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

Bicycle Art - Road Graffiti

Road graffiti or road art has always been a part of the Tour De France. During the Tour budding road artists and other marketing opportunists have the chance to have their work beamed around the globe through worldwide television broadcasting that covers the event.

Even the sponsors get on board as seen by this 2013 TDF image below.

Most of the 'unofficial' road graffiti is painted onto road surfaces of the steeper climbs. This is because the cyclists are travelling at their slowest and the cameras have the artwork in their lenses for a longer period of time. There's no point in painting on the road where cyclists are travelling quickly as the chances of the work being captured by the television coverage is minimal. 

Climbs such as the Col du Tourmalet, the Col d'Aubisque, and the Alpe d'Huez are always covered in graffiti. The images are often spectacular, especially on race day when the roads are lined with thousands of cycling fans.

I have recently noticed that cycling graffiti or cycling art has become popular throughout many cities. I've been collecting some images and have included a few below.

Most images are works of art in their own right, some images carry subtle messages.....

....and other images not so subtle.

Striking images speak for themselves, until next time...safe riding.

James @ PVC.

Italian steel and chrome.

I'm on the hunt for a "modern" vintage steel frame for a new project. The plan is to get my hands on a brand new modern frame, steel of course, preferably with some shiny chrome for that vintage feel and build it up with some modern componentry. 

The market for such a frame is quite interesting right now. Manufacturers have realised that consumers have an appetite for new steel frames and are re-issuing steel frames that will take modern components. Of course Italian steel is what I'm after and for some reason most chromed steel frames on offer are Italian, or at least have an Italian heritage.

Manufacturing in Taiwan is where value for money is within the international bicycle industry and after reading the fine print in some brochures I've learnt that some "Italian" companies are now building their frames in Taiwan and shipping them to Italy before distributing them from their homeland.  

"What parts need to be chromed?" you ask. Good question.

Traditionally the lugs, or a least the ones on the head tube, the drive side chain stay, perhaps the drive side seat stay, and definitely some chrome on the forks. The forks can vary from being fully chromed (my preference), although at least the fork crown and the dropouts should be dipped in the beautiful shiny stuff. However too much chrome can look a bit tacky, fully chromed frames don't do it for me - to me an indication that someone is trying way too hard!

Here's a selection of frames on offer from all of the big Italian brands. All of them classic, all of them beautiful.....

 "CIOCC" SAN CRISTOBAL / WORLD 77

"COLNAGO" MASTER

"BIANCHI" DOLOMITI

"GIOS" COMPACT PRO

"CINELLI" SUPERCORSA

"TOMMASINI" SINTESI

"DE ROSA" NUOVO CLASSICO

Differing styles and brands will appeal to different individuals for a multitude of reasons. Most design and styling features are common although I've noticed that the main difference between frames (and an important one too!!) is how the fork is attached to the frame.

Traditionally a threaded headset with a quilled stem would be consistent with the "vintage" aspect but some manufacturers have modernised the frame by providing a fork that will only take a threadless headset (A-head style) that requires a modern clamp style stem. And to compound the problem it is usually a 1" threadless fork as opposed to the 1 1/8" threadless on most modern setups.

Threaded headset with a Cinelli quill stem

Threadless headset with a Ritchey Ahead stem

To my eye the quilled stem is far more attractive and consistent with vintage styling even though the range of modern quill stems are quite limited. A-head stems just don't quite sit as well with me for a "modern" vintage build, but of course beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

So now the hard part......Which frame to buy? What colour? Which components?....and where to source them from?

Safe riding...

James @ PVC

Carved leather saddles

Leather bicycle saddles are beautifully crafted works of art that add a classic touch to any modern or vintage bicycle. Leather saddle manufacturers such as Brooks and Gilles Berthoud are just a couple of well known companies that spring to mind. Just when I though that these traditionally classic leather saddles could not be improved upon I came across a couple of websites that have proven me wrong.

The craftsmen mentioned below take conventional Brooks or Gilles Berthoud saddles and carve beautiful designs into their leather covers.

-   MICHIEL VAN DEN BRINK   -    

Michiel started carving saddles a couple of years ago after experimenting on an old Brooks Professional saddle that he needed to replace. Impressed by his initial work he has now finely tuned his artistic skills and produces beautifully crafted custom carved saddles to order.

Here are a couple of his wonderful creations.

His craftwork is fabulous and his skills have been extended to producing equally beautiful carved matching saddle bags as well.

You can view his work and place orders on his website http://www.michielvandenbrink.com/saddles/

....and of course designs can be customised to your liking.

-   KARA GINTHER  -

Equally impressive are these carved designs by Kara Ginther. These designs can also be customised although I'd prefer to choose one of the beautifully crafted designs displayed on the website or on her flickr photostream.

Brooks Swift saddle crafted for the London Tweed Run 2010

You can view more of these stunning works of art at http://www.karaginther.com/

If you love your bicycle and are prepared to pay a little extra for something truly remarkable then these saddles are for you. So what would you expect to pay for a customised design? 

Keeping in mind that these handmade pieces of art are all individually designed and crafted by artists with special skills, expect to pay what the artisan deserves. Please see the websites for approximate prices.

Ride safe,

James @ PVC.

Fremantle Tweed Run 2013 - The ride

The Fremantle Tweed Run this year was an outstanding success thanks to the enthusiasm and dedication of the fantastic people associated with the 'Dismantle' group. 

At about midday on Sunday November 3, 2013, about 250 vintage cycling enthusiasts, and others wishing to experience an uncomplicated afternoon of cycling fun, gathered at Pioneer Reserve, Fremantle. Participants were greeted with good humour, fresh scones, and iced tea that were all served together in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. It was a beautiful day, perhaps even a little warm!

There was a wide range of bicycles and period clothing, however the real common thread between all participants was their love of bicycles and cycling. Although there were only a handful of genuine vintage bicycles it was pleasing to see the popularity of 'new' vintage styled bicycles - some very nice bikes indeed. Here are some images of the group at Pioneer Reserve prior to departure.

After being given some clear guidelines and directions by the organisers the group casually rode through the historic streets of Fremantle at a relaxed pace, bells ringing, people laughing. Cyclists received a warm reception from onlookers that were in the streets attending the Fremantle Festival. 

The ride continued through town before making its way to the Swan River foreshore in East Fremantle. Once on the foreshore the group arranged itself (well...sort of, nearly) for the group photo. This also gave cyclists a short breather and a chance for some liquid refreshment....some cyclists alleviated their hydration concerns with a cold golden fluid contained in small bottles, some sipped from small hip flasks, whilst others swilled from water bottles.

....and so the friendly ride continued over the bridge and on to the northern side of the Swan River. After snaking its way through the cycle paths adjacent to the river the group ended up at a safe haven otherwise known as the North Fremantle Bowling Club....and safe it was! Cold beer, Hendrick's Gin, interesting snacks, live jazz music, and lawn bowls! A great combination for a very pleasant and relaxing afternoon in the sun.

Don't you wish you were there? Don't fear....there will be another Fremantle Tweed Run during 2014. If you did miss out this year please bookmark this blog or keep a look out for the advertising poster for next years event.

Thanks to all at Dismantle. Please visit http://dismantle.org.au/ and have a peep at their wonderful endeavours.

Safe riding....

James @ PVC.