycle map. Wondering where to ride? Want to know about the secret underground bike path that connects city hall with the river? Ok, that one is purely imaginary, but separate illusion from reality with a free map from Vic's Classic Bikes.

It's produced by Bike Louisville, and even includes a diagram (in picture below, lower left corner) on riding properly (in a straight line and at least four feet from parked cars or other obstructions) and gives all the local bicycle laws.

You can also see the maps here.

by John Wade

Double Tandem and Paul Newman!

2011-07-19T15:59:00.005-04:00

Yesterday, at the latest free movie night at Iroquois Ampitheater, we spotted TWO tandems. This alone would have been enough to make this the coolest place to be on a Monday night in Louisville.

When you consider the fact that Cool Hand Luke was playing on a projector screen outside, we can definitely be sure that there was nowhere better.

Here is Luke after eating fifty hard-boiled eggs in only one hour:

by John Wade

Sunday Group Ride in Louisville

2011-07-17T23:01:00.010-04:00

The ride today was relatively cool because we had good cloud cover for the whole morning. It was humid, but the sweat just makes it look like we are working harder!

We left Vic's Classic Bike Shop at around 9:15 and headed down towards the river.

Everybody's pumped up after the ride. Is that a double thumbs-up?

Speaking of pumped up, check out Bart Galloway and Perry Finely as they flex their calves for us normal people.

Here is the ride map, come out next Sunday:

View Larger Map

by John Wade

Sunday Group Bicycle Ride in Louisville

2011-07-12T14:22:00.002-04:00

Come ride any Sunday morning!

As any bicyclist knows, riding a bicycle can be a joyful experience. Riding bikes together with friends compounds that joy, and dangerous car drivers can make it disappear. Group rides magnify and combine your enthusiasm with that of fellow bicycle enthusiasts while protecting you, to some extent, from unsafe drivers. So come bike with us, there's safety in numbers!

Lisa Todd will protect you!

Last weekend was another great Sunday morning ride starting at 9am at Vic's Classic Bikes on Baxter. Many different groups take it at different speeds on this leisurely, 22 mile route. This makes it perfectly suited to anyone who has always wanted to try a group ride but hasn't gone for it yet because they don't know if they can keep up.

Here is the map of the ride:

View Larger Map

There were many familiar faces from the Louisville Bicycle Club as well as some first-time riders and first-time bicycles, including this chromed-out Schwinn ridden by Justin Hughes and to be featured in a later post.

Come out and cycle!

by John Wade

Group Ride Sunday 9:00AM

2011-07-03T13:46:00.006-04:00

The Louisville Bicycle Club will be meeting at VicsClassicBikes Sunday's at 9:00 AM for a 25 mile ride. Today was our 1st ride and we had 42 riders participate. We rode from the shop up to River Road then out to Lime Kilne Lane. A challenging climb up Lime Kiln a loop through some beautiful neighborhoods then an exhlirating desent back to River Road. Then in River Road to Indian Hills for another climb. Finally back through the Parks and back to the shop.

One Year Anniversary Party

2011-06-19T13:55:00.007-04:00

Photos from the party - many thanks to everyone who came, drank, ate, won prizes, and shared their love of cycling.

Another (smaller) Guerciotti

2011-05-03T22:47:00.002-04:00

Univega

2011-05-03T22:43:00.004-04:00

Make: Univega

Model: Gran Turismo

Frame Size: 64cm

Frame Description: Cro Moly tubes, forged dropouts, braisons front & rear for fenders & 1 set watter bottle bosses on down tube.

Wheels: Normandy high flange hubes laced to Winnman alloy concave touring rims. Panaracer Pasella tires w/presta valve tubes. QR front & rear.

Components: Custom forged alloy tripple crank, Suntour Mountech derailleurs w/stem mounted shifters. DiaCompe center pull brakes w/single action levers.

Saddle & Seatpost: Specalized leather saddle, new alloy seat pillar by Uno.

Bars & Stem: Sinlung pantographed bars, New Nitto Technomic stem

Price: $550

$4.00 gas no suprise here.

2011-04-27T07:27:00.002-04:00

I am 57 years old and started driving on .40 gasoline. I grew up in a modest household with 6 children. In those days of tight money we would jump in the old V8 Buick and go for a nice long Sunday drive of sight seeing (an inexpensive way to entertain the whole family) Since the Arab Oil Embargo in the 70s we have been warned this was coming. Like Forest Gump "I am not a smart man" but sorta understand basic supply and demand. (Thanks IUS School of Business) With China and India going through their own industrial revolutions the world market for energy has changed. I have watched in amazement as folks bought SUV's and built big homes in out lying bedroom communities. Now that people are starting to feel the pain they want someone to blame...

Faggin

2011-04-18T20:48:00.004-04:00

Make: Faggin

Model: Campione del Mondo

Frame Size: 63cm

Frame Description: Gipiemme special edition w/Gipiemme logos on the frame. F is cut into the head lugs, seat lug, fork crown & bottom bracket shell. Chrome fork & rear triangle. Gipiemme forged dropouts.

Wheels: Produced in France tubuler rims laced to Gipiemmie low flange alloy hubs w/stainless steel spokes.

