Fixie Bikes – Retro Cycling Vintage

Benefits of Steel Bicycle Frames

Posted September 29, 2009 by admin in Frames, French, Italian, Road, Steel frames | No comments yet

If we ignore the cheaper supermarket style high tensile steel frames and look at the classic steel alloy frames which are often a mixture with chrome, manganese, nickel etc we can see the the recent successful utilization of aluminium and carbon fibre meant that steel had to raise its game to keep up in the bike frame business.
Go back to the 80s and Reynolds 531 and 753 and Columbus SL and SP dominated the racing market. Look at the 1990s and beyond to see Reynolds and Columbus joined by a multitude of other tubing manufactuers whilst expanding their own offerings of tubesets to satisfy a greater demand of rider's requirements. Touring, mtb, track, time trialing all require slightly different tubesets.
In addition to the wider selection of steels consumers are also faced with a wider choice of tubes made from the materials. Plain guage and double butted have been supplemented by a wide selection of different buttings and profiles.
To a great extent steel had become unfashionable amonst riders which means it becomes fashionable for restorers. Newer materials are often pushed as being 'better' , however its certainly worth remembering that good steel tubes remain eminently suitable for bicycle frames. They also usually offer the answer when the question is quite simply "what frame should I get?"

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New Brooks Swallow Road Bike Seat Saddle Black Standard Chrome Steel Rails    US $240.00

Vintage Zeus Gran Sport Steel Bicycle Dropout Set NOS road bike frame build    US $149.00

VINTAGE ROAD TOURING BIKE BICYCLE STEEL HANDLEBAR BAR    US $6.87

Vintage Saint Tropez steel road bike bicycle frame lugged 21    US $75.00

Vintage Velital womens road bike bicycle steel Italy simplex 3TTT rare    US $99.00

Vintage JCPenny 10 speed racer 23 road bike disc brake steel Shimano bicycle    US $290.00

Vintage Romic steel road bike bicycle 54 cm Campagnolo Phil Wood Columbus    US $900.00

Steel Dawes Road Bike Dura Ace Ultegra Carbon Fork Spinergy Wheel 56cm 54cm 52cm    US $529.99

Vintage Zeus road bike pedal dust covers end cap pair 2 NOS steel bicycle    US $39.00

Vintage New Old Stock raw bicycle frame lug road bike steel NOS    US $19.00

Vintage 1983 Cilo Swiss Road Bike 59cm Bicycle Chrome Steel Shimano 600 EX Blue    US $1,899.00

Steel Frame Pre 1978 Soma Cosmopolitan Road Bike Singlespeed Frame Fork 58cm    US $99.00

Vintage Peugeot Mixte flatbar lugged steel road bike Simplex Prestige white tour    US $450.00

Vintage Peugeot UO8 lugged steel road bike bicycle 57cm Simplex Prestige white    US $550.00

Garlatti Campagnolo Vintage lugged steel Road Bike Bicycle 56 cm green Italy    US $599.00

Vintage Schwinn Super Sport road bike 24 bicycle steel Chicago Made    US $149.00

Vintage Murray 1984 Olympics Steel Road Bike Bicycle 21 Shimano Schwinn Saddle    US $199.00

Zeus Alfa Criterium 52 46 3Bolt Chainring NOS Steel road bike bicycle New    US $99.00

Vintage Puch Marco Polo 57 cm road bike steel bicycle Modolo Suntour 1977 Sakae    US $699.00

Vintage 51 cm Columbia AW Rootbeer 10 Speed Road Bike Shimano USA steel bicycle    US $249.00

Vintage JCI Steel Road bike Bicycle Toe Clips metal NOS Shiny NEW    US $14.99

Vintage Austro Daimler road bike 23 bicycle steel shimano rigida weinmann    US $450.00

Vintage Viscount Aerospace steel 60 cm road bike RARE Bicycle Shimano    US $800.00

Brand New Carbon Steel Shaft Coupling Foldable Mountain Road Bike Lock    US $79.99

Jamis Satellite Sport Femme Steel Road Touring Bike 54cm Green    US $499.00

Road Track Bike Steel Double Toe Clips Large Straps NEW    US $24.97

Vintage Steel Campagnolo Road Bike Cable Guide 286mm    US $.99

Voodoo Rada Light Weight Reynolds 853 Steel Road Racing Bike Frame Orange 58cm    US $599.95

TRACK ROAD BIKE BICYCLE STEEL TOE CLIPSGREENLARGENEW    US $5.87

NJS Handlebars x 6 Steel x 3 Alm x 3 B123 Fixed Gear Road Track Bike    US $.99

TRACK ROAD BIKE BICYCLE STEEL TOE CLIPSORANGELARGE    US $5.87

Romani Columbus SL road bike steel frameset NOS Campagnolo no Colnago    US $510.00

Steel Frame Vintage Schwinn Paramount Single Speed Beechwood Track Road Bike    US $2,599.00

Antique Vintage 1930s 1940s 1950s Steel Super Chrome Road Bike Stem    US $19.98

Schwinn Tempo road bike columbus steel    US $325.00

Seven Cycle Axiom steel road bike bicycle frame only    US $202.50

FRANCESCO MOSER Super Prestige Italian steel road bike frame fork 48cm    US $267.00

Salsa 15deg 120mm 254 Mountain Bike Road Stem Steel Used Perfect for Retro    US $19.00

CIÖCC Designer 84 Columbus Steel Vintage Road Bike SL CIOCC NOS Parts 80s    US $410.00

PURE Earth 1st Steel Road Bike Frame 51CM Columbus SL Triple Butted Frame Tubes    US $1,315.00

Slide Away PURE Earth 1st Steel Road Bike Frame Columbus SL Triple Butted 49CM    US $1,315.00

1 Chrome STEEL road bike fork 700c 1 INCH threaded steerera    US $170.21

Kenda K191 Koncept Road Bike Tire Black Steel 650 x 23    US $12.11

RRB Steel Road Bike 59cm    US $400.00

BRAND NEW WHITE STEEL BICYCLE PEDAL DOUBLE TOE CLIPS LARGE TRACK ROAD FIXIE BIKE    US $5.99

Voodoo Rada Ultra Light 853 Steel Carbon Seat Stay Road Bike Frame Orange 55cm    US $524.96

