Workman Bikes

I want a Workman Bike. It's hard to believe you can still order a custom bicycle for under $400, but it is possible. Long a staple of the working man and huge industrial centers,

The Kona Africa Bike

I note with interest that Kona's 2009 Africa Bike now has an integrated rear rack welded to the frame. Pretty cool, that......

At $375, it's still a bit steep for me, especially when I have enough bikes to ride a different one each day of the week. If I see one on the used market though.......

The Flying Pigeon

David has penned a review of The Flying Pigeon at Bikes For The Rest Of Us.

"You should never, I repeat, you should NEVER wear lycra, or "cycling clothing" while riding a Flying Pigeon. The full chaincase should be a good indication that business attire is welcome on board, as are bell bottoms, and palazzo pants, whatever those are."

I like the double bar black version myself, with a Brooks style saddle, of course.

Imported and sold by Flying Pigeon NYC.

The Kronan One Speed

As more and more people in the US begin to consider biking to work as a viable alternative to paying high prices at the pump, a new type of bicycle is beginning to appear. Imminently functional, the old one speed diamond frame is a durable workhorse. Add an upright riding posture, fenders, bell, rear rack and lights, and it yields a captivating machine that is all business.

Many modern commuters are put off by complex derailleurs and expensive investments locked to bike racks in the elements. Kronan is a Swedish bicycle manufacturer that originally was a supplier for the Swedish Army. Their bike sports a front drum brake, steel rear rack with a tire pump attached, full fenders with mud guards, darkness activated dynamo powered lighting, and a rust proofed frame with exposed parts galvanized. Three speeds and women's versions are available.

Available in creme, green, blue, black and red, with a price of an even $500 with delivery to your doorstep, the Kronan One Speed is a ride that's hard to resist.

The RetroVelo

OK, I have to admit it......I like this bike. The RetroVelo is an old school German balloon tire bicycle. It has a beauty that permeates it's simplicity. The contrast of fat tires and a skinny steel frame is a product of form following function. The fat tires protectthe rider from the inevitable bumps of the road, while the lugged steel frame makes the entire bicycle a solid machine willing to take years of abuse.

The RetroVelo comes in three and seven speed versions, as well as a fixed gear bike. The men's frame is a classic diamond. The woman's bike has one of the most graceful swan neck frames seen in recent years. The front hub dynamo powered headlight has wiring concealed within the forks. A sprung Brooks saddle, full fenders and mud guards round out the package. A matching rear rack is available.

Available in the US through Clever Cycles.

RetroVelo Catalog in pdf

The Swiss Army Bike

The bicycle has been a staple of efficient military transport for nearly a full century. I remember seeing gray bicycles at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, the old Navy boot camp. The military bicycle is a totally utilitarian device, devoid of fashion, and frivolity. It is transportation, designed to be sturdy, last forever under arduous conditions, and to be repainted with a bucket and brush when necessary.

Recently, one of my readers turned me on to a seller of surplus Swiss Army bikes. That's right, the Swiss Army, designers of the famous tool chest disguised as a knife, and drivers of the Pinzgauer and Unimog. On looking at these bikes, I simply said "Yeah baby!" Swiss Army bikes, or Militarvelos, are fashioned after the classic Roadster bike that I covet. They have a coaster brake, a vertical rod front brake, and an extra rear drum brake. I suppose such is necessary in the Alps. The bikes came complete with dynamo driven lights, a rear rack, and a leather satchel for tools and documents. they even have a totally minimalistic bell on the handlebars. Pure lust swarmed from my chest.

I began to goggle and research articles on this machine to learn more. I contacted the supplier, only to find they had none available. Too bad.....At $350, the price was a bit steep anyway. My research is telling me these bikes should range in price from $100 to $250 or so.

I will likely not purchase a Militarvelo at this price, but I will keep looking for one. This is one hardcore utility bicycle. I want one!

