This is the Spindles blog, Corsham's bicycle maintenance project. The project is now a shop called Spindles Bikes
Email: spindlesbikes(at) gmail.com See our main site at http://www.spindlesbikes.co.uk
This frame came in last week - It's disc only so not really our thing. It does have a pair of Marzocchi MZ Comp forks which still seem to work however are very scuffed. The frame is 19 inch, retains the gear hanger and has plenty of scratches which are highlighted in the following images. This is now on ebay
With the warmer weather finally arrived bikes are now more visible on the than ever. I have been told the Corsham's Ladies clothes shop (Madison see opposite) has a dress in it covered in bicycle images and today in Wilkinsons there were cushions covered in images of bicycles. Is there something in the air or is it just the initial signs of madness? I have heard reports from Bespoke Bristol of the ranks of beautiful bikes, components, lugs, tools but I'm kind of glad I didn't go as the next stop would be 'the funny farm'.
Spindles has been inundated with great donations recently - an old Orange MB, A Claude Butler, several Specialized frames as well as some nice components. The shop is looking very crowded so we need to sell some bikes. I've been crafting a bike check list so that we don't forget to tighten the pedals or the chain set. It's actually quite difficult trying to cover every possible detail on every kind of bike while maintaining an 'easy to use' feel. We will probably have two sheets, one for maintenance jobs and the other for bikes that we sell so the customer knows more about what they are getting. We have used the forms provided by Sustrans however they are very basic and pertain to a safety check.
The Spindlers did some free maintenance work at the Chippenham Wheelers White Horse Weekend and it was good to see a wide variety of bikes and a reasonable range of ages amongst the participants not just old blokes on touring bikes. The Sunday was very busy as lots of maintenance issues has been 'discovered' the day before. Next weekend may be are busiest yet due to good weather and the farmers market. The weekend after is a Spindles' Ride to Merkin's Cafe near Bradford-on-Avon starting at 1:30pm see you there.
This is taken from Kickstarter.com and is worth supporting.
The Film The bicycle is a commonly used metaphor for change and freedom – wheels in motion, self powered movement, pedaling a revolution.
No
where is this truer than in Afghanistan today as the Women’s National
Cycling Team begins to take shape. Cycling is the last taboo for women
in Afghanistan, women do not ride bikes. It is considered offensive and
much like the women that dared to ride their bikes in petticoats in the
late 1800's - the stigma of immorality and promiscuity is hard to push
past. But also like America where the bike was intrinsically linked
with the women's suffrage movement… it could be a vehicle for change in
Afghanistan.
Our film will follow these women through their practice sessions,
riding the backroads and highways outside of Kabul. We'll also get an
intimate look at their lives when they're not on their bikes,
documenting their lifestyles, home life, and their role as a woman in
the male dominated country. Their passion and bravery is empowering to
women internationally, while challenging gender barriers and setting an
example to Afghan women at home.
I didn't go to spindles last week due to other commitments. Spindles' ride last week was postponed as it was too cold whereas today brought perfect cycling conditions, cool and sunny with little wind. First I caught up on the outstanding jobs that needed doing. I bike that I had build over 2 years ago came in for a service which had changed hands a few times and had not been ridden much. A quick tune of the gears and brakes along with some new air in the tires was all it needed. Edgar talked to a couple who had brought some donations which turned out to be an Italian Alfredo Gios frame and some nice bits to go with it. This was generosity personified. In fact there were a number of great donations throughout the day along with a number of good maintenance jobs which included a renovation of a Moser.
The ride started at 3:15pm in Biddestone where 10 of us, including 4 kids, headed off to Giddeahall,then Yatton Keynell, Grittleton, Stanton Saint Quinton, Kington st. Michael, Allington and back to Corsham. What we needed is a place name with a 'Z' and 'X' in it and we would have used all the letters on the alphabet in the place names. A challenge for next time. I handed out cakes half way around which went down very well while Tim came to be rescue of Ben with a couple of bananas to cure the fatigue that had suddenly set in. It was a very pleasant way to spend Saturday last afternoon.
I'll post some pictures of the donated bikes later.