Guru sidero steel road bike new never used    US $1,350.00

Steel 95mm 1 1 8 Quill Road Bike Road Stem 254 mm NEW    US $14.95

Steel 125mm 1 Quill Road Bike Road Stem 254 mm NEW    US $14.95

Steel 110mm 1 Quill Road Bike Road Stem 254 mm NEW    US $19.95

NOS 70S CAMPAGNOLO ROAD PISTA TRACK FIXED GEAR BIKE PEDAL DUST COVERS STEEL    US $50.00

Vintage Bianchi Frame Set 56cm Steel Road Bike    US $51.15

Dahon Allegro Ritchey Break Away Steel Road Bike Frame 54cm    US $888.00

Specialized Sirrus Vintage Steel Road Bike Frame Single Speed Fixed Gear 55cm    US $69.99

BIANCHI Ibex Road BikeVintage Rock shocks with steel frame    US $359.99

Vintage rare GIANT 12 SPEED ROAD BIKE RS920 Early model steel frame fixie    US $75.00

Serotta Colorado new road bike 53cm steel    US $3,919.99

Spalding Road Bike Frame Vintage Lugged Steel Fixed gear    US $40.00

MKS Steel Toe Clips Medium Chrome Fixie Road Bike Fixed Gear Bicycle Bike    US $19.99

MKS Deep Steel Toe Clips Large Chrome Fixie Road Bike Fixed Gear Bicycle Bike    US $21.99

MKS Steel Toe Clips Large Chrome Fixie Road Bike Fixed Gear Bicycle Bike    US $19.99

MKS Steel Toe Clips X Large Chrome Fixie Road Bike Fixed Gear Bicycle Bike    US $19.99

NEW JAGWIRE BRAKE CABLE ROAD BIKE BRAKE CABLE STAINLESS STEEL HYPER BRAKE CABLE    US $3.60

MKS Deep Steel Toe Clips X Large Chrome Fixie Road Bike Fixed Gear Bicycle Bike    US $21.99

Vintage Schwinn Le Tour Luxe Steel Road Bicycle Blue 59cm Bike Shimano Altus    US $299.00

Vintage Steel 57cm Lugged Road Bike Bicycle Black Silver Suntour Bar Con GT    US $399.00

Waterford R 33 Road Bike 56cm Custom Steel Campagnolo Record Ritchey    US $2,299.99

Speedplay X2 Pedals Clipless Road Bike Cycling Stainless Steel    US $99.99

NEW 4 Steel M8 8 mm Button Head Hex Metric Road Mountain Bike Black Screws mtb    US $8.99

VINTAGE ROAD BIKE BICYCLE BRAKE CABLE NEW 74CM STEEL    US $.99

Kenda Street K35 Road Bike Tire 27x1 1 4 Blk Tan Steel    US $17.91

Kenda Street K152 Road Bike Tire 700x25c Black Steel    US $17.91

Kenda Street K40 Road Bike Tire 26x1 3 8 Blk Tan Steel    US $16.91

Kenda Street K40 Road Bike Tire 24x1 3 8 Blk Tan Steel    US $17.91

Vintage RT Jansen Steel touring road bicycle 54cm bike Huret Duopar Mafac    US $7,999.00

RARE REYNOLDS CLASSIQUE 653 725 STEEL ROAD BIKE FRAME DAVE YATES JOE WAUGH    US $790.00

27 road bike steel fork and headset    US $5.99

CHROME STEEL Bicycle ROAD BARS 40 44cm 1 clamp Bike    US $21.97

BASSO CORAL vintage lugged steel road bike frame fork 56cm    US $.99

NEW LOT Stainless Steel Brake Cables Road Bike Bicycle CX TT    US $14.99

NEW 2000 Ritchey Road Logic Road Bike 58cm Steel Shimano Ultegra 6600    US $2,399.99

Vintage Steel Road Bike Fork for 27    US $19.99

1 Chrome STEEL road bike fork 700c 1 INCH threaded steerers    US $165.00

Micargi M50 Mens 6 Speed Steel Frame Off Road Mountain Bike Black Bicycle    US $174.95

Micargi SX 30 Mens Red Steel Frame MTB Off Road Mountain Bike Bicycle    US $249.95

For: Strong, Cheap, Stiff, Repairable
Against: Rust

Good examples of steel frames for restoration projects

Easy: Raleigh, Bianchi, Colnago, Merckx, Peugeot
Harder to find: Masi, Botecchia, Pinarello, Moser, ciocc, wilier,
Great if you can get one: Legnano, Roberts, Mercian, Hetchins

Brodie MTB parts

Posted September 28, 2009 by admin in Mtb, Shimano | No comments yet

Brodie Research is a small company that was founded back in 1986. They are still growing and proud of their products. According to promo material from 1990 these were the people who were making, moulding and inspiring the Brodie products.

Paul Brodie, an aspiring veteran racer is sinking deeper and deeper into an administrative role but still finds time to TIG weld every frame. Paul made his first frame when he was 13.
Jane Slash Brodie has helped shape the company with her good ideas and sound advice. Jane's custom race shirts are in demand and help make Brodie unique.
Mike Truelove learnt the art of frame building after extensive work in bicycle retail. Mike does most of the brazing, plays bicycle polo and races in expert class

The Sovereign is meticulously crafted from a blend of Tange Logic tubing with Concept seat stays. The Sovereign is TIG welded and comes with a Gatorblade fork, Brodie handbuilt stem, Brodie Brake Booster, Brodie Lovehandles, Interloc seat post, handbuilt wheels and Shimano XT components. Designed to give you a ride with the absorbtion qualities of titanium and the price tag of steel, its perfect fo the racer who demands control.

The Catalyst race proven in Western Canada has been a success with Tange's innovative Concept tubing. With the addition of Logic chainstays its even better. Our alignment processes guarantee you get a bicycle that tracks straight, and our geometry gives you the kind of handling that builds confidence and makes you want to ride.

