My Pashley Guvnor in 2014

Here's how my Guvnor is set up at the moment, and here's the story behind the change....

I've always liked the look of the 1937 Raleigh Sports pictured below. I particularly like the "Lauterwasser" style handlebars with the shorter Raleigh type stem. The short stem gives the bike a solid look and the old Raleigh chromed steel brake levers look fantastic. This bike has a classic style reminiscent of a path racer from the period. 

The classic 1937 Raleigh Sports

It was time to change out the handlebars of my Guvnor so I decided to mirror the look and styling of the 1937 Raleigh Sports. After a bit of research on the net I managed to get hold of the parts needed for the transition. I got hold of a short reach New Old Stock (NOS) Raleigh style chromed stem, a pair of original NOS Raleigh Mark I brake levers, and some Britannia grips.

Original 'Raleigh style' chromed stem

Raleigh Mark I levers

Britannia rubber grips

The Raleigh type stem and Britannia grips were affordable and relatively easy to come by, however sourcing the original NOS Raleigh Mark I brake levers was difficult. These steel levers have not been 'remade' by Chinese vintage bike component manufacturers, so locating an original NOS set was difficult and expensive. 

Once the levers landed at my home address I discovered that they were worth every penny. The steel brake levers are very well made and have an excellent quality chrome finish - not modern chrome, but the old type of chrome that feels more solid, if that makes sense! Even the bolts have a beautiful chrome finish, and quite frankly for this application there is not a brake lever available today that can compete with this lever.

I had a set of Soma 'Lauterwasser' steel handlebars that I had previously fitted to my Guvnor. As the new stem was quite short I had to cut about 25mm from each end of the handlebars to minimise the rearward reach of the bars. This measurement left just enough length for the Britannia grips and the Mark I brake levers to fit neatly on the handlebars.

Here are some closer images of the setup....

The key here was removing 25mm from each end of the handlebars. It's amazing what a big difference a small change can make!

During setup I tried several different handlebar positions but found this angle to be the most comfortable. It also allows for more knee room when riding up and out of the saddle.

Until next time...safe riding.

James @ PVC

CIOCC San Cristobal 1983

Mr Pochez from Vintage Luxury Bicycles in Spain recently displayed his beloved early 1980's Ciocc San Cristobal bicycle that is fitted with a very special Campagnolo Groupo from 1983.

This superb example of a Ciocc San Cristobal steel frame has been dipped in 24 karat gold paint. Campy Super Record parts commemorating the 50th anniversary of Campagnolo have been fitted. The build was then finished with a Cinelli special edition saddle, saddle bag, stem, and handlebars. 

It's a very unique piece of Italian cycling culture that would be a treasured possession for any vintage cycling enthusiast. 

CIOCC San Cristobal

The group set used for this build was released in 1983 to commemorate Campagnolo's 50th year in business (1933 - 1983). Coincidentally, this was also the year that Campagnolo's founder, Tullio Campagnolo, passed away at the age of 82 years.

About 15,000 sets were made. Group set #00001 was retained by the Campagnolo museum and set #00002 was presented to Pope John Paul II. All sets were presented in a commemorative black case and were issued with a numbered Campagnolo membership card.

The group set was based on the Super Record set which sits at the top of the Campagnolo series. Each piece has significant touches such as the gold Campy shield and an engraved signature of Tullio Campagnolo. Most pieces also carry an etching of the Campy 50th logo as below.

The proud owner of this set has taken the next step by plating each piece in 24 karat gold. The Ciocc frame has also been treated with gold karat plating.

A special edition Cinelli Unicanitor saddle was also produced to compliment this series......and what a beautiful saddle it is.

Cinelli Unicanitor special edition saddle.

Ciocc, Campagnolo, and Cinelli, a fantastic trifecta of Italian cycling history. 

Until next time, safe riding.

James @ PVC.  

Brooks Multi Tool MT21

Brooks (England) are famous worldwide for their beautifully crafted leather bicycle saddles. They have recently expanded their product range and have included a multi tool in their new line up. 

The Brooks multi tool contains an impressive 21 assorted tools. It is a very well crafted tool that would suit any cyclist. It's unique design includes two Brooks badges that are similar to the badges that are fitted on the rear of their saddles. As well as including a good range of functional tools, it is a good looking piece of equipment. 

The 21 tools attached to this multi tool are:

3 Screwdrivers:

   -Small Flat Head Screwdriver

   -Phillips Screwdriver #2 (Medium Head)

   -Phillips Screwdriver #1 (Small Head)

7 Allen Keys / Hex Wrenches: #2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8

3 Torx Wrenches: T10, T20, T25

4 Spoke Wrenches: #0, 1, 2, 3

1 Chain Tool

1 Bottle Opener

1 Spanner for Brooks Saddles

1 Knife

This tool is designed for a more modern bicycle rather than a vintage bike. Modern bicycle components are generally fitted with hex keys and this tool includes a good range of hex key sizes. The tool also has 3 Torx wrenches. These are for particular bolts that are used on disc brakes that you'll find on some mountain bikes. Apart from the hex keys and the Torx wrenches, all other tools are useful to the vintage cyclist - the bottle opener probably being the most valuable!

