sixtyonesixty

1957 Maton

2009-12-28T10:11:00.003+08:00

2009-04-12T08:33:00.000+08:00

2009-04-12T08:29:00.000+08:00

Fixed

2009-03-29T18:29:00.002+08:00

BTW, this one is fully fixed - no brake. Took it for a reasonable spin this arvo. The ratio is relatively high, so it's not exactly zippy.

Riding it actually reminded me of my learning to ride a motor bike.....x12. You just have to be fully aware of your entire surroundings; who and what are going where and at what speed. It astounds me the number of people who rely on their hearing to cross the road. Often, if they don't hear a vehicle, they just don't bother to look! You have to plan your route second by second and totally re-calculate your capacity to stop. This involves constantly planning alternate routes - if the car indicating doesn't turn or the person crossing the road changes their mind, or if the car approaching speeds up at the last minute.

And well....it was a HOOT! Also found that with the low cross bar, you can swing your knees right across, which makes for some tight corners at low speed.

I'm keen to try a lower ratio now.

For sale

2009-03-29T18:26:00.002+08:00

I built (re-built) this bike with the intention of selling it. Just an exercise in design. When it's all up and running, I'll be looking for $750 ($AU that is) for it (including $450 worth of wheels). That'll be with a basic seat though. The leather San Marco saddle with the copper rivets (pictured) is an optional extra @ $250.

I'm 6 foot and the bike's a little short from the bars to the seat for me. It may be better for somebody a little shorter.

Peugeot

2009-03-28T18:40:00.003+09:00

The Peugeot has emerged, looking tres vintage in 'Claret'. (Not sure I'd be drinking any wine that colour, let alone something labeled 'claret'). Couldn't resist the white rims; kinda white-wall tire-like.

I'm very happy with the outcome (still some fine tuning to do), but it's been a prick of job!

I've owned a number of Renaults (cars) in my time and frankly, the French , like the Italians, should stick to design and food and leave engineering to the Germans and Japanese. I'm still struggling to find a crank bearing set that actually fits properly. The steering shaft, seat posts and handle bar clamp (and bolt) are all NOT universal, so I'm going to be limited in what I can use.

I've invested in my first real single-speed chain ring. I'm not into brand names on my bikes, but I like it!

Aidan's bro's bike

2009-03-21T21:59:00.001+09:00

Peugeot

2009-03-21T21:52:00.002+09:00

Following some negotiations, the Peugeot is reassigned to fix. Colour choice???? dunno.

Skylark from 43 Bikes

2009-03-17T21:25:00.000+09:00

43 Bikes

2009-03-17T21:14:00.001+09:00

Check out this site: http://www.43bikes.com/

Badges

2009-03-15T19:26:00.000+09:00

His and hers

2009-03-15T19:16:00.002+09:00

This weekend has seen a delightful pair of bikes in for a spruce up (or gutting as the case may be).

The Peugeot - been looking for one of these for a while. This one set me back $30! Planned to make a flat-bar fixy with it, but the missus has taken a shine to it, so it may become her 'second bike' instead.

The Sun ($10) doesn't actually have much on it to make use of. Nice bars, a vintage rear derailleur. Frame's not bad.

Annie's birthday

2009-03-14T18:49:00.002+09:00

Pimped out Annie's bike for her birthday.

Father & Son

2009-03-08T08:37:00.004+09:00

So here's Nick's (son) bike converted & Mick's (dad) bike preserved (see post Feb 3 'Return of the Bishop Part 1' for prelude).

Clutch??

2009-03-08T08:11:00.003+09:00

I wasn't sure about the idea of riding a freewheel with only a front brake, but have to admit I like it. While taking it for a spin, it occurred to me that it would be an interesting option to have a fixed wheel bike - with a clutch. It could be a lever (like a brake lever) or even a set up on a gear lever like the old 3 speeds with a neutral.

Why? Well for a start, you could corner much faster. (If you've not ridden a fixy before, you have to watch the pedals hitting the ground when you corner). Riding over significant bumps on a fixy is also an acquired talent, being able to drop the drive out and coast now and again would help. Another thing: after stopping, you could align your pedals for take-off.

I know that for fixy purists it's an ethos thing -'commit'.

Drive conversion

2009-03-08T08:07:00.004+09:00

It's not a fixy. Was lucky enough to pick up a pair of used Shimano wheels for bugger all. The rear is a standard road wheel with a cassette hub. I bought a $39 single speed conversion for it, reluctantly, but it looks pretty cool.