The Brodie brake booster evolved from work on a huge oversize U-Brake that flexed the brake braze-ons enormously. The booster is alive and well in 1991, 10 grams lighter, full of holes and racy looks.

Brodie lovehandles offer alternate hand positions for hill climbing or touring. Forged from 356 aluminium and heat-treated, they are available in silver or black, with plastic end caps and allen key for installation.

Brodie Airtime was designed as an instant, onboard air supply. It consists of three items: the CO2 cartridge, the valve adapter, and the holder. No matter what kind of bike you race, Airtime will save valuable seconds should the Flat Demon pick on you.
Frame geometry is still much like the first ROMAX. The head angle is 70.5 and fork rake is 1.75". Seat tube angle is 74 degrees.

Elevated Chain Stays

Posted September 27, 2009 by admin in Frames, Mtb | No comments yet

Elevated chain stays came in around 1989 on mountainbikes from the USA. It was a trend that hung around for a couple of years but then didn't really last to the present day. In theory they give extra mud clearance on and shorter chainstays meaning more climbing control. Poorly made frames can leave you with extra flex around the bottom bracket when you put the power down.

The bikes look pretty cool so if you can get hold of one for a restoration project there won't be many other similar ones around.

One of the early innovators in this field was Alpinestars - From their advert for the Al Mega XT...

"EOS" Elevated Oversize System, the "secret" to the system is the sum of its parts. What makes our system really work is just that - it is a totally integrated system. Mountain Bike Action said "Elevated and Oversize were 1989's top innovations". But if not combined with the right geometry and the other key elements of the complete bike they are as worthless as most of the past hype you've read about them. EOS incorporates the best of hte past while defining the Mt Bike of the future.

I think we've made our point. EOS is a totally integrated system. If after all this you think we're trying to take you for a ride... you're absolutely right! It's the only way to feel how good it really is.

Elevate Your Performance
Our oversized 15.9" chainstays break the 16" barrier in a big way. Everyone dreams about a climbing edge, We've just created yours.

Oversize Your Thinking
The goal is to maximise the properties of the tubing in a frame that is as light as possible while maintaining strength and rigidity. Our special oversize tubing capitalizes on the optimum ratios between rigidity and weight.

Steer Clear
The only answer to a total system is a complete redesign from the tires up. The combination of our new Megasized Aluminium fork with the megalise alumunium steam and 7005 series alumiium oversize handlebars gives true meaning to "Lighter, stronger and quicker"

Atala Bikes of Italy

Posted September 21, 2009 by admin in Campagnolo, Frames, Italian, Road | No comments yet

The name Atala was considered one of the great manufacturers of Italian bicycles, particularly racing models of the past. It was founded by Cesare Rizzato in Padua, Italy.

Since the early twentieth century Atala ran its own cycling team, participating in the first editions of the Tour of Italy and having success to win the unusual competition for teams of 1912.

Following a high period which saw many victories on the road at some of the world championships in the 80s the company hthen experienced a period of crisis, being sold by the Rizzo family in 2002, forming the new group Atala, owned by a group of owners of Milan and Banca Antonveneta. It is currently owned by the Turkish company Bisiklet Bianchi, with Turkey being almost the entire centre of production, so famous an Italian brand with production in Turkey.

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ATALA CAMPAGNOLO VINTAGE PORTEAM 1992 MAILLOT JERSEY SzM    US $63.18

Today Turkey produces mainly a leisure bike with various lines, but imports from China also accessories, spare parts and items for fitness.

Atala also diversified like many other manufactueres into motorcycles.
From 1938 to 2002 was a remarkable motorcycle production in the field of small displacements and some models were powered by the electric motor.

From our point of view looking at classic bikes Atala was definitely a full range manufacturer. They did produce entry level models and during the 1970's bike boom these models were barely above department store models. These bicycles left a lot to be desired, but they attracted the customers, because the Italians made sure they emphasized the cosmetics with lots of chrome and elegant paint. During the 1980s there were many lower mid-range model made which can still be picked up today and restored into an interesting project. During this period many of the Italian manufacturers simply named the bicycle based on the tubeset and/or grouppo eg Atala Aelle Triomphe. It may have been Campy Triomphe or Gran Sport equipped but more likely it was Campagnolo derailleurs mixed with various Miche, Gipiemme, Modolo, Ofmega and/or Universal componentry. If you are lucky enough find an old Italian frame to work on you might want to consider sourcing these components to keep it unique.

History of the Bicycle Part 3. The Start of Bianchi

Posted September 18, 2009 by admin in Frames, Italian, Road | No comments yet

It is thought there were around a million two-wheelers operating in Europe in the late nineteenth century, but at this point nobody had yet built one in Italy until a young mechanic in Milan could be classified the equivalent of what Henry Ford was for the United States, came up with the most revolutionary idea of his time, to build high-quality bicycles.
His name was Edoardo Bianchi and he was born in Milan on 17 July 1865. With no news about his origins or his family he grew up in the "Martinitt" (of which he was throughout his life one of the most generous donors) where he had been taught the rudiments of mechanics. The young craftsman had a premonition about the future of mechanized transport when, in August of 1885 he opened a shop in Milan, in Via Nirone n.7 to and between medical and wheeled carriages, bells and kitchen equipment, he happened to have to repair bicycle.
He understood immediately that the velocipede, with its efficiency, simplicity and self-propelled engine would be the future of transportation and he concentrated all his efforts on it, developing a philosophy: to only build high quality with the best materials available.