The Kona 88

Kona's celebrates 20 years of making great bikes with their Eighty-Eight. What better way to celebrate the past than with a retro throwback? The Eighty-Eight sports a chromoly frame with an integrated locking glovebox, full fenders and a classic strutted fork. The single-speed Shimano drivetrain uses a coaster brake just like you remember as a kid and wide, swept-back bars that keep you upright and comfortably in control. And, check out the wood-anodized rims and the beautiful, always classy Brooks saddle!

Yeah.........I want one!

I think. I'm not so sure on examining close-ups of the bike. The front fork, although strutted, seems to be a typical modern day mountain bike fork. Same goes for the stem and rear fork. The crankset, is of course, modern. The Brooks saddle is nice, but why not a Brooks suspension saddle? The Kona 88 is a nice blend of new and old, and the locking glove box is trick, but at $699, I think I will wait until this "anniversary bike" is on the old bike market........It's nice to see another cruiser with a bull bike frame though. Compare it to my Raleigh PUB.

The Steampunk Bicycle

Somethings are just to fantastic to describe. On June 1, 1896, mad bicyclist Sylvester Roper arrived at the Charles River race track in Boston with a contraption that was beyond the scope of anything ridden before. Grafted onto an 1894 Columbia frame was a coal fired steel boiler with a 73 year old inventor on top. That must have been one hot ride........Literally!

A week previously, he had clocked his machine at a breath taking 40MPH. Roper made three laps at an average speed of 30MPH. Then Roper poured on the fire and tragedy struck. From the Boston Daily Globe:

“The machine was cutting out a lively pace on the back stretch when the men seated near the training quarters noticed the bicycle was unsteady. The forward wheel wobbled, and then suddenly, the cycle was deflected from its course and plunged off the track into the sand, throwing the rider and overturning.

All rushed to the assistance of the inventor, who lay motionless beneath his wheel, but as soon as they touched him they perceived that life was extinct. Dr. Welcott was summoned and after an examination gave the opinion that Mr. Roper was dead before the machine left the track.”

A heart attack had ended his eccentric genius. Sylvester Roper left behind a 20 year legacy of steam powered cycles. This one, on which he took his last ride is on display at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame museum in Columbus, Ohio.

1905 Columbia Shaft Drive

Notice something different about this bike? There is no chain. Shaft driven bicycles are not new. The unusual drivetrain offers several advantages; greater ground clearance, a drive system protected from the elements and trousers protected from the drive system. Over the years, shaft propelled bicycles re-emerge on the market, but they are a more complex system, more expensivee, and they offer the advantages at an approximate 3-5% loss of power.

Still, when I saw this restored Columbia Two Speed on ebay, with a horsehair Christy's seat, and an integral shock absorber, I was impressed. What was old becomes new again every once in a while.

Current bid: US $860.00 Reserve not met

The CCM Bicycle

I have a thing for old bicycles. I especially like bikes of the old heavy black utilitarian sort. Thus, when I saw this old clunker from Canada Cycle & Motor Co. Ltd on ebay, I salivated. The seller listed it as:

A solid black, antique ladies bicycle made by CCM. Reminiscent of the bicycle in The Wizard of Oz, all you need to add is a basket for Toto (and possibly a witch). A solid frame sits on top of 28 x 1 ½ inch tires, which appear to be original. They hold air, no problem, and it rides well. Also please note the distinctive CCM sprocket.

This one owner bike is from an estate in upstate New York where the bike was stored in a dry basement. There is minor surface rust on the handle bars and stem, but should come off easily. This bike is ready to ride, become a conversation piece, or both.

I looked over the photos. It certainly seemed to be original. It was a bit rusty and dinged up, but it was all there. It was a woman's bike, but that just might be ideal if I ever get knee replacements. The old girl had the long head tube and rake of European ubiquitous bikes, with a steel lugged frame, a double kickstand, and even the original bell and grips on the handlebars. I wouldn't do a thing to it except swap the seat for a sprung Brooks leather saddle.

Wow.....The current bid when I first spotted it was US $20.50 with $51.97 shipping. I could handle that......Plus a little more.

I decided to watch it and lie in wait.....

Yeah, I was going to snipe it........Winning bid: US $265.00. That wasn't me.........

