BIKEPGH MESSAGE BOARD ARCHIVE

What kind of frame is it? Pics?

What area of town do you live in?

It's a mixte. No pics with me here.

I'm in swissvale.

Same questions as edmonds. I know some places to get parts online if your local lbs does not have what you are looking for. As far as how much is too much goes, that is completely up to you.

I am restoring a vintage bike myself. Its a J.C. Higgins, I think it is a 1959. I will post some photos after work.

cool racedoug, you definitely should post pics

If it was once a good bike, it may be worth rehabbing.

If it was a department store bike in the 70's, it may be better than today's department store bikes but otherwise likely isn't worth more than tires and a chain in terms of replacement components.

good point Brad. I know it's nothing amazing, but it's not just department store bike-shaped-object. Lovely lugwork and a comfortable smooth ride.

Mmm, mixte, good. This sounds like something the guys at Clankworks might be interested in. He mentioned once that they might start doing custom builds. And they can probably get Wald baskets, mustache bars, that sort of thing.

Aside, I was at the Trek store on Sat and saw a Trek "Belleville", it was ridiculously beautiful. I lusted.

I love the integrated racks and cream tires on the Belleville.

Though I haven't seen it in person, I quite like this Electra Ticino:

Take it to Thick Bikes to have it tuned up. Best to look online for the bars, baskets, and fenders- though those guys might be carrying or able to order this stuff too. Regardless, it helps you get a picture of what you might want.

You can get some nice swept back bars for under $25 at-

http://www.benscycle.net/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=75_128_129_478

and

http://www.velo-orange.com/haandst.html

You'll need different brake levers-

http://www.velo-orange.com/cibibrle.html

For front baskets, good old Made in USA Wald stuff is here-

http://www.waldsports.com/index.cfm/baskets.html

Grips and fenders and such are available just about anywhere.

i was out on a ride in the 'burbs yesterday, and i saw a bike much like is described here. in fact, very similar to the electra. beautiful light tan frame, with chrome albatross bars, and brown grips. rear rack, front basket, light tan fenders that matched the frame, a pretty silver badge, sprung leather saddle. just a gorgeous bike.

it was being used as a flower bed.

gah! what a punch line HV. I think we should arrange a "rescue" mission for this poor lonely, riderless bike.

@dooftram, thanks for the suggestions. I had looked around on OV, but not the others. I'll start with Thick then and see from there.

I would second edmonds' recommendation of Clankworks, at least for some of the accessories and maybe advice on where to go for more in-depth work. They are dealers for Velo Orange among other things, such as their wooden fenders.

Agree!!! We need to save that bike!!! I am ALWAYS looking for vintage bikes!!!

Here are some more links for you....

www.nirve.com

www.feltbicycles.com

www.bikepartsusa.com

www.bikeusa.com

Hey Tabby, here is the bike I'm working on right now. Its a J.C. Higgins and I think its a 1959. I got it off of craigslist for $20. The guy I bought it from was really cool, he said he didn't want to just scrap the bike, he wanted to sell it to someone who was going to restore it. Enter me stage left...lol. I brought it home pumped up the tires and they held air!!!! Its in pretty good shape so I'm just going to get the rust off and clean it up and ride ride ride....

Did a little spot of the chrome, its going to SHINE!!

The other bike project I have going right now is a Basman. Got the frame set from Amsterdam. Now I'm just trying to save up for parts.

Coool stuff, racedoug.

Tabby

I fully endorse 100% you getting another Concord on the streets. Can't wait to see the finished product

@Noah, thanks for the thumbs up on the project. I was all ready to set her free and then started having second thoughts. So now I think I'm going to keep her and do it up right.

@Doug those are sweet lines that both bikes have. You'll have to post the before and after shots after you get the one all cleaned up.

Did someone say Conchord?

Is that a Flock?... of Conchords?

And are they multi-modal commuting? (Is that Stu in the back?)

Nope, not me. I'm not even sure that's a Port Authority bus, though maybe it's just camera perspective. Is this an old photo, taken on a bus that we don't have here anymore, maybe?

That photo's from a NYC bus.

Fix it! Fix it! Fix it!

If you are looking for original decals I found this site that recreates old bicycle manufacture decals for people who restore vintage bikes. I'm working on a 1972 Schwinn Super Sport and they provided me with a full set of original decals that are spot on.

http://www.velocals.com/servlet/StoreFront

Stu:

That's a still from a "funny-for-a-minute" HBO miniseries called Flight of the Conchords.

Iron City is friendly to beaters & not too pricy.

The bike store near my house (right next to the Bentley/Rolls Royce dealership) has those Electras. They look pretty cool.