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BIANCHI Eros Steel Road Bicycle Hard to Find Excellent Used Condition 46cm Blue    US $400.00

BIANCHI NOS 53 cm vintage cr mo steel FRAME SET    US $159.90

Bianchi XL Boron Steel 51 cm    US $499.00

BLUE STEEL GUN LEATHER BY JOHN BIANCHI 1ST ED SIGNED    US $145.00

Bianchi Stainless Steel Watch New Cool NR    US $8.99

BIANCHI COBRA LEATHER SUEDE BACKED RIFLE SLING w QUICK RELEASE STEEL SWIVELS    US $17.50

John Bianchi Blue Steel Gunleather firearms    US $39.75

Vintage Bianchi Frame Set 56cm Steel Road Bike    US $51.15

BIANCHI Ibex Road BikeVintage Rock shocks with steel frame    US $359.99

Bianchi SASS Steel Single Speed Rigid 26 Mountain Bike 175 Chrome    US $419.99

Bianchi Steel Seat Post Road 264 mm Used    US $29.99

1981 58 cm Bianchi Nuova Racing Columbus Steel Frame Set Made in Italy    US $36.00

BIANCHI ALLORO ITALIAN STEEL FRAME SET 55 CM 57 CM    US $399.90

Blue Steel Gunleather Bianchi 1978 GUNSMITHING 1ST ED HOLSTER GUIDE PISTOLS    US $20.00

Bianchi Axis 47cm Cyclocross Frame Bicycle Bike Fork Steel Pink White CX    US $200.00

Blue Steel Gunleather Holsters FIREARMS GUIDE John Bianchi PHOTOS 1980 Third    US $24.99

BLUE STEEL GUNLEATHER BIANCHI FAST DRAW CONCEALMENT    US $24.95

BIANCHI Seat Saddle Comfort MTN Bike Vinyl Steel Rails    US $19.99

NEW 2010 Bianchi Pista 53cm Fixed Gear Bicycle Steel    US $739.79

NEW 2010 Bianchi Pista Blue 56cm Fixed Gear Bicycle Steel    US $599.99

Already in 1888 his reputation had spread throughout the city so he had to expand with a factory opened in Via Bertani. Business was good and his reputation grew in tandem with the advances of his bikes. He was, for example, the first to adopt that very year, the invention of Scottish veterinarian John Dunlop's inflatable tyres and to offer its customers this avant-garde product.

He again expanded his store by moving to the Via Borghetto when they happened on two occasions he was able to exploit surprise and achieve a turning point for his company.
The first was when Queen Margherita, on holiday in Monza, called him to the palace. The request was to teach her to ride a bicycle. Edoardo hastily built a bike for the sovereign which was of course adorned with blue and gold crest on the frame of the House of Savoy, It also had knobs of ivory and Edoardo Bianchi took her to a wooden box lined with red velvet .
The impact of this was dramatic. Bianchi was awarded the title of "Official Supplier to the Royal Household" and it was even necessary to form an assembly line to meet the demands of bicycles the same as that of the queen who also came from Spain, France and Portugal.

A Brief History of Legnano Bikes

Posted September 17, 2009 by admin in Frames, Italian, Road | No comments yet

Legnano (pronounced Len-yan-o) has been one of the largest manufacturers of bicycles in Italy and is also known for having long had a vrey successful cycling team.

In addition to making high end race bikes, Legnano also produced leisure bikes, keeping unchanged for a long time the colors and graphics on the frame, a particular color green which even today is associated with the Italian brand.

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Vintage Legnano Folding bike 20 Fender mudguard set New Old Stock Celeste NOS    US $49.00

BIANCHI LEGNANO DEI SET TACCOLETTI FRENI NUOVI    US $6.99

Legnano Italy 1941 Piscina postcard    US $9.95

vintage 40s Legnano race Sport Crankset Extra light bicycle old bike racing    US $5.50

Vintage Legnano Bicycle Co NEW NOS brass bike Head badge Road Folding Italian    US $149.00

Vintage Wool Legnano Embroidered Cycling Jersey Campagnolo by Santini    US $59.99

NOS Legnano pantographed 52T 144 BCD chainring    US $29.00

T Shirt LEGNANO bike cycling cycle vintage    US $13.00

1968 Automobile Car Print LEGNANO A 6 8 HP 1908    US $9.99

1989 Uruguay PEPSI COLA old car 14 LEGNANO 1908 MINT    US $35.00

LEGNANO BROCHURE CATALOG LIST INDEX ORIGINAL MOPEDS MOTORCYCLES VINTAGE    US $70.00

LEGNANO 1908 OLDTIMER CAR from URUGUAY    US $34.00

OLD BYCICLE FOR COLLECTION LEGNANO CAFICI CIA    US $999.99

Italy 1949 MI 771 cover Milano to Legnano    US $50.00

TCS Games DTP War Game Battles of the Middle Ages Legnano 1176 MINT    US $7.49

PAIR LEGNANO MOTOR CYCLE WATER DECAL motorcycle    US $19.90

NOS GNUTTI Top Adjustable Threaded Headset RACE fits Torpado Legnano Frejus    US $26.95

BIANCHI MILANO LEGNANO TALL SOCKS BLACK S M 38 42    US $15.99

BIANCHI MILANO LEGNANO TALL SOCKS BLACK L XL 43 45    US $15.99

BIANCHI MILANO LEGNANO TALL SOCKS CELESTE L XL 43 45    US $15.99

BIANCHI MILANO LEGNANO TALL SOCKS CELESTE 2XL 46    US $15.99

BIANCHI MILANO LEGNANO TALL SOCKS CELESTE S M 38 42    US $15.99

NOS Gnutti Lower Headtube Race Headset RACE for Torpado Legnano Frejus Head Tube    US $14.68

Vintage Bike book Italian bikes Legnano Bianchi Campagnolo Cinelli Masi Colnago    US $56.00

La Batta Di Legnano Fiorentino 10 05 1959 La Batta Di Legnano Fiorentino 10 0    US $17.02

VERDI LA BATTAGLI DI LEGNANO 3 LP BOX SET G 1388    US $13.50

Engine Gasket Set for Legnano 48 NEW 264    US $12.50

Engine Gasket Set for Legnano 75 motorcycle NEW 284    US $12.50

The Battle of Legnano Amos Cassioli Collectors Plate    US $34.98

The image of the company was a badge which represented an effigy of Alberto da Giussano, which until the 1960s, models were made of brass and affixed the head tube. Over time this was subsequently replaced by badges or stickers.

The brand Legnano has been taken over by fellow Milanese bike producers Bianchi, who today continues to produce a line of racing bikes under the Legnano brand aimed at the medium level racing market.

