Ganna Bicycles

The history behind many Italian and French cycling brands is very interesting - and the GANNA brand is no exception.

Luigi GANNA was born in Induno Olana, Italy, on December 1, 1883. He died at the age of 73 years on October 2, 1957. 

GANNA was an Italian professional road racing cyclist and the legendary highlight of his cycling career was his overall win in the first Giro d'italia that was held in 1909. The 1909 Giro was a gruelling cycle race of 2448 kilometres where only 49 of the 127 competitors managed to complete the course.

In his younger days GANNA worked as a brick layer many miles from where he lived and so he rode his bicycle to and from work each day. The roads were rough and this daily exercise enabled him to become a very strong and talented rider.

His enjoyment of cycling led him to entering local cycling competitions where he regularly won. After convincing wins he realized that the skills he had gained on his daily rides to work were worthy of him becoming a professional cyclist. 

Luigi GANNA  1883 - 1957

GANNA competing in the 1909 Giro d'italia

In 1912 GANNA successfully commenced building and marketing his own line of bicycles, and continued to manufacture fine bicycles until his death in 1957. The GANNA name was carried on after his death until in 1985 the company was bought out by Giubilato. 

Fortunately many bicycle collectors appreciated his work and added his finely crafted steel framed machines to their collections. 

Here are some images of one of his wonderful creations that was built just before his death. It is the Bonvicini Torino Mezza Corsa bicycle from the 1950's that carries an original Campagnolo gruppo from the era.

   

Images courtesy of Vintage Speed Bicycles, Switzerland. 

What a beautiful machine that would add value to any collection!

Safe riding,

James @ PVC

Tange Prestige chromed fork

I do like older steel bicycle frames, especially when the frame is graced with chromed lugs, a chromed fork, or both. 

For many years steel was the choice of master frame builders throughout Europe and these quality built frames often had some type of chromed highlight or feature. The chromed features were usually complimented by chromed headsets, chromed stems, and other chromed steel or polished aluminium components.

Some manufacturers chromed the chain stays on their frames, others chromed the seat stays, but the most popular chromed feature was the chroming of the front forks.

A row of 1980's steel lugged Colnago frames with chromed forks.

1980's Masi steel lugged frames with chromed features.

Indeed today, most European brands still make steel framed bicycles to satisfy the wants and needs of the nostalgic cyclist, although they rarely have chromed features. This is most likely attributed to the high costs involved in the chroming process that is now seen to be very environmentally 'unfriendly' due to the toxic chemicals that are used.

There are a few modern steel frames on the market that do have chromed features, unfortunately they are usually accompanied with very heavy price tags.

Wishing to upgrade the fork on my 2010 Masi Speciale steel frame I was keen to get hold of a chromed steel fork....but after considerable research I discovered that this was not going to be an easy task! 

Firstly the frame required a fork with a threadless (a-head) 1 1/8 inch diameter steerer, it had to be made for a 700c wheel, and drilled to accommodate a recessed mounting bolt for a modern brake setup.....and so my search commenced.

After much inquiry I could only find two options available:

The first fork I found was from Brick Lane Bikes in London. This fork was fantastic, it met my requirements and also had a double crown fork design - the double crown design was stunning and is a feature rarely seen on modern frames. Unfortunately they were made in very limited numbers and were sold out at the time of my inquiry.

Brick Lane Bikes double crown fork design.

My next, and only other option, was a fork made in Japan by Tange. It was called the Tange Prestige chromed fork and it had beautifully crafted lugs. This fork was difficult to locate, and after much inquiry and consideration I eventually ordered one through my local bike shop. 

Tange Prestige fork.

After the fork arrived I measured the steerer length and cut it to size. I then fitted the fork to the frame. Here are some comparative images below...

Masi Speciale with standard Masi fork.

Masi Speciale with Tange Prestige chromed fork.

.....and some more images with a bit more detail.

This is a very nice chromed fork and is truly reminiscent of a bygone cycling era. As steel framed bicycles become more and more popular I can clearly see chromed steel forks and other chromed steel components re-emerging into the market. 

Safe riding....

James @ PVC.

The Pashley 'Speed 5' has arrived.

Eurobike 2013 was held recently in Germany and as usual UK based Pashley Bicycles furnished a beautifully designed display stand with their new and exciting models. 

Pashley never fail to disappoint .....and this year was no exception. The 2013 Eurobike stand heralded the launch of three new models for Pashley. For me the most outstanding was a new machine they have called the 'Speed 5'.

The Speed 5 on display at Eurobike 2013.

The release of the 'Speed 5' is a great marketing strategy when you consider the success and popularity of it's older stablemate the Guv'nor.

The 'Speed 5' is essentially a Guv'nor that has been 'tricked' up with a 5 speed Sturmey Archer rear hub and a few other little extras. The new breed looks like a Guv'nor, has the classic 1930's geometry of the Guv'nor, but on closer inspection the vintage cycling enthusiast will see some fantastic new features.