CCM Bike Overhaul

The Raleigh Superbe

One bicycle I lust after is a Raleigh Superbe. This product of Nottingham is the quinessential British roadster bicycle. Tough as nails, it was billed as the "all steel" bicycle when steel was a desirable characteristic in a bike. It had 28 inch gum walled tires, roller rod actuated brakes, and a totally enclosed chain case. The Raleigh Superbe came with full fenders, a generator driven headlight, a locking front fork, and a sprung Brooks leather saddle.

There is one up for auction on ebay right now. The current bid is GBP 128.50(approximately US $256.22). Unfortunately, it is located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom, and shipping to the States is GBP $180.00.

It's tempting.......

Update: It closed at GBP 250.00 (approximately US $503.20), US $865.50 with shipping.

New from Electra

At last a mainstream bicycle company has caught on to the idea that tanker bikes are cool again. Electra, known for having a finger on the pulse of cool, has introduced four tanker style bikes this year. Pictured at left is the Electra Indy. It features an aluminum bullet tank with retro gold leaf appearing script on an aluminum ballooner frame. Sadly, it has a Nexus internal 3 speed rear hub with all the associated cables and twist shifter cluttering up the picture. They did get it right with the fenders, white tires, block pedals, fork struts and a springer seat though.

Along with the Indy, Electra has put out three similar bikes, the Flying Sue, styled after WWII aircraft; the Vince in flat black; and the Punk is a silly eclectic mismatched black and white and red paint scheme. They can keep those. At $610, they can keep the Indy too. The three speed hub just doesn't get it for me.

Jet Bike

Laclede Bicycle

Here's an auction I'll be watching..........

Heres an old original paint bicycle probably from near the turn of the century. Cool truss frame and unique 3 piece handlebar stem. The Troxel seat has lots of cracking and coming loose at the front. Front wood wheel (28") has damage and is pretty crooked. Aside from that its a nice straight bike. Fenders are dent free and have the original braces. You can still make out where it says "Laclede" on the down tube. Killer headbadge says "E C Simmons - Laclede - Simmons Hardware Co. - Manufacturers & Distributers USA". Under the "E C Simmons" it has the number "660". Rear wheel and grips are incorrect. If you installed a rear wood wheel this would be a great bike to display as is! Check out the pics and email with any questions. Thanks!

Winning bid: US $385.00

The Electra Amsterdam

Who wants a European styled bike? I do! Electra has introduced a bicycle to the American market that is reminiscent of the utilitarian bicycles that clutter the sidewalks of Europe. The Amsterdam is a bike for those who don't want to ride down mountains and aren't candidates for triathilons. It's a more civilized bike for the person who just wants to get around.

With a diamond frame, it is sturdy. With fenders and a skirt guard, it keeps you dry on wet streets. With a full chain guard, you can ride it in slacks.....With cuffs. A headlight, bell and rear rack round out a classic, practical bike for those who accept no compromise. With a $560 price tag, I'll wait a while.

More on the Electra Amsterdam

Batavus versus the Electra Amsterdam

Jet Bike on Ebay

2007 custom electric / jet turbine bicycle. The electric bicycle will go 18 MPH for 20 miles on a single charge. The jet turbine will go 1.2 miles on one gallon of JET-A and will reach a speed of 50 MPH! The jet turbine is a AMT 450 with electric start. This turbine cost $5,500.00 with electric control unit. The bike also has a custom smoke system built for this application, it uses aviation smoke oil. The jet can be ran on jet-a or kerosene. This bike is not a toy and buyer assumes all responsiblity. The turbine is very loud....the perfect toy if you don't like your neigbors very much. Do not bid on this bike if you do not like attention! First run down my street and thier wasn't a neighbor one not in his front yard to see what the ^$^% was that. Buyer reponsible for pickup and or shipping arrangements.

Current bid: US $5,000.00

Inspiration

There are times that one comes across something that leads to total, unmitigating, unrelenting inspiration. Such was my response when I first saw this bicycle with a motor.

I will build such a bike! Soon! Life is to short not to!

The Raleigh PUB or.....Where has Xavier been?