Nic's Steele Bishop

2009-03-08T08:01:00.003+09:00

So here's Nic's treddly. Nice colour choice Nic!

Meantime....

2009-03-05T19:43:00.004+09:00

The goose neck on the pre-war Swansea I bought recently (post Feb 17th) has fused (rusted) to the steering column. My last resort is to apply heat.

The person who came up with 'Stuckness is a simply state of mind' is welcome around to my shed to have a go!

Steel wool is good

2009-03-05T19:38:00.003+09:00

Mick's sons bike (identical model, post Feb 9th) has undergone surgery and will return tomorrow from the powder coaters. He's chosen French Blue - including the flat bars.

The Bishop reborn

2009-03-05T19:29:00.003+09:00

Mick decided he didn't want a paint job for his bike (post Feb 3rd), so it came down to new spokes, cables, tires and tubes, a scrub and a spot of white nail polish to touch up the really bad spots.

a-Co

2009-03-01T21:54:00.000+09:00

Velocity Deep V in gold

2009-02-28T17:51:00.001+09:00

Spray can job

2009-02-28T17:48:00.001+09:00

The finish is spray can.

Matt's gold & black

2009-02-28T17:45:00.001+09:00

Matt and his dad have produced this little gem.

Coventry's

2009-02-28T17:41:00.002+09:00

Not listed by the WAHCC as a known Western Australian bike manufacturer.

Bike Shelter

2009-02-28T09:43:00.002+09:00

Cecil Walker

2009-02-28T09:29:00.003+09:00

Kerry's project from Jan 24 has hit a few snags, but he's just picked up this Cecil Walker roady for a song and will be ditching the superfluous guff and making a real bike!

Keep us up to date with progress Kerry.

Hill Billy SS - Freo

2009-02-26T17:50:00.003+09:00

Hmmm. Rough but....I still like it.

Williams

2009-02-25T20:13:00.003+09:00

Cranky

2009-02-25T20:11:00.002+09:00

Brake lights

2009-02-23T21:53:00.004+09:00

Found these and they look pretty snappy. They're brake pads

with built-in red LED lights.

They're available from a Swedish auto parts store: Biltemas

Doesn't seem to be any indication of an option to turn them off

for day riding.

Boy, girl, bike, Toronto

2009-02-23T21:16:00.005+09:00

Check out this very excellent story: http://northpublik.ca/

Scroll down to: 'A Boy, a Girl and her Bike'

1200 hits!

2009-02-22T17:49:00.001+09:00

Thanks to all readers for your interest.

Have had over 1200 hits in the last 3 weeks.

Would love some more feed back, so please indulge in a comment or two.

Cheers!

Monochrome

2009-02-22T17:36:00.003+09:00

So all you hard core fix-heads think the monochrome look is pretty original ah? Sorry, but grandpa was onto it as a young'n too.

Actually, there were a few stories from the crew about their crazy track bike riding when they were younger. They reckon though, that in those days there were so few cars on the roads, it was relatively safe.

Help ID?

2009-02-22T17:33:00.002+09:00

Phil has an old bike which can't be identified. The only distinguishing marks are these diamonds.

Can anybody out there help with a possible ID?

Wooden rims

2009-02-22T17:29:00.002+09:00

These would only have been used on the track. Not really suitable for applying brakes to.

I have seen images of bamboo rims.

Blackman track/road

2009-02-22T17:24:00.003+09:00

This Blackman was given to a club member. Note the double drop-outs, one for road and one for track. It came with wooden rims (above).

....and then a bit of spit n polish.

2009-02-22T17:22:00.001+09:00

They come in like this....

2009-02-22T17:21:00.002+09:00

2009-02-22T17:20:00.000+09:00

Gordonson tracky

2009-02-22T17:17:00.001+09:00

This is my favorite in Peter's collection.

Tour de Rust

2009-02-22T16:52:00.004+09:00

The tour of 3 WAHCC members' sheds was a hoot! Unfortunately, my photography was a bit 'off' this morning and I didn't end up with many good shots.

There's somewhat of an art to shooting bikes as there's not a lot to them. Picture trying to photograph a wire coat hanger for example. Unless you have access to a blank backdrop , they tend to disappear into the background.

Anyway, above is a snap of the crew checking out Allan's frame collection.

2009-02-21T19:06:00.000+09:00

2009-02-21T19:03:00.003+09:00

I love the way these little logos (and decals) preserve the integrity of the bike despite the rust and decay of the machine. Just a crusty old romantic at heart.

