Tuesday 18 October 2011

A Hard Lesson


 A Mountain bike came into Spindles last Saturday that was unmaintainable. It had disc brakes and grip shift with full suspension and had been bought off the web for about £100 for a Christmas Present.   It came in a box, was assembled by the 14 year old recipient and then taken to Halfords to be 'tuned up'.

It looked like it had hardly been ridden however, the discs were bent, the brakes were 'wobbley' in their housing,  the rear mech. hanger was bent, and the L.H. pedal looked as if it had been cross threaded.  On closer inspection it was the threads themselves that were not straight.  It weighed a ton.  The Discs would just not go straight and it didn't help having a loose front wheel nut.

The ride was as bad as it can get with the skewed pedal inducing a mild form of sea sickness.  It was a hard task to tell the lady who brought the bike in that it was not going anywhere.  It was not her fault.  These internet deals look appealing and £100 full sus bike looks like a real bargain. Alas a £100 internet bike would only cost £35 pounds to make and you cannot get much of a bike for £35 no matter how may Chinese workers you throw at it.

Ultimately quality costs.  A quality bike would last many years, be a pleasure to ride and would therefore get used.  So bikes are for life not just for Christmas.

Only Buy on the net if you know what you are getting
Don't buy from a supermarket or similar
Quality reconditioned Second hand is always a credible option 

Wednesday 31 August 2011

Ribble 653 racer

 An example of frame building at its best from the late 90s with some nice touches in the way the cables are routed under the bottom bracket and top tube.  Shimano 105 groupset use throughout with Mavic Open Sport rims and Look pedals.  It's a large 25" frame suitable for a 6'2"+ height.  This bike has not been ridden for over 10 years so the cables need replacing, we will also be fitting crosstop brake levers.  Offers in the region of £350.  SOLD




Saturday 23 July 2011

John Pavey 531 Single Speed

We got the frame some time ago (see picture below) and as it had horizontal dropouts it would make a good single speed/fixie. The frame was stripped and powder coated with the rear chromed stays and Campag dropouts being preserved. I built a pair of wheels from a pair of Mavic Open Pro rims, a Hope front hub and an On One rear flip flop both of which used 32 Stainless Steel Italian spokes.

Tektro Brake Calipers and bar end levers provided stopping power on Bull Horn bars that were generously wrapped with cork Gel Tape. The rear cable is routed through the frame top tube which is a nice touch on the design. The Chain Set is a basic Shimano with 46 T chainring.

Seat is provided by Planet X

 Sold



18 tooth sprockets on the back

Classic Hope front Hub
23mm continental tyres







The Original Frame minus the forks 

Sunday 26 June 2011

Child's Marlboro bike from 1968

This Marlboro child's bike has been in a garage since the 1960s and has hardly been used so is almost mint condition.  
It has one gear, 18 wheels and would suit a 6 to 9 year old. SOLD








Tuesday 7 June 2011

Raleigh Trent Tourist Frame for sale

This is a Raleigh (or should I say 'The Raleigh') Trent Tourist bike probably from the 1950s.  The decals are is reasonable condition for its age and are quite aesthetic,  I cannot see any dents or damage.  There is rust in several places but would probably clean up. please see pictures below.   The frame No is 29936N and has an 'AG' underneath it.  I don't know what the state of the headset or bottom bracket is but they are included as seen.  Its currently for sale on  Ebay












Friday 20 May 2011

New Spindles Web Site went Live Today

On Friday 20th May Spindles new Web Site finally went live. It uses pivotx for the backend which has proved to be quite easy once the concepts are mastered. See what you think at Spindles

Monday 9 May 2011

Bob Jackson Images

You can see the bike renovated here
Here are a few images of the Bob Jackson. Its a Nuovo Olympus from the late 70's Early 80's with Prugnat Professional lugs, Campagnolo dropouts. To turn this into a Single speed would be logical but too obvious.












Tuesday 15 March 2011

The New Cargo Bike Test Drive

I used spindles new cargo bike for a week and was very impressed.  I loaded it will logs as well as roofing felt and other odds and ends.  As the weight is very log and around the rear wheel the handling is much better than a trailer.  It's still hard work up hill though.






Monday 14 February 2011

Shopping Bike Art

 This raleigh shopping bike was in a poor state when it was donated.  As an experiment we decided to paint it and get it working.  The paint job is effective if a little blotchy.   However this is a very appropriate endeavour as we are in an arts centre.  The bike is now in full working order and is sold.


The completed bike
Detail on the chain guard


simple but effective design

design on the main tube

Spindles Cargo Bike

Spindles got its first glimpse of the Cargo Bike the other week.  It behaves like an ordinary bike although we haven't used it load up.  It's made from about three separate bicycles that have been skilfully cut and then stuck together.

Very simple design

The 'running boards' have yet to be added

Being taking away to get the final touches and some paint

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