The first obvious difference is of the frame colour. The 'Speed 5' is generously powder coated in British Racing Green, a perfect colour choice for a machine that is typically English. The frame also has a small racing number plate adorning the number 5 tucked in behind the head tube. A small but stylish feature reminiscent of the 1930's path racing era....and of course there are no prizes for guessing what the '5' eludes to.

Racing plate behind the head tube.

Pashley Speed 5 - side profile.

Other upgrades from the standard Guv'nor include the 5 speed Sturmey Archer rear hub with internal brake, a black leather Brooks "Swift" saddle with chrome railing, and a gold half-link chain. Another obvious difference with the Guv'nor series is that the 'Speed 5' has black Schwalbe 28 x 1 1/2 inch tyres instead of the more traditional white tyres that come standard on the Guv'nor. The black coloured 28 inch Westwood rims with gold piping remain the same.

Black Schwalbe tyres, and a gold half link chain.

GB wing nuts come fitted on the front hub of the 'Speed 5' as standard - a really nice touch! Although I am surprised that the designers at Pashley didn't opt for a stylish GB chain set that has been spied on some of their earlier models, perhaps this isn't an option right now.

I've also noticed that the pedals on the Eurobike display version are probably MKS Sylvan Road pedals with steel cages and leather straps.....unlike the Guv'nor that has MKS Sylvan Stream pedals fitted as standard.

So you think that the release of the new 'Speed 5' is all good news don't you. Well it isn't. The dilemma now arises for Guv'nor owners: How do I tell my wife I want another Pashley??

The Pashley website has just been updated with specs of the new release at: http://www.pashley.co.uk/products/speed-5.html

.....and of course if the kind folk at Pashley are keen to have their new machine road tested on the streets of Perth, Western Australia, I'm more than happy to put my hand in the air.

Until next time, safe pedalling.

James @ PVC.

1974 Masi Gran Criterium

I love Masi bicycles and after you see these images you'll probably get where I'm coming from. 

First of all there is little doubt that the sexiest bikes and bicycle components come from Italy. Italian products have always focused on style and design and this love of 'attractive' things is also reflected in their cycling industry. 

Campagnolo components are typical of Italian style and design. I notice that the 80th Anniversary Campag components have just been released, do yourself a favour and have a look. Just beautiful!

The history of Masi bicycles is quite interesting. In brief the legendary Faliero Masi (pictured below) started producing bicycles in Milan, Italy, in 1949. He built custom bicycles for the greats such as Fausto Coppi, Felice Gimondi, and Eddy Merckx.

Faliero Masi in the workshop.

In 1972 the Masi brand was sold to an American company that was known as Masi USA. Although the brand changed hands it still produced beautifully crafted machines in the US.

Even though the Masi brand was sold Faliero Masi continued to build bicycles after 1972 in Italy. Whilst doing so he passed his skills of bicycle craftmanship to his son Alberto, who continued in his fathers footsteps. Unfortunately Faliero passed away in 2000. Alberto still continues to make high quality bicycles in Milan, Italy, under the Milano nameplate.

Here are some images of a 1974 Gran Criterium road bicycle built by Faliero. A beautifully restored bicycle with an interesting history. 

This 1974 Gran Criterium is typical of the era and carries the distinctly recognisable styling of Faliero Masi. If you're into all things 'E'roica' you'll certainly appreciate this bike and others built by the famous Masi brand.

It was custom built for Franco Cortinovis who was an Italian Junior cycling champion in 1968. The bike has been lovingly restored by Eroica Cicli, Italy. There are some more mouth watering images at http://www.eroicacicli.com/forsale/bicycles/masi-gran-criterium-franco-cortinovis/

The website also has other lovingly restored bicycles of the era. Well worth a look at http://www.eroicacicli.com/category/forsale/bicycles/

Until next time safe riding.

James @ PVC

LiON Bellworks - Pashley Guv'nor bell

Bicycle component manufacturers "Adie & Nephew", and "Lucas" made bicycle bells for the UK and Australian markets during the 1950's and 1960's.

A classic "Adie & Nephew" traditional bicycle bell of the 1960's.

They made beautiful bells that sat big and bold on the handlebars of most bicycles of the period. Until recently bells of this quality were very hard to come by......and then I discovered LiON Bellworks.

In August 2012 I posted an article on an English bicycle bell manufacturer named LiON Bellworks. They sell beautifully crafted brass bells that look better and better with age. Their bells are very solid and have an exceptional tone. They've now added a little spice to their range of bicycle bells.

Bells can now be personalised by having your own choice of text etched into the dome of their bells. Here is an image of the standard bicycle bell with the words LION ENGLAND engraved into the dome.

The standard LiON Bellworks bell.