Components: Full Gipimmie grupo w/all components bearing the Gipiemmie inscription. Including, pedals, toe clips, head set, bottom bracket, seat post, shifters, and skewers.

Bars & Stem: Cinelli bars and stem

Price: $1200

Ashley's Chrome Single Speed Motobecane

2011-04-18T20:06:00.004-04:00

Sunday morning ride with The Louisville Bicycle Club

2011-04-17T14:36:00.004-04:00

I met with the Louisville Bicycle Club this morning at the Heine Brothers on Bardstown Road. Weather was great for a 25 mile ride up River road and through Indian Hills. Perry Finley was ride captain and rode sweep - at the tail end so no one gets dropped or someone if needs mechanical help. Well by the end of the ride I was riding sweep with Perry up in front just far enough so as not to lose sight of me. All in all a great time with some great folks. Thanks LBC!

Mark's new Trek

2011-04-03T21:11:00.000-04:00

Beth's Univega Ital Sport

2011-04-03T20:52:00.006-04:00

I absolutely needed a third bike, as no upstanding bike-shop-groupie would be caught dead with just two bikes. So when this full campy Univega Ital Sport came in, in a harder to find 48cm frame size, I couldn't pass it up.

Some changes were made to make the Univega suit my preferences. We installed Tektro aero levers, as the Campy levers were difficult for my smaller hand size. Double sided MKS pedals replace the chunkier stock pedals. Brooks honey bartape and matching Brooks B17S saddle improve the overall look and feel.

This bike rides very fast and is very responsive. Now I can attempt to keep up with my husband on faster longer rides.

-Beth

A Busy Spring Day at VicsClassicBikes

2011-04-03T16:58:00.008-04:00

8:30am - Hour of cleaning
9:30am - Mark Meinhart and I take a Seminary Architectural Spring Bike Tour (date)
12:30 - Mark Brittles stops by to pick up his Trek 500 with interrupter brake levers & grip king pedals (see blog post)
1:30 - Pizza at Papalino's, the one and only Vic Classic Bikes' endorsed pizza
2pm - A couple of hours of work on the blog, facebook, craigslist posts
4pm - Time for some real fun. Drew brings Beth some shorts, Mark M is back after a nap (needed it after a ride with Vic this morning) and we break out the Jack Taylor Tandem.
Madness - the good bicycle kind - ensues.

Architecture Ride with Mark

2011-04-03T14:25:00.003-04:00

As the weather warms up, we're getting back into group rides on Sunday mornings. Yesterday afternoon, Mark, a veteran architect, asked if the ride was on for this morning and I agreed. We left the shop at 9:30 Sunday morning for an architectural tour of the Louisville seminaries, and had a great time. Join us next Sunday!

New Bicycle Quarterly In stock!

2011-04-03T13:39:00.003-04:00

Spring 2011 issues in stock now! Bicycle Quarterly is a magazine for discerning cyclists, who enjoy their bikes, whether on a weekend ride, randonneuring, racing or touring the countryside. In Bicycle Quarterly you find professionally written articles about a variety of topics rarely covered in "mainstream" cycling press. (Some back issues of Bicycle Quarterly in stock, too)

Stocked for Spring

2011-04-03T13:10:00.005-04:00

We're stocked for Spring with a full Brooks display and 24 new Bern Helmets. All Brooks saddles are 15% off retail.

Humble Schwinn Collegiate Becomes a Vic's Classic

2011-03-03T18:38:00.023-05:00

I remember seeing ads for the 1984 Collegiate and thinking it was a cool bike. It featured a lugged CroMoly frame built by Giant with integrated fenders & chain guard. A 3 speed Sturmey Archer coaster brake hub was laced to chrome plated steel rims. The Collegiate also had a cup & spindle bottom bracket, custom alloy crank with pressed on 1/8th drive steel chain ring, rubber block pedals, a steel seat pin, economy steel caliper front brake & lever, and cheap plastic Sturmey Archer shifter.

Now lets do it my way.

First I stripped the bike down to the bare frame, retaining the frame, fork, fenders, chain guard, handlebars, stem, and the Sturmey Archer 3 speed coaster brake hub.

I replaced the headset with a new Tange Levin unit. I upgraded the original cup and spindle crank bearing to a SKF sealed unit - the new standard for premium crank bearings.

The drive train now consists of a Pake track crank and 1/2 link Pintle chain. A new nimbus unit replaces the cheap plastic SA shifter.

The steel seat pin is replaced with a Uno alloy pillar to support a Brooks B67 saddle and Brooks tool bag in Honey. A Jim Blackburn rack on the rear makes the bike a little more useful.

Lighting is provided by an Schmidt E6 on the front and a Spannigna Pixeo fender mount unit on the rear. Both lights are powered by the Sanyo H27 dyno hub.

Wiring is routed internally. The front wire runs through the right side fork blade. The rear wire enters the downtube just below the lower head lug, runs through the bottom bracket shell and into the left side chain stay, and exits through the rear fender. It then runs along the inside of the fender, sealed inside a silicone bead, to the tail light. (see images below - wire circled in red)

Then on to the wheels. Keeping only the SA coaster brake 3-speed rear hub, I've added a Sanyo dyno front hub and laced both hubs to Sun CR18 double walled alloy rims using 14 guage straight stainless steel spokes and brass nipples. Finally a set of ColDeLaVie tires by Panasonic provide a soft cushy ride.