Next week is the Chippenham Wheelers White horse weekend.
Our Monthly cycle ride will take place at about 2pm on Saturday 30th March 2013 from Corsham Community Centre. At usual the destination will be very weather dependant but we will brave the weather whatever it my bring. A cup of tea and a sticky bun at a Cafe is guaranteed.
The Following week on the 6th April the two tunnels project in Bath will open with a cycling festival. This is billed to be the longest cycling tunnel in the UK. see http://www.twotunnels.org.uk/ for details.
We have been trying a number of wines that feature bicycles on the labels, top amongst them is Como Sur Pinot Noir which is an Organic wine from Chile. Chile is said to have the cleanest atmosphere and environment for growing vines and the people at Como Sur use bicycles to get around the vineyard. I don't know much about wine but this one does taste nice. Now here is the blurb... This Pinot Noir made from grapes grown organically that has been certified by BCS Öeko Garantie GmbH. It is appealing in its rich and deep bright red colour, and has a complex and developed nose that is governed by sweet wild fruit aromas, where notes of cherries and berries are enhanced by slight toasty hints. This Pinot definitely has a personality of its own. It’s tasteful, with soft tannins and an excellent structure.
I've had the Gladiator's Cabernet Sauvignon a couple of times, not as nice as the Como Sur however this also depends on the accompanying food. Blurb... A big, muscular wine, a weighty tannic structure make their presence felt throughout. True to its appellation, the 2010 Cycles Gladiator Cabernet has the strength and power characteristic of wines from Lodi. A deep purple color supports a dense, black cherry dominated aroma. Cherry flavors continue to headline through to the finish, supported by lighter accents of plum, cola and cedar.
Some more wines with bicycles that I haven't tried yet are are follows.
The sun came out today and I was actually warm for a change. At least 2 of the larger jobs were cleared, we sold a bike and all is reasonable well with the world. The rumour is that there will be a Corsham cycling festival this year in the Autumn. Quite what that means it up for grabs so I would be interested in what you thing it should include. Here are my ideas
Close of some roads in Corsham and get people on bikes.
lots of stalls
lots of food
Themed bike rides - Tandems - tricycles - single speeds - etc.
Free bike maintenance
Find some world record to do with the number of bikes in a specific place and break it - read on...
The last Saturday of February was cold and we wavered on whether to go, but 10 people started out at 2:30pm heading for Atworth Farm Shop (known asNeston). We rode down Valley Road and though Leafield, up to Neston, turn right for Chapel Plaister then left at Chapel Plaister, left at the main road and then left into the Farm shop for tea.
It's an inspiring experience and the air was thick with ideas on themed riders - Single speeds - Tandems - Choose a Bike from Spindles - It's not just about nerdy bike things, its the joy of the open road Next ride Saturday March 30th.
The age ranges went from 9 through to 70+ and it turned out to be very sociable. Two Jims, two Bens, a Nick, Edgar, Josh, Mole, Tim and Alistair, here are the starters.
Then we had Edgar and Jim with his tricycle
Josh with his own build - Carbon alloy combination with Campag - Shimano components
On the 23rd of Feb we will pack up early and go for a ride to a tea shop - weather permitting. Join us for a ride starting at 2.00pm at Corsham Community Centre- hope to finish about 4.30pm - watch this space.
Ken came in on Saturday to show us his Italian classic Racer of the 1980s made from Columbus tubing. Its a stunning machine with fantastic lug work that provides a strong finish. The frame was built in his garden shed and the whole bike weighs less than 20lbs. There are a number of modern compromises to the not least of which is the chain-set that has a practical 50/36 coupled with the wide ratio 6 speed cluster and the pedals. The components are nearly all Campagnolo. Ken is looking for some period Campag shifters of the 80 vintage to replace the existing 60s model.
More information will follow. Enjoy the images
Got a report of 4 bikes stolen and we have pictures for 3 Viper Fujitif Carbon (white), it's a full susser with flexi carbon chain stays, it currently only has a single-ring (red) up front, 36 tooth, and no front changer. Mix of Hope & Goodridge steel braided brake hose. Rear gear cable is Nokon. Ergon carbon grips. Rockshox Reba Team. Time Pedals. Hope Mono Mini disk brakes. Mavic 717 rims on black Hope Pro 2 hubs. Fox RP3 shock.