My favourite tool on this device is the knife. Many bicycle multi tool manufacturers often overlook the inclusion of a knife. I've been on longer rides where I have needed a knife that I didn't have, so I'm so happy that Brooks have included a good sized blade on their version.

...and of course it's hard to imagine a Brooks product that doesn't have any leather in it's design. Brooks have included a leather sleeve for their multi tool that fits very nicely around the tool to protect it. The cover has a 'world traveller' logo stamped onto it and is available in a choice of three colour options; black, brown, or ochre (yellow).

If you are prepared to pay about US$70 then this will be a good option for you. There are similar multi tools available for a much better price, but what a nice way to compliment your Brooks saddle!

Weighing in at nearly 300 grams it's certainly not the lightest multi tool on the market - but it is one of the best. It would be a great gift idea too!

Safe riding,

James @ PVC

Assos and Arius vintage saddles

I love saddles and have recently been looking for a 1970's (or early 80's) leather Cinelli Unicanitor saddle for a vintage road bike project. You know the one...the plain looking iconic leather saddle with the circular Unicanitor Brevettata stamp on each side. These saddles were made famous by European cyclists during the 70's and 80's. 

A classic Cinelli Unicanitor saddle.

The holy grail of European cycling saddles.

Whilst trawling through the usual places in search of the holy grail of saddles I came across perforated saddles from the 1970's. Sometimes they are referred to as drilled saddles. Normally, if something has a hole in it you would throw it away....but these saddles are an exception to the rule. 

I thought they looked just great so I would like to share them with you.

I first found an Assos brand perforated saddle. The Assos brand was founded by Toni Maier, who was best known for inventing the first pair of Lycra cycling shorts. Maier had a small factory in Ticino, Switzerland, which is near the Swiss-Italian border. He produced some unusual bike components for a short time during the 70's. Assos clothing has been the company's main focus since then and they still manufacture cycle clothing today. Here are some images of their fantastic perforated saddles from the 70's...

Information suggests that these saddles were made for early cyclocross bikes. The theory was that the perforations made the saddles easier to clean and maintain when the underside was filled with mud. A great idea I suppose but I'm not too sure about the practicality of it all.

Either way the idea made great looking saddles. There are very few examples on offer and if they do pop up for sale each piece generally sells for a high price.

I also discovered Arius perforated saddles, a Spanish brand of saddle that was made during the same period. The Spanish version was not so popular so the company tried to market the saddle under alternate Spanish brands such as Zeus and Soffatti. Here are some examples. 

After a bit more digging I also found a Milremo version below. This one is almost identical to the Arius saddle but branded Milremo.  Although Milremo is an Italian brand I would assume it was made in the same Spanish factory as the Arius saddles.

Until next time safe riding,

James @ PVC

Pashley 'Speed 5' gallery

So here I am in Perth, Western Australia, and I still haven't seen one of these works of cycling art in the flesh. I see Pashley Guv'nors rolling regularly through the streets of Perth, but I'm yet to have a customer proudly boast of their ownership of a Pashley Speed 5! 

I understand that the Speed 5 has been limited to a run of just 100 bikes, so as time passes the chance of one falling into my web diminishes. At this time all I can do is simply enjoy the images that I've accumulated.....and it's time for me to share them with you.

I'm really surprised about the small number of images and marketing info that Pashley have released for this bike. If I was to market the bike my efforts would extend much broader, at many levels, and have a greater impact on a targeted market. When you have a great product to sell, why not push a little harder to promote a product you know will give owners much pleasure and enjoyment?   

In the absence of a Pashley Speed 5 marketing strategist I present to you some images to peruse...

The Pashley Eurobike 2013 display.

The seat cluster with the a Brooks Swift saddle.

Mark Fairhurst artwork

There are some credits associated with these images. The most significant credit is to Mr. Mark Fairhurst who is a well respected cycling artist in the UK. Even Mark has turned his hand to acknowledge the existence of the Speed 5 by creating the unique image depicted above.

Mark specialises in cycling artwork and has created many cycling images and posters that will appeal to both retro and modern cycling enthusiasts. Much of his Tour De France work is exceptional. 

Thanks to Mark for his interest in the Speed 5. Please take the time to view some of his creations at www.zeitgeistimages.co.uk

Nice bike, nice bell (Lion Bellworks)

A classic half link chain.

Twin top tubes to support a larger sized frame.

If you are the proud owner of a Speed 5 please email some images of you and your bike. Send your images to drown@tpg.com.au

Until next post.......ride safe.

James @ PVC