This is not your father's old 3 speed. $1,200.

The Jack Taylor Tandem

2011-02-27T21:56:00.006-05:00

The Jack Taylor tandem was handbuilt by the Taylor brothers in a workshop in England. Every bike they made was a classic and this tandem would be the highlight of any collection.

A steal at any price, $4,500.

Vic's Raleigh Fixie

2011-02-27T21:52:00.005-05:00

This is my 1972 Raleigh Gran Prix fixed gear conversion. It has gone through several modifications since the initial build. I liked Paul's components and have been eager to use more of them in a build. Now in addition to the Paule's Racer brake and Love lever this bike features Paul's Crank and Hubs, Velocity B43 rims (wheels built by me and approved by the famous Perry) , Nitto Lugged Stem, Nitto riser bar, Ouri grips. with a half dozen fine bicycles to choose from (including 2 Rivendells and a Heron) this has become my favorite and most ridden bike.

59cm Zullo Criterium

2011-02-22T21:09:00.004-05:00

See it on the website

Make: Zullo

Model: Criterium

Frame Size: 59cm

Frame Description:

Columbus XLS tubing, aero fork blades chain and seat stays, Z engraved into brake bridge, top of seat stays, and fork crown. Special indentations into sides of top tube and down tube. Zullo logo engraved into headtube. Two sets of waterbottle bosses. Internally routed rear brake cable.

Wheels:

Mavic G 40 gray anodized 700c presta valve rims laced to Campagnolo low flange alloy hubs with stainless steel spokes.

Components:

Full Campagnolo Triomphe groupo including: cranks, derailleurs, shifter, brakes and levers

Saddle & Seatpost:

Vintage Brooks Professional pre-softened saddle, Campagnolo seatpost

Bars & Stem:

3TTT bars & stem

Price:

$1500

Schwinn Paramount

2011-02-22T19:32:00.001-05:00

Hanquapillar shoot; New lighting

2011-02-09T11:37:00.009-05:00

Special thanks to Beth for comming in last night to take these shots. I will take this oppportunity to discuss the lighting in greater detail. Personaly I am annoyed by anything being routed, especially wiring along the bicycle frame. However I was not comfortable asking to drill holes in a new Rivendell frame. So here is the solution that Steve and I setteled on. A Sanyo H27 dyno hub powering Bush & Miller Lumotec front-Toplight rear. This system gives Steven dependable and sufficient bright light to fill his needs when out after dark. With the lights mounted at the wheel top level they provide maximum visability to motorist. Both lights use a dual strand harness with the rear light being connected through and swiched by the headlight. I did not want to cut any of the harness off in the event of future light placement needing more wire. So on the front harness I doubled up the excess wire in a loop inside a piece of shrink tube zip tied to the inside of the fork blade. The harness was then routhe under the 2 existing zip ties holding on the computer sending unit. A short distance up the fork blade the front & rear harnesses join through another shrink tube and both terminate at the head light. The rear harness continues up to the fork crown where it passes through small fender stay mount screwed to the top of the crown with an existing bolt. From the fork crown to the underside of the center tube. For the run the length of the center tube I cut a piece of straight wire about the guage of a coat hanger just short of the length of the center tube. Both the wire and the harness were then covered with a series of shrink tubes and then zip tied to the under side of the center tube. I then fashioned a L brace with the same wire used under the center tube. This bracket can be seen routed up the back side of the seat tube, crossing above the tire to the left seat stay. The final fun is under the top of the rear rack to the tail light again using wire for stifness under shrink tubes.

I also want to thank Penny at Peter White Cycles for help in selecting the components used on this project. All lighting as well as the wheel build was provided by Peter White Cycles.

Meet Beth

2011-02-07T08:17:00.006-05:00

I am pleased to introduce Beth Holladay. Beth does the photography and web postings. She also works full-time teaching art, producing newsletters, and performing other duties at Preston Arts Center just down the road. In just a few hours each Sunday afternoon she has been able to make a transformation in our internet presence.

So, why not check out her bike!

Also of note is the recent addition of studio lighting and background equipment to kick the photos up quite a few notches. Thanks Beth!

Justin Builds a Touring Bike

2011-02-06T17:23:00.005-05:00

Frame: 25" Schwinn Voyageur (1988 model) Columbus Tenax tubing

Color: Molten Copper powderdoat (black, copper, clear)

Fenders: VO 48mm Fluted

Crankset: Shimano FT-60 (48/38/28 BioPace)(175mm)

Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore (FD-MT60)

Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore (RD-MT60)

Shifters: Dia Compe Silver

Front Hub: Shimano 3N-80 (32h)(DT SS 14ga spokes)

Rear Hub: Shimano 105 (FH-5600)(36h)(DT SS 14ga spokes)

Wheels: VO Diagonale (700c)

Cassette: SRAM 11-28 (8sp)

Chain: SRAM PC-870

Tires: Panaracer Jack Brown (blue label)

Pedals: MKS Touring, Spin II Flip, VO large steel cages, VO Grand Cru laminated straps

Housing: VO Braided SS

Cables: VO

Front Rack: VO Pass Hunter (with integrated decaleur)