Discovered later (22/02) that the bottom bearing above indicates that it's likely to be a pre-war model.

2009-02-21T18:58:00.002+09:00

I wonder if spiders generate explanations of the existence of handle bar holes in terms of intelligent design?

"Surely this perfectly circular space in which I can exist hasn't just been put here by chance? "

Malvern Star

2009-02-21T18:47:00.002+09:00

Here's the $5 investment from the WAHCC meeting the other day.

The swan

2009-02-17T20:29:00.000+09:00

Swansea. Williams and Fremantle

2009-02-17T20:27:00.002+09:00

Hillbilly mud guard

2009-02-17T20:09:00.004+09:00

The meeting was a formal affair with reading of minutes, treasurer's report and a bit of show and tell.

The group are involved in a lot of activities; rides, shows and vintage shows.

This coming Sunday they have planned the 'Tour de Rust'. We're going to have a look in a few guys' sheds. My plan is to have the camera fully charged!

Anyhoo, then there was an auction of a beautiful BROOKS saddle (black leather). It went for a huge $70.

Stashed against the wall were 4 old bikes. They had been brought in to clear room in somebody's shed and they also went up for auction. I picked up a Malvern Star (50's) for a fiver. Slight bend in the frame, but all I wanted was the bars.

Then I scored this Swansea 3 speed. It's great tractor of a thing. One owner. I succumbed to the auctioneer and forked out all of $35.

Me thinks the mud guard was added to keep the bull-dust down.

Swany

2009-02-17T19:06:00.005+09:00

Last night I attended my first 'Western Australian Historical Cycle Club' meeting. They're celebrating their first 10 years in 2009.

I was the youngest there by about 25 years, give or take. (Most of them could whip me round the block I reckon)There would have been 20 people including a couple of dedicated ladies.

2009-02-15T19:32:00.000+09:00

Shep

2009-02-14T23:09:00.005+09:00

The intent is there. Only a leg length deficiency prevents Shep from riding.

Yeah, great parking Tom!

2009-02-14T17:34:00.002+09:00

Basic

2009-02-14T17:31:00.000+09:00

Black

2009-02-14T17:21:00.008+09:00

Before one pulls something to pieces, one has might ensure that one has some notion of what might be involved in putting it back together, right?.....WelI I did photograph the back wheel to record the spoke threading pattern, but why oh why not the front wheel?...and ..... it wasn't the same. All up I spent 4, maybe 5 hours solving my little puzzle.

Crank set is pretty crap at the moment. Current expenditure: $200

Tom discovers that if the chain falls off....there's no brakes! Yikes!

Ready to build

2009-02-13T22:16:00.003+09:00

Shed shot

2009-02-13T22:10:00.003+09:00

Tire sniffing

2009-02-09T18:59:00.002+09:00

Note the traditional greeting technique of road bikes (similar to that of dogs).

Breeding pair

2009-02-09T18:43:00.003+09:00

Must be something in the stars- The Sunday paper has brought me another Steele Bishop (same model, see post Feb 3) this time in black.

Tempting though it is to breed the pair, we've decided to poach the goodies from the black one for Tom's single speed: seat post, crank bearing, goose neck and the brand new Continental blue-stripe tires.

We'll plonk the white cranks onto the white fixy (probably re-coat first).

Total cost: $70!!

No title required

2009-02-08T16:40:00.002+09:00

Found on net.

Headlight

2009-02-08T15:23:00.001+09:00

Refelctor

2009-02-08T15:21:00.001+09:00

Kettler - Dixi

2009-02-08T15:17:00.003+09:00

Nelly's just picked up this Kettler (German) Dixi. Has some sweet features.

Seat crack.

2009-02-08T15:14:00.001+09:00

Beeza pedals!

2009-02-08T15:13:00.002+09:00

Olympic

2009-02-08T15:07:00.004+09:00

Nelly found an old 'Olympic' track bike on a rubbish heap. It looked like it's been run over - shame. Salvageable: beautiful BSA pedal, front wheel and a Brooks saddle that just needs a quick buff.

Nelly's bike

2009-02-08T14:49:00.006+09:00

Nelly at 'Off the Wall' (see post Jan 25th -older posts) is riding this crazy beast. Oh- those 'psycho' cats-eye Velocity rims! He's customized the bars himself.