If it is a personalised bell that you are after you can replace the words LION ENGLAND with whatever text you choose. A great feature......especially if you would like to adorn your beloved bicycle with something special.

Have a look at their website at www.lionbellworks.co.uk

Click on the Web Shop tab at the top of the page, go to Retro Bicycle Bells, then finally click on Custom Engraving to have a look at whats on offer.

As you can see there is a range of text style options and up to 30 characters can be used - so you are only limited by your imagination. The bells are very good value and postage costs are very reasonable.

My 'beloved' bicycle happens to be a Pashley Guv'nor so that was the text I chose (in Bank Gothic) to personalise my bell. Here are some images of the bell below:

Some text ideas;

RALEIGH BICYCLES
L'EROICA 2013
TOUR De FRANCE 2013
(Your cycling event name) 2013
GIRO D'ITALIA 2013
GIOS COMPACT PRO
(Your bicycle brand and model)
TDF - BRAD WIGGINS - 2012
TDF - CADEL EVANS - 2013
THE GUVNORS' ASSEMBLY

What a great promotional item for your next cycling event, or present one with the appropriate text to your event sponsors as an appreciative gift.

I'm looking forward to the bell ageing to see how the patina develops across the engraved text.

I hope this post has inspired you to get one (or two) for yourself...

Happy pedalling.

James @ perthvintagecycles

Vintage cycling shoes

Riding a quality vintage bicycle with modern cycling shoes just doesn't feel right!

I've been looking for a good pair of leather vintage cycling shoes for some time and haven't been able to find anything my size.

I have an average shoe size (EU43) and I've found that it's very hard to locate an original vintage pair of leather cycling shoes in this size . Being a common and popular size I can only imagine that they have all disappeared over time. I have been able to locate the type of shoe I desire but only in smaller unusual sizes.

Wouldn't you love to own a nice new pair of quality Italian made Detto Pietro shoes like the ones pictured below?

Unfortunately they are very hard to find, and if you do locate a pair they are very expensive!

In lieu of an original pair of vintage cycling shoes I've been on the hunt for a pair of new 'vintage styled' shoes. There are a few on the market so I've put together some images of the ones that can be purchased brand new.

I've chosen to concentrate on shoes that have SPD cleats. I favour this type of cleat because all of my bikes have SPD pedals, but most of the styles shown here can also be purchased for use with regular road cleats. Some of the styles even come with a flat cleatless sole for use by riders who prefer to ride without being clipped in.  

- VITTORIA -

Italian made Vittoria shoes make a great range of vintage styled cycling shoes. Their popular vintage models are called the Vittoria 1976 range (line 1976). The Vittoria line come in a range of styles with most models being leather, some being suede. They have the usual quality and style you would expect from an Italian brand, and most styles are available in a variety of colours too.

Check out their website at www.vittoria-shoes.com/

Here are some images:

- DROMARTI -

Another good quality brand is Dromarti. Dromarti cycling shoes are manufactured in the UK and are probably the pick of the bunch. I have never seen or felt a pair, but all of the reviews I've read have only been positive. It appears that they make limited numbers and there is usually a waiting list for most styles and models.

The ones pictured below are from the Sportivo range.

Have a look at their range at www.dromarti.com/

- QUOC PHAM -

Quoc Pham cycling shoes are made in Taiwan. They are a solid leather cycling shoe of very good quality. The 'Tourer' model in black and brown is featured here. 

This brand is very conservative and is available in limited styles and options. They are only available with an SPD cleat recess, or a smooth sole. There are no models that support road cleats. I do like the addition of a reflective safety strip on the back of their shoes that runs vertically up the heel as shown on the brown pair below - very stylish.

Interestingly, they also make a cycling boot! Well worth a look at www.quocpham.com/

 

- EXUSTAR - 

The vintage styled cycling shoe that is most affordable is one from the brand Exustar. Like Vittoria, Exustar make a large range of cycling shoes that cover all disciplines of the sport. Exustar products are made in Taiwan and, unlike all of the other brands featured here, Exustar also make motorcycle shoes and apparel.

Exustar make a new 'vintage styled' cycling shoe called the STR-707 pictured below. This is a classic shoe more reminiscent of the vintage period.

I have recently bought myself a pair of these shoes and although I've ridden them for 200-300 kms I'm just breaking them in. They are very comfortable and fit like a glove.

The SPD cleats are recessed far enough into the sole that it is easy to walk with these shoes when off the bike. Going into a cafe to get a coffee during a ride has never been so comfortable!! The shoes often attract the attention of other cyclists when I'm out for a ride, after all it is quite unusual to see cycling shoes with laces!

These are a great shoe at an affordable price and I can highly recommend them. You can see more Exustar cycling shoes at www.exustar.com/

Please let me know of any other brands that you think are worth mentioning.

Until then, safe riding....

James @ perthvintagecycles