Rear Rack: TBD

Headlight: Schmidt E6 (no switch)(VO light mount)

Brakes: VO Grand Cru Cantilever (Kool Stop Thinline pads)

Brake Levers: Shimano BL-L331

Computer: Cateye Strada Wireless

Bottle Cages: VO Moderniste

Seatpost: SR alloy

Rear Cable Hanger: Surly

Front Cable Hanger: Dia Compe QR

Headset: VO Alloy JIS

Stem: Nitto Technomic 80mm

Handlebar: Nitto Noodle 440mm

Saddle: Brooks Champion Flyer Special (honey)

Bar Wrap: Brooks perforated leather (honey)

Schwinn Prelude SOLD

2011-02-06T17:21:00.001-05:00

Make:

Schwinn

Model:

Prelude

Frame Size:

58cm

Frame Description:

Columbus Tenax tubes. Fender eyelets front & rear. 2sets water bhottle bosses w/star reinforcements. Sport road geometry.

Wheels:

27" Weinnmann box section alloy rim w/steel reinforced spoke eyelets laced to Schwinn approved low flange alloy hubs w/stainless steel hubs. QR front & rear.

Components:

Sakae forged alloy crank mounted to new Shimano cartridge bottom bnracket. Suntour Cyclone derailleurs w/stem mounted friction shifters. DiaCompe side pull brakes w/aero levers.

Saddle & Seatpost:

Cionlli saddle, Laprade alloy seat pillar.

Bars & Stem:

Anatomical bend bars, Pizzaa alloy threadless stem.

Price:

$475

Fixed Gear Conversion - Nishiki Olympic

2011-02-06T17:17:00.001-05:00

Make:

Nishiki

Model:

Olympic

Frame Size:

58cm

Frame Description:

4130 Cromoly tubes. Frame was sand blasted then powder coated in that very desirable Sea Foam green. New 700c Motion unicrown chrome fork which is drilled for brake. Fender eyelets on rear dropouts were preserved if one wanted to add a rack. No fender eyelets or clearance for fender on front.

Wheels:

700c alex rims laced to black anodized low flange alloy hubs w/black stainless steel spokes.

Components:

New head set, new Shimano cartridge bottom bracket, Origon8 track crank, DiaCompe side pull brake & lever included.

Saddle & Seatpost:

new Origon8 2 bolt adjustment seat pillar, New Sprung and rivited saddle.

Bars & Stem:

Fliped & Cliped road bars for bull horn effect.

Price:

$450

Newly Restored - Fuji S12-S Ltd

2011-01-30T16:39:00.004-05:00

Make:

Fuji

Model:

S12S

Frame Size:

58cm

Frame Description:

This exceptional frame is built with Fuji double butted chrome molyboenum steel tubes 331. Chrome accents include fork crown and tips, seat & chain stay tips. Braise ons include front & rear fender eyelets & 1 set water bottle bosses on down tube.

Wheels:

27" Ukai box section alloy schrader valve rims laced to medium flange cartridge bearing hubs w/stainless steel spokes. QR front & Rear.

Components:

Sugino Mighty Tour crank w/sugino bottom bracket, Suntour VX drive train w/Suntour bar end shifters. DiaCompe side pull brakes.

Saddle & Seatpost:

Avocet Leather saddle w/Laprade seat pillat

Bars & Stem:

Nitto Techtomic stem/ Fuji pantographed alloy bars

Price:

$750
See it on our website

Newly Restored - Raleigh Super Course

2011-01-23T16:16:00.004-05:00

Make: Raleigh

Model: Super Course

Frame Size: 55cm

Frame Description:

55cm, Raleigh 555 tubes, sport road geometry, braise on's front & rear for fenders,1 set water bottle bosses on down tube. Raleigh pantographed on top of seat stays highlighted in gold. Raleigh heron & wreath pantographed on top of fork crown each side and highlighted in gold.

Wheels:

27" Araya aro alloy rims laced to Sunshine low flange alloy hubs. Quick release front & rear. New Panaracer Pasella Tour Guard tires.

Components:

Super Custom forged alloy crank. Suntour ARX derailleurs w/down tube shifters.

Saddle & Seatpost:

Avocet leather saddle, Laprade alloy seat pillar

Bars & Stem: Raleigh pantographed alloy bars, custom alloy stem.

Price: $575

New Restored - Fuji Sagres SOLD

2011-01-23T16:07:00.003-05:00

Make:

Fuji

Model:

Sagres

Frame Size:

53cm

Frame Description:

VIALite butted 414 tubes. Flat lugged fork crown w/Fuji pantographing. 2 sets rear & 1 set front braisons for fenders & rack. Sport touring geometry.

Wheels:

27" Ukai box section, schrader valve, alloy rims laced to low flange Sunshine alloy hubs. QR front.

Components:

Sugino GT chrome/alloy crank. 12 speed Suntour AR drivetrain w/stem mounted shifters. DiaCompe side pull brakes w/single action levers.

Saddle & Seatpost:

New sprung & rivited saddle w/chrome springs & rails. Alloy seat post.

Bars & Stem:

Nitto

Price:

$375

Newly Restored - Miyata

2011-01-23T16:05:00.003-05:00

Make:

Miyata

Model:

Frontier

Frame Size:

58cm

Frame Description:

1024 High-tensile steel tubes. Chrome fork ends. Fender eyelets frtont & rear.

Wheels:

27" Araya chrome schraeder valve rims laced to chrome hubs.