Present as a team since the first editions of the Tour of Italy at the beginning of the twentieth century, Legnano emerged in the decade preceding the Second World War thanks to riders like Gino Bartali. In the late '30s he was hired as an amateur along with Fausto Coppi, who, past professional won the Giro surprisingly in 1940.

The success that pro racing results bought Legnano meant that it still has a place in the heart of many Italians of a certain age. For those growing up during the 1950s and 1960s a Legnano bicycle was the machine to aspire to and with a price of several months the average wage it was a dream for many Italians to own one.

Scaring Cyclists

Posted September 16, 2009 by admin in Road | No comments yet

You've got to wonder what inadequacies seem to be affecting TV cookery host James Martin for him to use his motoring reveiw column in the Daily Mail to not only write disparagingly about cyclists but also to admit to deliberately causing a dangerous traffic incident while road testing a Tesla Electric Car.

But whenever I drive to London, dutifully paying my £8 for the privilege (on top of my road tax, petrol tax, parking and all the other rip-offs), without fail a cyclist will rap on my window and make some holier-than-thou comment, before zooming off through a red light where he knows I can't get him.God, I hate those cyclists. Every last herbal tea-drinking, Harriet Harman-voting one of them. That's one of the reasons I live in the countryside, where birds tweet, horses roam, pigs grunt and Lycra-clad buttocks are miles away. But recently, there's been a disturbing development.

Each Saturday, a big black truck appears at the bottom of my road, with bikes stuck to the roof and rear. Out of it step a bunch of City-boy ponces in fluorescent Spider-Man outfits, shades, bum bags and stupid cleated shoes, who then pedal around our narrow lanes four abreast with their private parts alarmingly apparent. Do they enjoy it? They never smile. I'm sure they just come here to wind me up.

So far so good. Well a journalist writing in the Daily Hate Mail has got to have something to try and cause trouble over otherwise it would be out of keeping with the rest of the rag.
But then he goes on to tell us what happened as his Tesla test run continued

“Twenty minutes into my test drive I pulled round a leafy bend, enjoying the birdsong - and spotted those damned Spider-Man cyclists. Knowing they wouldn't hear me coming, I stepped on the gas, waited until the split second before I overtook them, then gave them an almighty blast on the horn at the exact same time I passed them at speed.

“The look of sheer terror as they tottered into the hedge was the best thing I've ever seen in my rear-view mirror. I think this could be the car for me."

Nice guy. No mention of whether he stopped to check if any of them had cuts or grazes. No look back to see if there were any broken bones or worse still, life threatening head injuries.
So what is there to do about this? Pro Sprinter Robbie McEwen has advised this poor excuse for a journalist that physical violence will be coming his way if he meets Robbie. Bradley Wiggins has spoken out against Martin. Short of keying up his car every time cyclists see him out in town what would be the best way to deal with this?
Simple. Email the BBC and ask them if they think hat this sort of behaviour is becoming of an employee of their corportation. Other presenters have been sacked or reprimanded for being caught taking drugs at parties and other antisocial behaviour. Willfully causing road accidents and then boasting about it should be no different.

History of Colnago

Posted September 15, 2009 by admin in Campagnolo, Frames, Italian, Road | No comments yet

Colnago is an Italian manufacturer of high quality racing bicycles founded by Ernesto Colnago in 1953.

Originally set up as a workshop  over the years Colnago have become one of the leading global manufacturesr of racing bikes.

Colnago split the early years of his career between working in the shop and  participating in various bike race competitions including the Tour of Italy. Later on the Colnago factory was putting out such mechanically very high level bikes that they were even used by the Italian national team. They evn produced bikes that brought great champions to victory in stage races and world championships.

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Vintage Colnago Red 56 cm Road Bike Bicycle Campagnolo Super Record 3ttt Turbo    US $799.00

COLNAGO MEXICO SUPER campagnolo record 3tt columbus road bike vintage    US $799.00

COLNAGO C59 ITALIA M10 C50 CYCLING BIKE WATER BOTTLE BIDON CAGE BRAND NEW    US $18.95

Ferrari CX50 CX 50 Shimano Colnago Carbon Tail Mountain Bike MSPR $2299    US $202.50

42cm Colnago Carbon Look Road Bike Handlebars 318    US $31.00

Colnago Anatomic Alloy 42cm Road Bike Handlebar NEW    US $14.95

Colnago Road Bike Logo Mousepad Mat    US $.99

2002 COLNAGO C40 B Stay Carbon Road Bike 56 cm Shimano Dura Ace    US $1,225.00

44cm Colnago Carbon Look Road Bike Handlebars 318    US $.99

italian VINER PROMOTION JUNIOR 22´´ road bike w Colnago Tape NOS    US $899.00

COLNAGO CT 1 53 cm TITANIUM CARBON HIGH PERFORMANCE CAMPAGNOLO BICYCLE BIKE RARE    US $2,999.00

COLNAGO T SHIRT cycling wear bike clothing XXL    US $15.00

COLNAGO A R T E road bike sloping 58cm NOS    US $1,899.00

NEW Colnago Bike Campagnolo Vintage Cycling Road WristWatch░▒▓█​▀▄█▓▒░    US $.98

NOS CAMPAGNOLO C RECORD SEAT POST 262 mm SEATPOST BICYCLE BIKE FOR COLNAGO    US $199.00

CAMPAGNOLO C RECORD SEAT POST 26 mm SEATPOST BICYCLE BIKE FOR COLNAGO    US $129.00

Colnago Ace Carbon Frame Road Bike Campagnolo Wheels Veloce Group New    US $2,500.00

Italian Vintage Supersteel Road Bike Colnago    US $1,800.00

COLNAGO T SHIRT cycling wear bike clothing LRG    US $15.00

Romani Columbus SL road bike steel frameset NOS Campagnolo no Colnago    US $510.00

Vintage Selle Italia Novus by Ferrari saddle for Colnago Ferrari bike    US $3.48

COLNAGO STASH 50cm Master Pista TRACK Frame 1 of 38 bike bicycle fixed    US $4,923.63

Colnago Youth Road Bike    US $300.00

Regina ORO Chain 114 NOS NIB vintage Bike Chain Masi Colnago Cinelli    US $65.00