Yeah, don't be confused by his name. I refer back to post Jan 19 (older posts) re: boy/girl bike frame. Get used to it folks. In the 1970's we did it with girl/boy hair and soon, men who choose to ride girl's bikes will no longer be socially outcast!

I may have to look into forming a support group.

Home-grown chopper

2009-02-08T14:41:00.008+09:00

Check out the chopper extension here (outside the Freo traino).

Click on image for a zoom.

The original forks are jammed into another set..... Bit of gaffa tape to patch the join and - VOILAH!

Big Red

2009-02-07T08:52:00.004+09:00

Here's my bike again - 1981 Raleigh (see 1st posting...bottom of the page: older posts).

TOO OUCHY!

2009-02-06T22:10:00.009+09:00

Been collecting random pix from the net for a while. Here's one of my fav's....no credits. Can't recall where it's from (sorry to photographer). If anybody knows, please forward.

Note: That's not red paint in the middle!

Anyway, here's the only argument you'll ever need to justify paying good money for good quality components. No offence to the brand name featured.

Thinking of getting a fixy?

2009-02-04T21:49:00.002+09:00

Check this : http://fixedgearmaniacs.blogspot.com/

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2009

Thanks Ray.

L.A.84...Not for long.

2009-02-04T21:39:00.002+09:00

Tom's treddley

2009-02-04T21:24:00.004+09:00

Here's another $10 frame I picked a while ago; a Malvern Star. Tom's planning something black.

Aidan's done.

2009-02-04T21:04:00.004+09:00

Had a few issues with the coaster hub - making some disturbing noises, but a tweak of the bearings, some grease and small shim (thanks Clive - Mercer's), a nice new seat stem and a pair of bar plugs (cabon fibre for extra strength) and the bike is a joy to ride.

Final bill: $180!

Jonesman!

2009-02-03T18:58:00.004+09:00

Ray reports:

"HI JOHN

I WAS ABLE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT CHRIS JONES. HE WAS AT RIDERS CHOICE SHOP BUT APPARENTLY NOW OWNS 'CYCLE BESPOKE' IN KING WILLIAM ST BAYSWATER.

I WILL TRY TO HAVE A LOOK ON SATURDAY MORNING AND DISCUSS HIS FRAMES ETC.

WATCH THIS SPACE.

CIAO

Ray "

'pologies for low res pic Ray.J

Pursuit Mark 1

2009-02-03T18:46:00.001+09:00

Ouch!

2009-02-03T18:41:00.002+09:00

Hmmm. Nothing a little moisturizer woudn't fix.

Steele who?

2009-02-03T18:31:00.004+09:00

I hear a few folk out there asking "Steele who?"

Steele Bishop was an Olympic cyclist and West' Australian champion track rider 1971- 84.

Check out the Wik for more:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steele_Bishop

There's also this neat story about his attempt at he Human-powered World Speed Record in 1984:

http://home.vicnet.net.au/~khsinc/Bike.pdf

Return of the The Bishop (Part 1)

2009-02-03T18:06:00.005+09:00

Nick has been pestering his dad to see if he could have his old bike converted to a fixy, but Mick (dad) can't deal with the thought of having his beloved 'STEELE BISHOP' butchered. So we've tossed it into the bike ambulance and rushed it off the ICU. Can we restore it's integrity? Dr John says "Yes we can!"

Chrome?

2009-02-01T12:17:00.001+09:00

Shiney but slippery.

Account

2009-01-31T21:00:00.005+09:00

I managed to get the wheel somewhere near staight and will have it fine-tuned later in the week.

The bike has cost Aidan $150 so far. Wheels & seat are on loan for now. These aren't his bars of choice - we're looking for some nice drop bars.

Later on , maybe a tasty crank set, some vintage pedals and then a pair of deep vees....or not.

Thwarted!

2009-01-31T19:40:00.002+09:00

Saturday, 5:05 pm. The bike shop's just shut and I realized the back cog doesn't match the chain for size! Ugh.

Preview

2009-01-31T19:34:00.002+09:00

So Aidan's bike is taking shape. It's always tempting to get the beast rideable, but it does tend to take the edge off the seeing the final product.

Just follow the instructions...

2009-01-31T19:28:00.001+09:00

Following the instructions from the net (Sheldon Brown's) for the spoke thread was um... a challenge..

" After this leading spoke has crossed 3 trailing spokes, there will be two possible rim holes to connect it to. Use the rim hole that is on the same side as the flange you are working from. It should not be right next to one of the trailing spokes that runs from the same flange of the hub."

What the?