Components:

Pantographed chrome cottered crank. Suntour front - Shimano SIS rear derailleurs. DiaCompe centerpull brakes w/dual action levers.

Saddle & Seatpost:

Embossed vinyl saddle, chrome seat post.

Bars & Stem:

SR stem, SR pantographed handlebars.

Price:

$325

Newly Restored - Fuji

2011-01-23T15:45:00.002-05:00

Make:

Fuji

Model:

Club

Frame Size:

55cm

Frame Description:

VALite quad butted tubes. Forged dropouts w/adjusting screws in the rear. Chrome fork crown. 2 sets water bottle bosses.

Wheels:

700c UKAI alloy rims w/reinforced spoke eyelets laced to Suntour LePree low flange alloy hubs. QR front & rear. New Panaracer Pasella tires. Presta valve tubes.

Components:

Suntour GLP forged alloy crank. Suntour Cyclone derailleurs w/down tube mounted friction shifters. DiaCompe GX side pull brakes w/Aero levers

Saddle & Seatpost:

Concor saddle on sugino alloy seat pillar.

Bars & Stem:

Nitto alloy bars & stem w/pantographing

Price:

$650

Schwinn Worldsport step through frame | vicsclassicbikes.com

2011-01-23T15:08:00.002-05:00

Make: Schwinn

Model: Worldsport

Frame Size: 48cm

Frame Description: 4130 Cro Moly, forged dropouts. Brais on's include front & rear fender mounts and 1 set water bottle bosses.

Wheels: 27" Araya alloy box section rims laced to low flange alloy hubs. Quick release front & rear. Components: Sugino VP crank. DiaCompe brakes with dual control levers. Shimano Light Sction derailleurs & shifters.

Saddle & Seatpost: Schwinn womens anatomic saddle.

Bars & Stem: Custom alloy stem, cromoly champion bars

Price: $425

2011-01-23T15:04:00.001-05:00

Make: Schwinn

Model: Worldsport

Frame Size: 48cm

Frame Description: 4130 Cro Moly, forged dropouts. Brais on's include front & rear fender mounts and 1 set water bottle bosses.

Wheels: 27" Araya alloy box section rims laced to low flange alloy hubs. Quick release front & rear.

Components: Sugino VP crank. DiaCompe brakes with dual control levers. Shimano Light Sction derailleurs & shifters.

Saddle & Seatpost: Schwinn womens anatomic saddle.

Bars & Stem: Custom alloy stem, cromoly champoin bars

Price: $425

Newly Restored - Fuji DelRay

2011-01-16T14:05:00.006-05:00

Make:

Fuji

Model:

DelRay

Frame Size:

57cm

Frame Description:

Sport touring geometry, FujiVALite quad butted tubing in gun metal gray w/black accents. Forged drop outs. Sloping fork crown. Braise on's include 1 set on front drop outs for fenders, 2 sets rear dropouts for fenders & rack, 2 sets water bottle bosses.

Wheels:

Araya 27" alloy rims with black anodizing laced to Suntour LePree low flange alloy hubs with stainless steel spokes.

Components:

Sugino/Fuji pantoghraphed & anodized alloy crank. Special Suntour LePree gruopo with black anodizing accents on shifters & derailleurs. DiaCompe GranCompe brakes w/Aero leversaaaaa9also w/black anodizing.

Saddle & Seatpost:

Gret Sued saddle atop Sugino anodized & pantographed seat post.

Bars & Stem:

Nitto black annodised stem & bar clamp.

Price:

$475

Newly Restored - Centurion

2011-01-16T14:03:00.003-05:00

Make:

Centurion

Model:

Pro Tour

Frame Size:

55cm

Frame Description:

Tange Champion #2 tubes. Full complement of brais on's including 2 sets on each dropout + an extra set on the fork for rack attachment, 2 sets water bottle bosses. Frame is full chrome under the paint.

Wheels:

Suzie Pro cartridge bearing hubs laced to 27" Araya box section alloy rims with stainless steel spokes. New Panaracer Pasella 1.25" tires with kevlar belt for flat protection.

Components:

Suntour AT triple crank mounted to Mavic cartridge bearing bottom bracket, Suntour Mountian Tech Derailleurs with downtube mounted self trimming shifters. DiaCompe cantaliver brakes with Gran Compe levers.

Saddle & Seatpost:

Vetta leather saddle, Laprade seat piller.

Bars & Stem:

Sake Custom pantographed alloy bars, Custom alloy stem.

Price:

$700

Newly Restored - Schwinn

2011-01-16T13:47:00.004-05:00

Make:

Schwinn

Model:

Worldsport

Frame Size:

48cm

Frame Description:

4130 Cro Moly, forged dropouts. Braise-on's include front & rear fender mounts and 1 set water bottle bosses.

Wheels:

27" Araya alloy box section rims laced to low flange alloy hubs. Quick release front & rear.

Components:

Sugino VP crank. DiaCompe brakes with dual control levers. Shimano Light Action derailleurs & shifters.

Saddle & Seatpost:

Schwinn womens anatomic saddle.

