Monday, December 29, 2014

More random shop photos!

     I am here at the shop so much that all these things around me seem normal. I stopped and looked around the other day and was like, WOW! most folks don't see stuff like this all the time.  So here are a few snap shots of areas most people do not see. Enjoy!







Saturday, December 27, 2014

Other services we offer

We also can custom build freewheels here at Via Bicycle! inquire for pricing and availability at: bikeville@gmail.com


Sunday, December 21, 2014

For Sale: mint copy of 50 Years of Schwinn Built Bicycles Book

This is a mint copy of the 50 years of Schwinn Built Bicycles Book, published in 1945. Full of amazing illustrations and colorized photos of various models and innovations spanning the company's history to this point. Also, insights into the  power of the bicycle for individuals and societies at large. These are rare in this condition. Excellent opportunity to expand your library. Cost is $100.00 plus S/H.
                                                    Please contact me at: bikeville@gmail.com with any questions
Thanks!







Saturday, December 20, 2014

Employees newest bike: 58CM NJS approved Rap pista

     This bike belongs to our employee Steve and is the newest addition to his stable. He currently works at the shop part time and also works as a courier in the city full time. The frame is an NJS approved Keirin frame straight from Japan made by RAP. There is not a whole lot of info regarding the builder. Steve tells me that it was made by a man named Morimoto San (perhaps) and is a very small marque. The frame is very well built with nice crisp file work and clean lines. It is unusual to see NJS frames in larger sizes like this (58CM). Most are more petite, in the 50-55CM range. 
     Keirin racing in Japan is a big deal and began  as a betting sport  in 1948, and has since become very popular there. In 1957, the Nihon Jitensha Shinkōkai (NJS; also known in English as the Japanese Keirin Association) was founded to establish a uniform system of standards for the sport in Japan. Today Keirin racing is regulated by the JKA Foundation.
     Aspiring professional Keirin riders in Japan compete for entrance into the Japan Keirin School. The 10 percent of applicants who are accepted then undergo a strict, 15-hours per day, training regimen. Those who pass the graduation exams, and are approved by the NJS become eligible for professional Keirin races in Japan.
     Japanese races for women were reintroduced in July of 2012, under the title of Girl's Keirin. Women were previously permitted to participate from 1949 until 1964. Like the men, the women must also undergo a strict training regimen at the Keirin School.
     The bike is built nicely with mostly Shimano Dura-Ace components and Campagnolo Nuovo Record pista hubs. This is his work (courier) bike and Steve says he loves it, very stiff and light weight Yes, he knows the seat post is out past the limit. Enjoy!



















Thursday, December 18, 2014

9th annual Bilenky junk yard cyclo-cross race this sunday Dec. 21st!

Its that time of year again. No, not the holidays, the junk yard race! Here is a link to the Facebook event page with registration, location, directions, etc. See you there! Bilenky junk yard cyclo-cross race!
2013 coverage!

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

For Sale: colorized photo reproduction of Ignaz Schwinn

This is colorized reproduction (print) photo of Ignaz Schwinn in his golden years.  Professionally done, this photo is from the 50 years of Schwinn built Bicycles book, which was published in 1945. Not sure if this print was a dealer item or not, still pretty old and very cool. Photo itself is 8 1/2" X 6 1/4". Overall size is 13" X 11 1/2". the photo is matted. There are two marks on the matte (see photos) and the matte itself is a bit yellowed from age, not bad though. Pretty rare item. Cost is $100.00 plus S/H.
Email at: bikeville@gmail.com for invoicing or with any questions.
Thanks!





Thursday, December 11, 2014

For Sale: NOS Cinelli steel #14 Pista bars!

Offered for sale is a pair of NOS (new old stock) never been on a bike Cinelli steel #14 pista handle bars! Chrome is pristine,  crest logos are perfect, it doesn't get any nicer than these! They are 25.4 clamp diameter and are 38CM wide (CTC). These are show quality and would be perfect for your period track / pista project.
                                                         Cost is $600.00 plus S/H
                                                  Email at:bikeville@gmail.com with any questions, thanks!
                                                                       SOLD!






Wednesday, December 10, 2014

For Sale: 1897 'ish Sterling Shaft Drive bike

     Offered for sale today is an 1897' ish Sterling shaft drive bicycle. Sterling was an American company based out of Chicago , IL from about 1894 and then moved to Kenosha, WI around 1898. The factory in Kenosha was sold around the turn of the century and became one of the first automobile factories. Sterling won a silver medal at the Trans-Mississippi International Exposition in 1898 for their chainless bicycles and safeties. This company was part of the bike boom at the end of the century, competing with many others for customers and innovation. The head badge on this bike has the last patent date of 1897, so that gives me an idea of production era.
     It features the rare Kelly bars, with newer wooden grips. The frame has been re painted some time ago a nice opaque "grass" green. If you look at the seat cluster area, you can see where some paint has fallen away, revealing some crustiness beneath. I do not know if that is an indication of what the rest of the bike looks like underneath the paint. The bevel gear cover is also cracked in on spot (see photo). The rear drive side hub flange also has a crack where one of the spoke heads sit (see photo). nice long spring saddle with suspension seat post. Incorrect Westwood type rims have also been painted with yellow pin striping. also included will be a pair of Torrington star pedals. It has coasting pegs on the fork blades. The hub flanges use straight pull type spokes, very cool and somewhat common at this time.
     The chainless type bikes employed a bevel gear system, as opposed to a typical block or roller chain. I have seen photos of Major Taylor on these type of bikes. Bikes of this style are increasingly rare, don't miss out on the opportunity to add to your collection!
                                       email at: bikeville@gmail.com for price.
                                                                 SOLD!