1985 Fuji League fixed gear project
Posted: August 22nd, 2010
Categories: Bicycles
Tags: 1980s, bicycles, blue, Dia Compe, fixed gear, Fuji, japanese
Charles found this Sonic Blue Fuji League on ebay with the decals stripped, and the following items added: Suntour GPX Accushift shifters, Dia Compe Aero Gran Compe brake levers, plastic Giant saddle. Everything else is stock. Now in my hands, it is my new fixed gear all-rounder project. Though I am not sure how all round it will be with such tight tire clearance. I imagine a second phase involving 650B wheels, fat tires, and fenders. Maybe for 2011.
Picture from Ebay auction.
The AGC levers are nice, but the hoods are sticky. The model appears to be the AGC 250 which predates exposing the hinge in a plastic bezel. It looks like non-aero hoods would fit. For this bike, I’ll stick to my favorite standby Tektro R200A. The AGC with gum hoods would look good on the Nishiki.
The above image was found at Euro-Asia Imports, but alas, the 250 is not available.
Seen here, the rear wheel has been re-dished for the track cog (w/ blue Locktite), and the large chainring has been removed. With 42 x 17, the gear will be around 65 gear inches.
Here is a quick 3d mock up of the Newbaum lime green tape. After testing 9 colors, IMHO this color works best with light blue.
See the full specs of the original at Classic Fuji. The images are larger than displayed on the page. This page is somewhat difficult to navigate, so to view the images full size, I save the complete page and open the folder of images associated with the html file.
Mixte is complete
Posted: August 15th, 2010
Categories: Bicycles
Tags: 1980s, bicycles, Fuji, inverse levers, japanese, kku, mixte, porteur, yellow
Here are a couple photos of the complete mixte. Frame is Fuji Absolute, color is Lightning. Additions: MKS Touring pedals, Velo-Orange porteur handlebar (very comfortable), Dia-Compe inverse levers, SR Custom stem (for longer reach), brown Cateye bar tape, cotton twine cord whipping, yellow cable housing, and new cables, and lots of new grease. The front derailleur and shifter were removed to simplify the design.
Still needs: brown leather saddle.
Ayelet’s new bike blog
Posted: August 13th, 2010
Categories: Bicycles
Tags: bicycles, french, rusty
Track the progress of Ayelet’s new-to-her Follis bike here: ayetown.blogspot.com
New mixte project
Posted: August 7th, 2010
Categories: Bicycles
Tags: 1980s, bicycles, japanese, kku, mixte, yellow
I found a new yellow circa 1987 Fuji Absolute mixte project bike on Craigslist. Thank you, Branden, for picking it up. This will be Kirsten’s city bike. The bike appears to have been stored indoors and hardly used. Porteur handlebar and MKS touring pedals have been ordered.
Photo from the Craigslist ad.
Catalog page from Classic Fuji.
Disassembling the Mafac centerpull and TA rack
Posted: August 5th, 2010
Categories: Uncategorized
Tags: 1970s, bicycles, french, MAFAC, racks, TA
A lot of dirt and rust fell from this thing as I disassembled. Who knows how long it was stored outside. All parts seem to be in good working order.
Before disassembly and cleaning.
Mafac centerpull brake and TA rack
Posted: August 2nd, 2010
Categories: Bicycles
Tags: 1970s, bicycles, french, MAFAC, racks, TA
About a week after seeing the new Velo Orange centerpull design, I found this rack while helping Ayelet salvage parts and frames from her parents’ bike collection. It was attached to a Peugeot and served as my payment for helping out. Here are better photos of the rack and similar centerpull in newer condition. Another site with info.
The platform is very narrow. It seems a decaleur will be necessary to use this little rack with my Acorn Boxy Rando Bag or any other bag.
Travelfolder
Posted: July 30th, 2010
Categories: Cycle Design
Tags: bicycle design, IBDC, travel
James Black and I designed the Travelfolder in 2005. The design features a unique folding configuration that allows the rear triangle to nest within the front triangle when the rear wheel is removed.
Lately, the design has been on my mind. Inspired by the release of the surprisingly affordable 2-speed kickback hub by Sturmey Archer, I am rethinking the design with the intention of building it. I hope to make a trip across the country without the use of a car – both here in LA and at the destination city.
The design was a finalist at the 2005 International Bicycle Design Competition in Taiwan. More images of the original design on James’ website.