Bars & Stem:

Custom alloy stem, cro moly champion bars

Price:

$425

Newly Restored - Nishiki Olympic

2011-01-16T13:00:00.002-05:00

A "BIG" bike for a "BIG" guy

2011-01-09T14:33:00.009-05:00

At 6" 3" and 270lbs Steven has always felt he was riding bikes that were to small for him. So when he decided to have a bike custom built his search led him to the Rivendell Hunquapillar. Steven ordered his frame set direct from Rivendell including headset, special gold flake paint, and Bull Moose handlebars to be delivered direct to VicsClassicBikes. He and I spent the next several weeks planing this build. We took one system at a time, carefully going over options before deciding on the components. Here is what we came up with.

Starting with the wheels, we decided to have Peter White Cycles do the wheel build. Steven was sure that he wanted Velocity Chucker rims. The front hub is a Sanyo Dyno Hub that powers the LumoTec lighting system and the rear hub is a Velocity. Both wheels are laced with Wheelsmith 14G double butted stainless steel spokes.

The drive train starts out with a SKF sealed bottom bracket. This was the first SKF BB that I have installed and I have to say that I am impressed. From the quality of the unit with drive side roller bearings and moisture seal to the 2 year warranty - SKF has come up with a winner. I will be using this bottom bracket a lot more in the future.

Velo Orange fluted compact crank set, 48x34. Cassett - Shimano HG-40 8 speed 11-34-Rivendell Grip King pedals. Front derailleur - Shimano Ultegra 6700 and the rear is Shimano Deore XT M771. Shifting is handled by Shimano 8 speed bar end shifters mounted to Pauls Thumies. All tied together with a SRAM PC890 chain.

Stopping power is supplied by Paul's Cantilever brakes and levers including Paul's Moon Units for straddle wire attachment. Front and rear generator powered lights by Bush Muller.

Nitto racks front and rear will handle any load Steven needs to carry. A Brooks Flyer Special saddle is mounted atop a Nitto S83 post and complemented by Brooks leather grips.

Additional bits included Velo Orange water bottle cage, Cat Eye Strada 6 function Wireless computer, Crane brass bell, and Plescher 2 leg center kick stand. Steven will protect his head with a Bern helmet.

It has been a pleasure and honor to work with Steven on this build. This is a unique high end build that doesn't come along very often. I hope it brings Him many years of cycling enjoyment.

A big bike for a big man.

Newly Restored - Schwinn Worldsport

2011-01-02T14:41:00.003-05:00

58cm 4130 Cro Moly frame, front & rear brais on's for fenders, 1 set watter bottle bosses. 27" Araya alloy rims laced to low flang alloy hubs with stainless steel spokes. Sake EX forged alloy crank. Shamino Light action derailleurs acatuated with stem mounted shifters. Shimano side pull brakes with dual action levers.

Bike has just been completly overhauled including rebuild of all bearing systems (hubs, headset & bottom bracket. New tires, tubes, cables, rimstrips, chain and saddle. Handlebars wraped with cotton bar tape then finished off with hemp twine and schellac. Price $350.00

Newly Restored - Schwinn Volare SOLD

2011-01-02T14:33:00.005-05:00

The Volare is on of the rarest of Schwinn Road Bikes. Only built for 2 years it was one step down from the Paramount. The Reynolds 531 frame features chrome head lugs, fork crown & tips and rer stay ends. All components are stamped Dura Ace (crank, hubs, brake calapers, brake levers, shifters, freewheel, and front derailleur) rear derailleur is Crane.

Bike has been completly restored including overhaul of all bearing systems (hubs, head set and bottom bracket). New tires, tubes rim strips, cables and chain.

The spoke nipples were corroded so the wheels were rebuilt with new DT swiss stainless steel 14G spokes and brass nipples using the origonal Dura Ace hubs and rims in the 4 cross pattern as when new. Price $750.00

Newly Restored - Raleigh

2011-01-02T14:30:00.002-05:00

63cm Raleigh 502 frame with brais on's for watter bottle and fenders. Low flange alloy hubs laced to 27" winnmann alloy rims. Quick release front & rear. Suntour AX derailleurs with stem mounted shifters. Dia Compe side pull brakes with dual action levers.

Bicycle has been completly restored including overhaul of all bearing systems (hubs, head set, and bottom bracket). New tires, tubes, rim strips and cables. Price $375.00

Newly Restored - Motobecane

2011-01-02T14:26:00.003-05:00

58cm Vitus double butted frame. Suntour Cyclone drive train and Weinmann center pull brakes with dual control levers. Normandy high flang hubes laced to Rigida alloy rims.