Several months ago, I began to think.........How best to regain abs of steel while preserving my knees of pasta? At 6'1" and 268 pounds, the old leg benders are beginning to feel the strain. It is time to lighten the load they carry. I used to swim as well as run for exercise and fitness. Running was out as an option due to the inability of my knees to take the beating. Years of training with 70 pound packs and combat boots have taken their toll. Swimming, likewise, is out. I refuse to pay fees to a health club just to dodge kids in the lap lanes. My wife-mate refuses to allow me to swim in the river. Something about moccasins and undertows.

Then, a couple of weeks ago, while on the pawn shop circuit, I noticed a bike. Hmmmmmm.....says I. It was a Wal-Mart mountain bike, but not too much of an investment. Perhaps.....I discussed it with my wife-mate, who suggested we check at the local bike shop (LBS) to take a look at prices. That sounded good. I had not ridden in years, so I had no idea of current prices.

I quit riding back in the late eighties. I was staying in shape in the military, traveling a lot, and bending over a ten-speed road bike decked out in spandex just wasn't a sailor's idea of a good time. In the succeeding years, I sneered at the skinny rawhide boys pedaling along at high speed, mounted on carbon fiber, wearing lycra with blinky lights on their heads. It seemed bicycling had lost it's roots in transportation and fun. It was awash with tree hugging weirdos from another planet. All was focused on speed and competition or alternative fuel to satisy Al Gore. The alternative was mountain biking, or break dancing on a BMX bike. Neither of those made sense either. I just wanted a road worthy bike to ride at my speed for fun and fitness, and maybe to stop at the grocery store for a six-pack on the way home. Where the hell were the bikes for a fellow like me? Surely there are more everyday Joe's like me.........Surely there is a market!

I discussed my desires with my wife-mate on the way to the bike store. It seemed I was doomed to either accept a mountain bike or rebuild a garage sale bike, but she agreed to join me in my quest for riding. At the LBS, I learned the new breed of bike was designed for people like myself. It has a mixture of the road bike's speed and hill conquering ability, while allowing an upright riding posture ala' the bikes of old. In the store, I found the hybrid to be the bike for me, and I purchased a Raleigh Passage 4.0. My wife ordered an Electra Townie 3s for herself, and we ordered a purple Raleigh Mojave 2.0 for Little Darling. Expect reviews on those in the future. Not yet owning a bike rack, I rode my new bicycle home.

The Raleigh Passage was a good riding bike, but the complexity of the derailleurs and suspension wasn't quite cutting it. As an old fart, I desire simplicity in my life, and I yearn for the icons of my childhood. (That is one reason I chose a Raleigh, even though they are now constructed in China, not Nottingham.) Like many people who purchase new items, I had bought first, and then went to the internet to research. The Raleigh Passage 4.0 got rave reviews. Good. It still did not fit my desires. I clicked on the Raleigh Cruiser icon, and I found the P.U.B, or Public Utility Bike.

Wow! That was it. Masculine brown in color, with an aluminum frame, and a more obtuse seat tube angle, moving the pedals forward while lowering and moving back the seat. The styling was that of a basic bike, indeed, a rental bike, with a retro flavor. It had one rear sprocket, only a coaster brake, wide, uncluttered handlebars, and a springer front end. Fat tires on yellow rims and springs beneath the seat rounded out the package. Hell, it even had a bottle opener on the bike! Even better, it had been discontinued by Raleigh in 2006 after only a year, a sure rarity in the years to come. Apparently Raleigh did not really want the old fat beer swilling market after all.

But how could I justify another bike? Had I made a mistake purchasing the Passage? I finally came to the conclusion that this was like a Combat Masterpiece. They ain't makin' it any more. Get it now, or regret it later. I decided the Passage 4.0 would be the bike for group rides when I needed extra gears to keep up. The PUB would be the bike for me. I could not find any consumer reviews on this bike online. None. Nada. I was buying blind, but I have invested much more on a hunch. I went back to the bike store and placed an order. I waited with anticipation...............

The Raleigh PUB Review