Giant TCR 2 Composite (black). This pic was taken when new, it hasn't changed at all other than I put on some Red Look Carbon pedals from earlier 90s. Oh, new Vittoria tyres, white/black tread, and new SwissStop brake blocks.
Unbranded Titanium (brushed titanium) - has two sprockets on the rear but it is a singlespeed doesn't have the green tyres any more, they are back to the standard black. Most unusual is the two cogs on the rear but only one is in use at any one time. Hope Headset in red. Rockshox Sidi Team forks. Mavic Crossmax SL wheelset.
Haven't found pictures of silver Raleigh woman's style silver MTB yet
This talk add to the helmet debate. I must declare that I only ware a helmet when riding in icy conditions or may be in a city. The arguments presented here are compelling
I decided to build up a single speed Cannondale and a geared Marin. The Marin is a standard 3x7 however we did not have any suitable MB forks so I put a 700c pair in which works rather well.
The Cannondale frame has been around as long as spindles. The frame is fantastic as are all Cannondale frames of this vintage. However if is was to be geared then a considerable amount of money would be needed to justify the frame. Hence the single speed idea and it works.
We have loads of second hand bike stuff and we need thin down our stock so come along and rummage. Here are a few images of boxes. We are open every Saturday 9:30 to 2pm ish.
This Argos Bike was rescued from being thrown into the skip and being lost. But is it an Argos? I sent the pictures who confirmed that it was not one of theirs but the did refurbish it in the 1980s. The wrap around seat stay is the biggest clue and at least two frame builders provided this design: Holdsworth and Brian Rourke. Here are some detailed pictures of the bike documenting in the state we received it in: Any ideas?
Spindles has been around for 3 years now and in that time we have learned to be choosy with bikes that have been donated. Not all bikes can be saved or are worth saving. The cheaper end can just be recycled with only the occasional saddle or brake lever to rescue. It's clear that people want and expect our bikes to work as well as new bike should. This means replacing much of the gearing with new which is expensive.
I cannot believe how the price of bikes has risen over the past few years. A Thorn Club Tour cost £800 7 years ago but now cost £1500. My Mercian now costs £1000 for the fame only. So what should we be charging for a basic bike, what ever that is, if the expectation is that it should work as well as a new bike?
The cheapest bikes we sell are currently £40 but this may be too little if the requirement is for it to work as well as a new bike. Lets analyse a couple of typical donations:
1 racing bike, good frame, components a little worn, chain rusty, rims worn.. it has been a well used bike then neglected. Strip down to the frame, clean the frame and build up with new wheels and salvaged good parts. New wheels cost at least £70, while the salvaged parts value may also be over £70. With the work involved being 7 to 10 hours, including sourcing and trying the components out, we end up with a bike that cost £250+ which may be a marginal proposition for a customer. The frame really has to justify the investment in time and money to make a desirable bike.
1 entry level mountain bike, not used much but has been left out in the rain. There is a lot of rust and the bearings grind. Re-greasing all the bearings, fitting new cables, cleaning and tuning takes about 5 hours. New components would be cables and chain and may be new tyres which all cost £30. The best that a customer would expect to pay would be about £50. The internet option for a new bike is about £70 and Halfords is about £80.
The economics of second hand bikes are marginal so any bike that we work on should be reasonably desirable. It's very hard to turn away donations so we are beginning to favour striping donated basic bikes for specific parts and recycling the rest including the frame.
I've had the Gladiator's Cabernet Sauvignon a couple of times, not as nice as the Como Sur however this also depends on the accompanying food. Blurb... A big, muscular wine, a weighty tannic structure make their presence felt throughout. True to its appellation, the 2010 Cycles Gladiator Cabernet has the strength and power characteristic of wines from Lodi. A deep purple color supports a dense, black cherry dominated aroma. Cherry flavors continue to headline through to the finish, supported by lighter accents of plum, cola and cedar.