Bike has been completly restored including overhaul of all bearing systems (hubs, headset, and bottom bracket). New tires, tubes, rim strips and cables. Price $675.00

56cm Centurian Elite RS - $575 SOLD

2010-12-12T16:15:00.003-05:00

Make:

Centurian

Model:

Elite RS

Frame Size:

56cm

Frame Description:

Tange 2 tubing, forged dropouts

Wheels:

Wolber Super Champion Alpine rims laced to Suzue low flange alloy hubs with stainless steel spokes, quick release front and rear, Continental Gator Skin tires

Components:

Shimano 600 drive train, Dia Compe Royal S side pull brakes with Aero levers

Saddle & Seatpost:

Sakae alloy seat pillar with Vetta suede saddle

Bars & Stem:

Nitto Bars and Stem

Price:

$575

52cm Bridgestone City Bike - $375

2010-12-12T15:43:00.002-05:00

This practical bicycle features a versatile design, from the wide rack to the stainless steel fenders and convenient kickstand. The integrated rear rack provides support for a large saddle bag or serves as a platform to bungee items onto, and its extensions can hold a set of panniers for carrying a heavy load. The custom-designed rear-axel-mounted kickstand provides additional support at the rear of the bike so that the bike can remain standing with a load on the rack. From the coffee shop to the grocery store to campus, this bike will perform any task required with the performance of a classic Japanese 10 speed. You won’t find another one like it! And yeah, it has a way cool head badge.

Make:

Bridgestone

Model:

City Bike

Frame Size:

52cm

Frame Description:

Lugged steel frame, with aluminum lugs.

Wheels:

26" chrome rims laced to high flange chrome hubs

Components:

Ten speed SunTour drive train with stem mounted shifters, Dia Compe side pull brakes with dual action levers

Saddle & Seatpost:

New planet bike saddle

Bars & Stem:

SR Bars and Stem

Price:

$375

63cm Schwinn Traveler

2010-12-05T14:56:00.004-05:00

Make: Schwinn Traveler
Model: Traveler
Frame Size: 63cm
Frame Description: 63cm True Temper frame, forged dropouts, braze ons front and rear, Dia Compe side pull brakes
Wheels: 27' Weinmann alloy rims laced to low flange alloy hubs, quick release front and rear
Components: Sakae SX forged alloy crank, Shimano light action 12 speed drive train actuated with indexed down tube shifters
Saddle & Seatpost: Laprade alloy seat pillar with San Marco vinyl saddle
Bars & Stem: Sakae custom alloy bars and stem
Price: $475

59cm Raleigh Super Grand Prix - $400

2010-12-05T14:02:00.002-05:00

Make Raleigh
Model Grand Prix
Frame Size 59cm
Frame Description 59cm Raleigh Grand Prix, 2030 High Carbon Tubing, Mink Blue, Brazeons front and rear for fenders, Chrome Fork tips
Wheels 27" Ukai alloy rims laced to low flange alloy hubs
Components Raleigh pantographed Sugino crank, Raleigh pantographed SunTour drive train, Weinmann 610 centerpull brakes with dual action levers
Saddle & Seatpost Brooks CR3 vinyl saddle
Bars & Stem Nitto B115 alloy bars with GB alloy stem
Price $400

61cm Trek 400 - $475

2010-12-05T13:45:00.003-05:00

Frame Description 61cm tange 2001 Mangaloy double butted tubes, Burgandy, front and rear braze ons for fenders and racks, water bottle braze ons on down tube, SunTour GT forged drop outs

Wheels 27" Brand new Weinmann LP18 double wall rims, low flange alloy hubs with stainless steel spokes

Components SR Super custom forged alloy crank, Shimano light action drive train with Shimano Z401 downtube shifters, Dia-Compe 500 side pull brakes

Saddle and Seatpost Avocet saddle, alloy seatpost

Bars and Stem Alloy bars and stem

1969 Raleigh Sport 3 Speed - $275

2010-11-28T14:32:00.007-05:00

This charming gentleman's bike would be a perfect ride for your trip to the coffeeshop. This bicycle is in overall excellent condition, though there is some petina on the fender and chainguard. Orginal Brooks saddle in good condition. Original internal 3 Speed Sturmey Archer hub. Bicycle has been completely overhauled including hubs, which have been cleaned and repacked. New brake pads and cables have been installed.

54cm Schwinn Worldsport Women's Frame - $350

2010-11-28T13:10:00.007-05:00

Newly restored 54cm Schwinn Worldsport Women's Frame - $350
Frame - 4130 cromoly double butted tubes with forged dropouts
Sakae SX
Shimano light action drive train actuated with stem shifters
27x1.25 Weinnman alloy rims laced to low flange alloy hubs
Quick release front and rear

50cm Mercier Mixte - $275

2010-11-28T13:07:00.009-05:00

Newly Restored 50cm Mercier Mixte - $275
Luxtube frame
Chromed fork crown ends, chainstay and seatstay ends
Simplex drive train
Mafac racer brakes
Normandy high flange hubs laced to 27" chrome wheels

Shogun Mixte - $375

2010-11-28T12:43:00.005-05:00

Now in stock - freshly restored 53cm Shogun Mixte - $375
Tange 900 Cr-Mo double butted tubing
Braze ons for racks and fenders
Sakae SA forged crank set
Shimano light action drive train
Shimano brakes
Araya 27" rims laced to Shimano low flange alloy hubs

Raleigh Mixte - $425

2010-11-07T15:38:00.003-05:00

Newly restored Raleigh Mixte now in stock!

