My Second Hand-Built Bicycle

simonframe2_01

I completed this frame last summer when I was between jobs.  Like the first frame I built, I used vintage lugs and traditionally-sized steel tubing.  The size and geometry of this frame was based on the famous Bridgestone RB-1, of which I owned a 1990 edition, and which had the best handling characteristics of any steel road bike I have ever ridden.

Read on to see more of the build process and results!

Continue reading

Vitus 979 Restoration

Vitus979_01

It’s been a while since I’ve updated the ol’ blog, and a whole bunch of bikes have passed through my workshop since last fall.  First up is this gorgeous Vitus 979.  This particular example was purchased “new old stock” about ten years ago from the back stock of a Manhattan bike shop. The logos and paint have been professionally removed to expose the beautiful raw silver of the underlying aluminum, which I hand-polished to a nice shine.

Read on to learn more about the Vitus 979! Continue reading