Ultimate Bike Thread....

[Racerbvd]

I found out today that my RRS is one of 2 XLs ever built
I wanted an RRS since I 1st saw one in the late 70s in a BMX magazine, when I finally got the opportunity to buy one, I did. But it wasn't until I went to install a Campy road bike headset, and it was too small, even then, knowing that RRSs used the smaller size, it didn't register. But today, an a vintage BMX site, in a thread discussing the most rare of BMX frames did I see this.

When I rode for RRS I had one of 2 20” XL frames.
I doubt anybody even knew that RRS made a 20” XL.
The frame was made from a used bike. The original frame was extended 1/2”. The frame was cut about 3”s from the seat tube and bottom bracket, sleeved and added a new front triangle. Another unique addition was a stand Bmx 1” head tube (not the standard 1” road bike head tube) with the Redline style head tube gussets.
So if nobody knows about it is worth anything?

[sc_rufctr]

I've been messing about in my home workshop. I ordered some parts from "Paul's Components" last October but they still haven't arrived - Supply chain issues. It's been a really busy season here but we're fast heading into colder weather.

Not my bike. The owner did this because he has a hand injury and he can't use "brifters".

[Racerbvd]

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

I've been messing about in my home workshop. I ordered some parts from "Paul's Components" last October but they still haven't arrived - Supply chain issues. It's been a really busy season here but we're fast heading into colder weather.

Not my bike. The owner did this because he has a hand injury and he can't use "brifters".

I have Paul's components brakes on most of my Retro bikes, love the brakes and love levers.

[sc_rufctr]

I've been using his parts for years. Right now I'm planning a Paul build for my "new" gravel bike.

FWIW: I've always been OK with spending twice as much for a part that was not made in China.

[sc_rufctr]

Pics from the Rene Herse FB Page. "Nicely Done"

[Otter74]

I've had a set of Paul MotoBMX brakes on one of my two daily-driver bikes for the last decade or so and they've been fantastic. The bike gets ridden year-round and I've never had to do more than change pad cartridges periodically - the sealed pivots are great for year-round use. Normally I have to pull brakes off and clean and re-grease posts about once a year and at least one brake will seize by then. My other daily / brevet bike has braze-on Racers with Moon Units and a seatpost cable hanger. Slightly industrial aesthetic but great parts.

And that XO-2 is pretty, especially that stem. My Vendetta road bike has a Nitto TFL stem on it that I'm happy just to look at.

Originally Posted by Racerbvd

I have Paul's components brakes on most of my Retro bikes, love the brakes and love levers.

[Racerbvd]

For many of us , of the right age, this was the ultimate bike.

[herr_oberst]

^ Close, but I wanted the Lemon Peeler. Stock, without the accessories.

Unfortunately I had to settle for a plain vanilla StingRay.

[sc_rufctr]

If you like the classic stuff you should enjoy this video.

Note how the riders rarely rock side to side as they're pedaling in this video.
- Being rock solid like that was the mark of a pro back in the day. That was all down to the training and "bike fit".

[LEAKYSEALS951]

[LEAKYSEALS951]

THIS pretty much sums up misfit and numb hands... I've always been a proponent of moving the seat back and angling back, but this nifty trick gives an on the fly idea of how much pressure is on the arms- basically, pull the arms off and see where the torso falls.

VIOLA! We are all now fit experts

https://youtu.be/gbFrz5FsIow?t=468

[abisel]

Originally Posted by rockfan4

Spring. When an old man's mind turns to BICYCLES!

I think I want to find an old Schwinn.
My first bike was a 26" Schwinn. I couldn't straddle the frame and touch the ground, but I could get on it from the back step of the house, and ride it around the house. I eventually got a 20" Schwinn, then a fastback 5 speed, but I think I'd like to find another 26", because I'd just look silly riding a 20" bike. Mine looked a lot like this one, except it had a chainguard.



I remember no fenders, I don't remember if my dad got it with dented up fenders and removed them, or if it came without fenders. It certainly wasn't new, it probably came from an auction.

Looking on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, there seems to be a lot of women's bikes, and very few men's bikes. I don't know if the other boys were like me and ended up destroying them, or what, but there isn't many out there. Maybe when it gets warmer more will show up.

Lots of men's bikes have bent forks. The one above might even be bent a bit.

they are still out there:

1960 Schwinn Corvette 3-speed 26":


https://www.ebay.com/itm/125341900041?chn=ps&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&amdata=enc%3A18O8QgWuOQn6a4-4DDxUXgg91&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=125341900041&targetid=1587268789337&device=c&mktype=&googleloc=9022906&poi=&campaignid=15275224983&mkgroupid=131097072938&rlsatarget=pla-1587268789337&abcId=9300697&merchantid=114755516&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIh-_W7qqG-QIV0GxvBB3ZQA58EAQYBCABEgKHhPD_BwE

[Racerbvd]

This might scratch some of your itches.

[stevej37]

Originally Posted by Racerbvd

For many of us , of the right age, this was the ultimate bike.

Yep...mine didn't have the windshield, but it did have a higher seat backrest...which didn't ever get used.
The one in your pic is much nicer than mine was.

[abisel]

even though Schwinn is no longer made in the USA, they could still be something to consider.

https://www.schwinnbikes.com/products/moab-3?variant=41490026561705&



BUT: If you're gonna ride the Megavalanche in the French Alps, you might want to consider something better than a Schwinn.

[Racerbvd]

New wheels on my retro 26" GJS.

I hate running the chain so far back, but the way the axles are on these hubs, you have to use the tensioners, I tried to find shorter Allen bolts, but no one had any the correct pitch.

[abisel]

Originally Posted by Racerbvd

I hate running the chain so far back, but the way the axles are on these hubs, you have to use the tensioners, I tried to find shorter Allen bolts, but no one had any the correct pitch.

What if you removed links in the chain to move the axle forward where you want it? And maybe longer tensioners?

https://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=104773&attribute=259243&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6s3X05iS-QIVqSCtBh2gMQdGEAQYECABEgLRb_D_BwE

[Racerbvd]

Originally Posted by abisel

What if you removed links in the chain to move the axle forward where you want it? And maybe longer tensioners?

https://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=104773&attribute=259243&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6s3X05iS-QIVqSCtBh2gMQdGEAQYECABEgLRb_D_BwE

The problem is, the chain tensioners are designed for a newer frame, mine is one of twenty, built like they were in the 70s and 80s . Since the adjusters A), have to be used with the hubs, B) are as far forward as they will allow, I replaced the chain with a brand new new since the old one was too short (I have links and a chain tool) and as it was, I still had to take 2 links out to fit and maintain the gearing that I want. It really bugs me because I always had very tight tolerances when it comes to my race bikes, chains and brakes, but these wheels were not inexpensive, and the White Industry freewheel that came on them was a 19, but I prefer a 16, so it is now sitting in the toolbox.
At least now the GJS is rideable again (the wheels I was using have 40 year old tires and it isn't a good idea to ride them)


This is my next project..

[pwd72s]

This thread makes me wonder if Scott still has my old Raleigh Reyolds Tubed 10 speed Supercourse?
Vaguely remember him saying he converted it to a "fixey"...

[sc_rufctr]