So I looked at the pictures and looked at another wheel and.... well it seems to have worked.

De-spoking

2009-01-31T19:13:00.012+09:00

A last minute tip from Clive at Mercer's ensures that I gradually loosen every third spoke to remove the oldies without buckling the rim.

Easy!

The coaster hub arrives....

2009-01-31T18:53:00.008+09:00

The coaster hub arrives for Aidan's bike and I set out to

grapple with the fine art of wheel building for the first time.

Bicycle Hoopla

2009-01-29T21:32:00.002+09:00

Hmmm. Me thinks the crew at Bike Force might have been engaing in a little lunch time coits competition!

Latest Perth cycle gear trends

2009-01-28T21:00:00.005+09:00

Further….”We had a great ride on a beautiful Perth morning.

Had a coffee in South Terrace, Freo last weekend and was surprised as to the number of fixies that rode past. So good to see the numbers increasing.

The 'dude' is an Anglican bishop... Bishop Hale..of HALE SCHOOL fame. The Cloisters building apparently was the original site of HALE SCHOOL, which is now located in Wembley Downs area (since 1961) after a number of sites between. It was originally called the "Bishops School' and was opened in June 1858.”

Nice snap. Thanks Ray!

The fixie bishop

2009-01-28T20:58:00.002+09:00

Ray writes:

“We went for a ride around the city on Sunday morning..early..and stopped at Cloisters to take some shots, with the assistance of a very affable gentleman who offered his support.

The frame is a SOMA 'RUSH' purchased new and colour is a pearl white. Ellis added a bmx crank and chainring, purchased the Velocity rims and built the wheelset around a pair of beautiful PROFILE RACING hubs. Ellis prefers riser bars and a Fizik saddle. This is a great build and rides so well. The drive train includes a Surly cog and the gearing is 46:17..very cruisy indeed.

Ellis is a very good mechanic and great mentor to me, and has always offered valuable advice. I attempt to do most things myself on my bikes, but everything is not always possible...see Ellis.”

Wanted

2009-01-26T11:32:00.004+09:00

Anybody know where I could get my hands on a frame like this? (In Perth) There are a couple of these on Frankencycle (see links). Check out the conversions.

Speedlite - Maylands WA

2009-01-25T18:59:00.005+09:00

While at Off The Wall, I had a quick squizz at this old Speedlite (made locally in Maylands). It's a track frame, bit bent, but destined for a re-build.

It's weird, we don't really live in much of a culture of manufacture. How much of what you own was made in Australia, let alone in a suburb near you? Associating the production of a bike with a local suburb is just - odd! Before WW 2, there were dozens of bike makers in WA and hundreds across Oz. Will have some contacts for the WA Historical Cycle Club up soon.

On the wall @ Off The Wall

2009-01-25T18:51:00.002+09:00

If you click on this pic (all of them blow up if you click on 'em) , you should be able to get some info from the sign.

Churchill at Off The Wall

2009-01-25T18:48:00.001+09:00

Will try to collect some detail on this upon revisit.

Off The Wall

2009-01-25T18:38:00.002+09:00

'Off The Wall' is a 'retro stuff' shop at: 6 Market St Fremantle. WA 6160 Ph: (08) 9336 4435. They stock some tres cool bikes including vintage. I stuck my camera in the door just as they shutting today for a couple of quickies, but have been invited back to have a look....out the back! Stay tuned for some more goodies.

Road stencil - South Tce. South Fremantle

2009-01-25T17:59:00.002+09:00

Bird's eye

2009-01-25T10:31:00.001+09:00

Flat out!

2009-01-25T10:18:00.003+09:00

As mentioned earlier (Jan 18) Whitey has had a couple of modifications: stumpy flat bars and toe clips. The toe clips are a pain when walking the bike.... they scrape the ground!

better shot

2009-01-25T10:07:00.004+09:00

Didn't really do justice to Aidan's choice of colour with those last shots...looked a bit military-grey. There's deep undertone of bluey-magenta in the colour.

Aidan's stage 2 b)

2009-01-24T11:20:00.002+09:00

Aidan's stage 2 a)

2009-01-24T11:11:00.003+09:00

Aidan's frame (see Jan. 18) has returned from a make-over. Had to fill a couple of small dents. Nothing a brother-in-law and some silver solder couldn't fix. We're messing with installing a coaster hub to a pre-loved wheel, finding a seat post etc. Still perplexed about substituting quick release front axle with nuts. Stay tuned for further adventures....