Colnago Colnago President Finest bike ever made    US $14,500.00

2X Titanium Bolts for Colnago Giant Elite Bike Water Bottle Carbon Cage MTB Bike    US $6.99

Vintage Road bike frame fork early 1970s Colnago Branded 555cm Campagnolo    US $329.00

Colnago Sport road bike frame set vintage 80s with cromed fork white 55 cm    US $33.00

2008 Colnago CLX Full Carbon Road Bike 54cm Compact Crank Full Campy 20 spd    US $2,599.00

2011 COLNAGO ACE road bike 45cm NEW    US $2,299.00

2011 COLNAGO ACE road bike 42cm NEW    US $2,299.00

2011 COLNAGO ACE road bike 48cm NEW    US $2,299.00

2011 COLNAGO ACE road bike 56cm NEW    US $2,299.00

Vintage 56cm Colnago Super Road Bike Frame and Fork Nice    US $.99

New Colnago Bike Cycling Campagnolo Vintage Bicycle Sport Watch    US $.95

NOS COLNAGO ART DECOR MASTER C40 CARBON SADDLE BIKE SELLE BASSANO BICYCLE SEAT    US $249.00

COLNAGO ART DECOR MASTER C40 MINT CARBON SADDLE BIKE SELLE BASSANO BICYCLE SEAT    US $165.00

Gorgeous COLNAGO Super Sprint Road bike Campagnolo ATHENA Super Record 565cm    US $1,799.00

vintage RIVAT road bike shoes for Colnago NOS    US $69.99

Hautacam KM Marker Model Bike Gift Colnago pinarello Orbea De Rosa Shimano Assos    US $15.78

COLNAGO C 50 HP Campagnolo road bike 55cm NOS    US $5,499.00

classic COLNAGO MEXICO road bike 57cm    US $1,950.00

Alpe dHuez KM Marker Bike Gift Rapha Mavic BMC Colnago Look Assos Campagnolo    US $22.91

COLNAGO Book 2007 hardback reading italian cycle bike    US $15.78

Bike Bag Dust Cover Colnago Steel Master CX 1 EPS C 59    US $30.11

COLNAGO BICYCLE MENS WRIST WATCH IN BOX VINTAGE ROAD BIKE NEEDS NEW BATTERY    US $21.55

NEW Colnago Extreme Power Carbon Road Bike Frame 55cm 700c Red    US $3,449.99

COLNAGO MASTER LIGHT TIME TRIAL PURSUIT BIKE    US $9,500.00

NEW Colnago CLX 20 Carbon Bike Ultegra 3T 57S 59 60    US $2,699.99

COLNAGO MASTER C40 MINT CARBON SADDLE BIKE CAMPAGNOLO SELLE BASSANO BLACK    US $175.00

NOS COLNAGO MASTER C40 CARBON SADDLE NIB BIKE CAMPAGNOLO SELLE BASSANO PURPLE    US $175.00

NOS COLNAGO MASTER FRAME SET 56 cm NEW CLASSIC CAMPAGNOLO RECORD BIKE FRAMESET    US $2,649.00

COLNAGO C50 XS FRAME SET 46 cm HIGH PERFORMANCE CAMPAGNOLO RECORD BICYCLE BIKE    US $2,649.00

COLNAGO C40 CARBON ART DECOR ROAD BIKE SHIMANO MAVIC    US $1,099.00

NOS NIB vintage ALE lightweight BOTTLE CARRIER for Campagnolo Colnago road bike    US $4.00

COLNAGO T SHIRT cycling wear bike clothing XL    US $15.00

Colnago Dream B Stay Bicycle Bike Shimano Dura Ace Group Flight Deck Carbon Fork    US $102.50

COLNAGO SUPER road bike 57cm    US $1,950.00

2011 COLNAGO ACE road bike 54cm NEW    US $2,299.00

NOS 20x vintage COLNER Colnago bar end plugs raod bike 3ttt Cinelli    US $4.00

COLNAGO T SHIRT cycling wear bike clothing SM    US $15.00

NOS COLNAGO MASTER C40 CARBON SADDLE BIKE CAMPAGNOLO SELLE BASSANO SEAT BICYCLE    US $185.00

NOS COLNAGO MASTER C40 CARBON SADDLE NIB BIKE CAMPAGNOLO SELLE BASSANO SEAT    US $175.00

NOS COLNAGO TEAM CASINO SADDLE BIKE FOR CAMPAGNOLO C40 C50 MASTER BICYCLE SEAT    US $269.00

NOS COLNAGO RABOBANK SADDLE BIKE FOR C40 C50 MASTER CAMPAGNOLO SAN MARCO SEAT    US $269.00

Colnago Z3 Road Bike Saddle White Used    US $100.00

COLNAGO WHITE ROAD BIKE SOFT HANDLEBAR TAPE BAR PLUGS    US $26.39

BULK STOCK OF 5 PCS NEW GRAN FONDO COLNAGO BIKE CYCLING JERSEYS XL by Parentini    US $161.60

COLNAGO A R T E road bike sloping 55cm NOS    US $1,899.00

Colnago Decor Road bike 57cm campanola    US $1,000.00

Rare COLNAGO SUPER Road Bike Campagnolo Nuovo Record 50    US $1,999.00

1983 1984 COLNAGO SUPER SARONNI VINTAGE ROAD BIKE OFMEGA CAMPAGNOLO 3TTT PANTO    US $1,499.00

COLNAGO T SHIRT cycling wear bike clothing MED    US $15.00

NEW COLNAGO CYCLING SADDLE BIKE SEAT SPARES BAG    US $29.63

VINTAGE SELLE ITALIA DUAL RACING FIXIE FIXED BIKE SEAT CAMPAGNOLO COLNAGO    US $100.00

NEW COLNAGO BIKE NEW SPORT METAL WATCH RARE DESIGN    US $14.24

2008 COLNAGO CLX CARBON ROAD BIKE 52CM BRAND NEW    US $3,799.99

Super Rare Italian Bike Studio Book Colnago De Rosa Cinelli Arte    US $149.99

COLNAGO Z5 WHITE ROAD CYCLING BIKE BICYCLE SADDLE New    US $129.22

Colnago t shirt bike 2 styles t shirt SIZE S XXL    US $11.99

In 1970  the company took a new symbol, the ace of clubs which is now throughout the world associated with the Colnago.

