Alpineer Cycles, Tulsa OK

[Laneco]

$75? For THAT?

Well Merry early Christmas to you sir!


angela

[look 171]

Originally Posted by vash

on the frame, where the rear axle goes..are there two tiny holes drilled and tapped? i think the older frames had set screws in them so you could adjust how much the rear axle moves back..so you could quickly reposition the axle.

this done on this frame? if so, can you post a pic? i had an old timer explain this to me, but have never seen it myself.

Cliff,

They are called dropout adjustment screws (with springs). Their purpose was for the alignment of the rear wheel (keep in mind that all the frames were hand built. Some of mine do not have serial numbers) not for setting axle distance, although many people have set them all the way forward to create a shorter wheelbase for a quicker bike around the corner. I did it on all my old bikes, but am not sure if it really made any difference. None that I can tell, but it was nice knowing I did the best that I could.

[GutterIsATool]

Originally Posted by CurtEgerer

Anybody know anything about this frame builder? I have a vague recollection of the brand. Very limited info on the interweb. This 'garage sale find ' appears to be mid-80s based upon components (Dura Ace 7400 gruppo). Workmanship on frame is extraordinary. Reynolds 531 Professional. Campagnolo Chorus rims.

Thanks.

I know this is about seven years late, but I just came across this after searching "Alpineer Cycles" out of curiosity. Anyway, that bike was originally built by my father, Rich Chillingworth. Would love to hear what you ended up doing with it. If you have any questions about it, let me know.

My dad built high quality racing bikes for years under the name Alpineer. With the transition to carbon frames, he's backed off building bikes in recent years, but he does build the occasional bike from carbon tube kits. Most of his recent bikes have been for himself as he's still a world class duathlonist even at age 68. In recent years, he's mainly been focused on restoring Model Ts, roasting coffee, and training. I have suggested that he take some of his old steel tube sets and build some fixed gear bikes under the Alpineer name. I think there's definitely a market there.

I know it's been a long time since this was posted, but it was cool to see one of my dad's old frames being discussed.

[jorian]

Cool post Gutter. Gotta love the vast reach of the internet. I'm sure Curt will chime in, he still posts here often.

[Sooner or later]

Good job, Gutter

[CurtEgerer]

Thanks for the info! The bike is currently in my brother's collection of vintage racing bikes. Your Dad had/has some serious talent. The bike is absolutely beautiful and one of my favorites to ride.

[CurtEgerer]

I disassembled the bike and detailed it. I made several changes including a proper period-correct saddle, NOS Dura-Ace cables, TTT Team Service Competizione handlebars, period navy cloth tape (never been a fan of white tape!), etc. Might have put a different length stem, but otherwise adjusted things for a proper riding position.

[Sooner or later]

Beautiful bike!

[GutterIsATool]

Very cool. I always love when I see some of his old bikes around town. Glad to see they've gone out wider than just Tulsa as well. I'll be sure to show him this thread. I'm sure he remembers building that bike. I know he didn't do a ton of two tone paint jobs, but he wasn't one to shy away from a request.

[CurtEgerer]

Tell him we took it to a bike show/swap in metro-Detroit a few years ago and it got a LOT of attention.

[GutterIsATool]

Originally Posted by CurtEgerer

Tell him we took it to a bike show/swap in metro-Detroit a few years ago and it got a LOT of attention.

Nice! Are you and your brother's collection in the Detroit area? We actually spend time up there occasionally. My mother is from a little town called New Hudson between Novi and Brighton on Grand River.

Go Wings!

[javadog]

That bike is in incredible condition for it's age.

[CurtEgerer]

My brother is an hour or so north of New Hudson. Looking back at the photos, looks like I also put a proper Dura Ace seat post in to complete the gruppo. It has some interesting Campagnolo rims as well. I think the original owner only rode the bike a year or 2. Last time it was ridden, I did a Gran Fondo a few years ago and got the worst leg cramps of my life (poor training on my part). To the point where they actually locked up! I learned the medical wonders of pickle juice and potato chips that afternoon

[wazhazhe]

Originally Posted by GutterIsATool

I know this is about seven years late, but I just came across this after searching "Alpineer Cycles" out of curiosity. Anyway, that bike was originally built by my father, Rich Chillingworth. Would love to hear what you ended up doing with it. If you have any questions about it, let me know.

My dad built high quality racing bikes for years under the name Alpineer. With the transition to carbon frames, he's backed off building bikes in recent years, but he does build the occasional bike from carbon tube kits. Most of his recent bikes have been for himself as he's still a world class duathlonist even at age 68. In recent years, he's mainly been focused on restoring Model Ts, roasting coffee, and training. I have suggested that he take some of his old steel tube sets and build some fixed gear bikes under the Alpineer name. I think there's definitely a market there.

I know it's been a long time since this was posted, but it was cool to see one of my dad's old frames being discussed.

If you are seven years late, that makes me 12 years late.

I remember seeing Rich ride this bike. I don't remember the year but I met Rich ~1979 when I first began racing. His cycling career was winding own as mine was beginning. We were both riding Gios Torinos and would talk on group rides. I remember when he started building the Alpineers. I really liked them but was a poor college student and couldn't afford another bike.

I also remember Joyce. She rode a De Rosa. Back in those days everyone rode the same pedals (with toe clips and straps) and we would often swap bikes on training rides. Joyce's De Rosa was more or less the same size as my bike so we swapped. It was great fun trying different bikes. I never rode another bike that I thought handled as well as the Gios.

Seeing this photo really brought bak some memories.