• Suntour AR 12 speed drive train
• Forged crank
• DiaCompe side pull brakes with dual action levers
• 27" Weinmann alloy rims laced to Raleigh sealed bearing quick release hubs
• Panaracer Pasela tires

New Bike Inventory - 52cm Mercian

2010-10-17T14:24:00.005-04:00

New in stock – a 52cm Mercian. Mercian is a high end British bike manufacturer with a reputation for quality hand built frames. Those who appreciate rare artistically rendered lug work will drool. This bike is currently set up as a touring bike with Shimano Deore components, Shimano 105 hubs, Wolber Super Champion rims, and stainless steel spokes. This beauty would be an incredible holiday gift.

Romulus

2010-10-10T15:47:00.007-04:00

The other Rivendell sitting un-used was this Romulus. I needed something that would be a little faster than my Heron to ride in Floyd Knobs, Indiana with my daughter who is a little faster than me and very competitive. It is equipped with an 8-speed DuraAce crank mounted to a Phil Wood bottom braket. 11-25-8 speed cassette, Ultegra hubs laced to Mavic Open Pro rims, and 32mm Panaracer Pasela tires. Tektro 536 brake calipers, Dura Ace brake levers, Dura Ace seat post, Nitto Technomic stem, 48cm Nitto Noodle bar wrapped with brooks honey bar tape to match the vintage Brooks professional saddle.
I had a top gear inch of 122 on the Heron, I now have 130 gear inches in a top gear on the Romulus, which gives me a ten mph gain.
I think my daughter would prefer I continue to use the Heron.

Fixed Gear Mania at Vic's Classic Bikes

2010-10-10T15:35:00.006-04:00

Justin and Beth are both currently working on fixed gear bikes. Justin's is being built on a vintage Atala frame. Beth's is a Miyata Eighty SE. We'll be following Beth's progress step-by-step in subsequent blog posts. Vic is building 2 more fixed gears, 1 with a full chrome frame, the other a Raleigh Super Corse.

We also have several completed fixed gears for sale, sell fixed gear components, fixed gear cranks, cogs and anything else you would need to complete your build.

Powder coating services are available, and the color choices are endless.

Rare Lugged Steel Trek 950 Mountain Bike

2010-10-03T16:43:00.003-04:00

The Grandfather of all mountain bikes, a 1989 Trek 950 20" frame. Matrix rims laced to Shimano hubs with stainless steel spokes. Shimano mountain LX drive train, Shimano cantilever brakes. This bicycle has been converted to comfort high rise handlebars (original bars and stems included in sale). This bicycle also features a unique two-legged center stand for better balance when parked. Bicycle sold new in 1989 at Bicycle Sport for $529 (original receipt and owner's manual included). Selling now for $450.

Sunday September 26th Ride

2010-09-26T14:54:00.006-04:00

We met at the shop at 9:30am. Attendees were: Justin Hughes, Ryan O'Driscoll, David Prowell, the mysterious Tim, Nicholas Miller, and myself. We left the shop heading west on Christy, and followed Breckenridge to 9th street. We rode the river walk trail west into Portland. We traveled back East to pick up a tardy rider at Joe's crab shack and continued eastward along the bike path into Butchertown, following the Beargrass trail to Grinstead Drive and back to the shop. The weather was gorgeous.

The Quickbeam

2010-09-26T14:47:00.005-04:00

I realize I have two Rivendales that have been sitting in the shop for nearly a year are not being ridden. Of course that will not do. I bought the Quickbeam frame set and wheels on ebay and built the bike up as close to stock as I could. I did use a moustache handlebar which is not stock. The moustache bar made the bike uncomfortable. I rode it several times and never stopped to change the gearing. So, when I reworked it I pulled the Quickbeam crank off and replaced it with a Sugino single speed crank. I switched the wheelset to a set with Phil Wood hubs, Mavic A719 rims with 14 guage straight guage spokes and brass nipples (wheels that will stand up to a 200 pound rider). Switched out the Nitto stem and moustache bars for a Nitto lugged stem, Soma Noah's Arc bar, Oury grips, and Cane Creek flat top break levers. I added my old Brooks flyer special saddle that I had punched and lace to reduce spreading, a Pintle chain and vintage Shimano 600 pedals. Added a blackburn Crossrack for increased utility. This bike is now extremely comfortable and is one of my new favorite bikes.

Beth's Nishiki Mixte Makeover

2010-09-13T10:53:00.005-04:00

Beth brought in a late '70s Nishiki Olympic Mixte, originally gold with turquoise accents.

The frame was sent out for sandblasting and powdercoating (to match the original turquoise). We installed new VO Belleville handlebars, Nitto Technomic stem, Dia Compe inverse brake levers, down tube mounted gear shifters, VO hammered fenders, Nitto rear rack, and finally a Brooks B18 Lady saddle and brown leather bar tape. This bike really turns heads.

Custom single speed

2010-09-12T14:57:00.003-04:00

A customer came in wanting a single speed with the possibility of going fixed eventually. We started with a Raleigh Record frameset, sandblasted and clear powdercoated. New high flange hubs with cutouts and flip flop wheel set, Nitto technomic high rise stem, vintage Cinelli handlebars, red Origin 8 crankset (46 tooth) with matching red KMC 1/8" chain and a 17 tooth Shimano free wheel. The tires are Panaracer Pasela, the customer supplied pedals and a Brooks B17 saddle. This bike will be finished off with Tektro long reach brakes (27" to 700c wheel conversion) and handlebars will be finished with red cotton bar wrap to match the crank and chain.