In 1972 the bike was produced for the record hour attmempt by Eddy Merckx. It was very innovative for its time with a great deal of materials research behind it, thanks to special tubing and the use of components extremely relieved and thanks to the work Colnago staff to file the welds, it came to weigh only 5500 grams.

In 1974 the name of the Colnago was associated for the first time with an entire professional team and in particular, that of Giuseppe Saronni, who  got the biggest wins of his career on Colnagos

US Auctions Australian Auctions Austrian Auctions Belgian Auctions Canadian Auctions French Auctions German Auctions Hong Kong Auctions Indian Auctions Irish Auctions Italian Auctions Dutch Auctions Polish Auctions Singapore Auctions Spanish Auctions Swiss Auctions UK Auctions

Colnago Master X Light Columbus GilcoCarbon Time forksteel frame setframeset    US $1,216.60

COLNAGO COLUMBUS CAMPAGNOLO FRAMESET FRAME VINTAGE 52cm    US $1,299.00

Colnago Alloy hardtail frame and fork setnew    US $81.00

Colnago Ace Carbon Frame Road Bike Campagnolo Wheels Veloce Group New    US $2,500.00

Vintage Colnago Saronni Columbus Campagnolo steel frame frameset    US $41.08

Colnago Master Olympic Frame Vintage    US $227.50

COLNAGO CT1 B STAY 56CM TITANIUM CARBON ROAD FRAME used    US $650.00

COLNAGO STASH 50cm Master Pista TRACK Frame 1 of 38 bike bicycle fixed    US $4,923.63

2005 Colnago Bicycle Frame Component Catalog 44 Pages 9x12    US $12.99

2005 Colnago Bicycle Frame Component Catalog 44 Pages    US $5.99

Colnago Pista Dream Frame and Fork 58cm    US $650.00

Vintage Road bike frame fork early 1970s Colnago Branded 555cm Campagnolo    US $329.00

COLNAGO MASTER VINTAGE GILCO STEEL FRAME    US $1,376.00

Colnago Sport road bike frame set vintage 80s with cromed fork white 55 cm    US $33.00

Colnago Super Frame Columbus SL Tubing    US $320.00

Vintage 56cm Colnago Super Road Bike Frame and Fork Nice    US $.99

Colnago OVAL CX Frame Fork 54cm CC Panto SEATPOST    US $202.50

Colnago Master Piu Frame Set    US $999.00

COLNAGO COMPETITION ART DECOR FRAME FRAMESET SELLE BASSANO WGC    US $201.00

COLNAGO CARBITUBO FRAME    US $999.00

Medici Pro Strada frame with Colnago Fork 53cm steel    US $400.00

COLUMBUS COLNAGO SL CROMAR FRAME FORK DECALS j    US $14.99

2005 Colnago Bicycle Frame Component Catalog 44 Pages 9x12    US $12.99

Amazing Colnago Tecnos Frame Size 55cm LOOK    US $749.00

COLNAGO TECHOS Columbus frame black free Colnago mirror silver decals    US $7.95

Colnago Mega Master frame    US $250.00

NOS COLNAGO CAMPAGNOLO CHAINSTAY CHAIN STAY FRAME PROTECTOR    US $24.95

NEW Colnago Extreme Power Carbon Road Bike Frame 55cm 700c Red    US $3,449.99

NOS COLNAGO MASTER FRAME SET 56 cm NEW CLASSIC CAMPAGNOLO RECORD BIKE FRAMESET    US $2,649.00

COLNAGO C50 XS FRAME SET 46 cm HIGH PERFORMANCE CAMPAGNOLO RECORD BICYCLE BIKE    US $2,649.00

ROAD FRAME TIME TRIAL COLNAGO KRONO 55 cm TT Pursuit    US $925.00

COLNAGO SPORT FRAME MINT SIZE 53X54 80S CAMPAGNOLO    US $699.00

COLNAGO CARBITUBO FRAME DAMAGED    US $249.00

COLNAGO SPRINT FRAME FORK AND CAMPAGNOLO CRANKSET    US $599.00

COLNAGO Columbus SL frame decals    US $9.95

vintage COLNAGO Gilco Columbus frame decals    US $6.95

2010 Colnago CX 1 Road Bicycle Carbon 52 s Frame ALL NEW COMPONENTS W Zero MILES    US $3,900.00

NOS COLNAGO FRAME FORK STICKER    US $6.95

NOS Colnago Super Sprint frame fork 57cm c t excellent colors    US $599.00

COLNAGO SUPER COMPETITION FRAME FORKS MADE WITH COLUMBUS TUBING LOVELY    US $72.73

Colnago Super vintage early 1980s size 56 Columbus frame fork    US $249.00

COLNAGO SUPER FRAME FORKS MADE WITH COLUMBUS THRON TUBING VERY GOOD CONDITION    US $137.46

EX PROFESSIONAL COLNAGO SUPER FRAME FORKS MADE WITH COLUMBUS SL TUBING PRO TAG    US $104.28

Leroica Colnago Mexico frame fork Campagnolo Super Record classic bicycle    US $2,476.71

COLNAGO Gilco Columbus frame decals free Colnago mirror silver decals    US $8.95

VINTAGE VERY RARE COLNAGO SPIRAL CONIC COLUMBUS SLX FRAME PRECISA FORK 55    US $999.00

COLNAGO Gilco S4 Columbus frame decals free Colnago mirror silver decals    US $8.95

COLNAGO TECHOS 2000 Columbus frame fork decals    US $9.95

COLNAGO SLX Columbus frame fork decals    US $9.95

2011 COLNAGO M10 SLOPING 700C FRAME SET MATTE BLK 52cm    US $3,899.00

2011 COLNAGO M10 SLOPING 700C FRAME SET MATTE BLK 50cm    US $3,899.00

2011 COLNAGO M10 SLOPING 700C FRAME SET BLK SIL 52cm    US $3,899.00

COLNAGO Brain Custom Columbus frame decals free Colnago mirror silver decals    US $8.95

COLNAGO COLUMBUS CAMPAGNOLO FRAMESET FRAME VINTAGE 52cm n°2    US $1,299.00

COLNAGO Brain Custom Columbus frame decals    US $6.95

Limited Colnago Futura 2000 Master Pista Track Bike Frame 60cm Rare 1 of 38    US $14,999.99

NOS CAMPAGNOLO COLNAGO FRAME DECALS BLACK    US $32.95

NOS CAMPAGNOLO COLNAGO FRAME DECALS WHITE    US $32.95

COLNAGO FRAME STEEL NOS SIZE 54X53 SUPER 91 VERY RARE    US $950.00

COLNAGO Columbus SL frame fork decals    US $8.95

Colnago Tie Clip Colnago Bike Frame Logo Souvenir Tie Clip Colnago Tie Clip    US $9.99

XSmall COLNAGO Columbus SL tubing Frame Set Size 475cm    US $999.99

Colnago Mexico Pista Track Frame and Fork61 cm Vintage OLD Rare Retro Collector    US $1,299.00

COLNAGO FLIGHT FRAME AND FORK    US $2,400.00

1 COLNAGO BIKE CHAINSTAY FRAME STICKER CHAIN STAY 2    US $11.85

COLNAGO TECHOS Columbus frame blue free Colnago mirror silver decals    US $7.95

COLNAGO MEXICO FRAME FORKS MADE WITH COLUMBUS TUBING NEEDS PAINT    US $513.50

COLNAGO SUPER FRAME FORKS MADE WITH COLUMBUS SL TUBING CHROME LUGS    US $553.00

EX PROFESSIONAL COLNAGO MASTER FRAME FORKS WITH COLUMBUS GILCO S4 TUBING PRO TAG    US $592.50

VITUS 979 FRAME AND FORKS SIZE 52 VERY LIGHT SIMILAR TO ALAN COLNAGO    US $355.50

In the eighties Colnago took a very thorough job of researching new innovations in materials research resulting in them coming to use carbon fiber and even a collaboration with Ferrari since 1986 in research.

At this time dates the start of production of the Colnago Master, a frame that has made history, with its tubing cold drawn, particularly from the "star", which Saronni won the Giro d'Italy. Particularly the fork introduced then, which had the feature of having the stems straight and not curved as in all other bikes. This feature became a prerogative of the Colnago since then.

In 1989, the collaboration with Ferrari, was born on the C35, a frame to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the founding of Colnago, available in both a racing model and mountain bike.

The use of the material changes dramatically in subsequent years, moving from steel to aluminum, but especially to carbon fiber. However, Colnago retains its role in the market for top of the range bike, with the production of C50 in 2003, the fiftieth anniversary of the company.

Now for a little conundrum...Should you ever put Shimano components on a Colnago or is it heresy to have anything other than Campagnolo on it!?

Check out Colnagos For Sale:

Bianchi Bicycles

Posted September 14, 2009 by admin in Blog, Frames, Italian, Road | No comments yet

Bianchi's  activities in 1899 expanded the areas of motor vehicles with the production of cars and motorcycles under the name of Edoardo Bianchi  Cars and Cycles. In 1914 it produced 45.000 bicycles, 1,500 motorcycles and 1,000 cars.

Bianchi is dedicated to cycling and those of this sport among its ranks the most important bearers Tazio Nuvolari. Remarkable was also the construction of vehicles for military use during World War II. After the war, Bianchi contributed to reconstruction and Italy with the motorization Bianchina Motoleggera 125 cc, a small auxiliary engine to be applied to bicycles.

The part of the company that was solely involved with the construction of the four wheels vehicles  after initially joining of forces with Fiat and Pirelli all'Autobianchi who gave birth in 1955 was completely sold to two partners in 1958.

In 1959 Lino Tonti arrived as Bianchi's technincal director : with him a house in Milan takes effect; from the disgner's pencil rose the twin-cylinder DOHC 250-350-500 marking the return of the Grand Prix Bianchi (1960), the MT61, motorcycle for the Italian Army, the scooter 80 and the Teddy Bear Silas 175, motoleggera pitch sports. With the crisis in motorcycle sales in the sixties the Bianchi became a serious financial crisis, leading at the end of 1964, the declaration of liquidation. The production of motorcycles declined and the arm of the company inViale Abruzzi was taken over by Piaggio in 1967.
Since May 1997, Bianchi has become part of the Swedish group Cycleurope AB, the leading global company in the bicycle industry. The Bianchi group brands were added to those of Cycleurope, creating a single group on the bicycle market for the supply and distribution across the amplitude distribution worldwide.

It is among the most prestigious brands in the production of racing bicycles, which were used by the great champions of the past from Giovanni Gerbi ( "the red devil"), Constant Girardengo, Fausto Coppi, Felice Gimondi, to Danilo Di Luca and Marco Pantani.

The production of the Bianchis is not limited to the production of racing bikes in the racing department, but also bicycles for trekking, mountain biking, BMX and leisure.

The distintive Symbol of the company is the particular colour that the bikes were and still are produced in ,Celesete or as translated in Italian -  the  blue-green water Bianchi.

Campagnolo Nuovo Gran Sport

Posted September 13, 2009 by admin in Blog, Campagnolo, Italian, Road | No comments yet

The Campagnolo Nuovo Gran Sport is a groupset manufactured by Campagnolo as their  medium range componentry set of the 1970s.

The name was chosen by taking over those of the first product change in the early 1950s, the Grand Sport.

It was characterized by changing the parallelogram of the rear derailleur in aluminum and steel cage for the pulleys, but mainly by a very characteristic crank  with three arms to support the rings  (specially constructed so) instead of the traditional five. It was produced for the first time in 1974 and experienced a wide user takeup  due mainly to  its good quality units at lower cost than the top of the range of that group (New Record and Super Record). It even saw use by professional cyclists although not in the highest echelons.