Taking SS'ing to whole new level

[Weppie]

Now, I liked cycling!!!

I liked the vibe, the people, the bikes you name it....

 

Then I discovered the sub-culture of Single speeds.

 

Completely & utterly in love I tell you!!!

 

But these guys make most of us look like &*%^?£'s

 

http://www.ratrodbikes.com

 

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING

[divernick]

So when's the first SA custom bike show? There have to be guys who build em..... I wanna see em! (and ride em)

[Weppie]

I was pondering the idea intensely for a while... Then realised I dont know jack in that respect!

 

Custom bicycle show in SA is a brilliant idea & I'm sure there is some extraordinary customs floating around somewhere

[divernick]

How's this for inspiration?

 

http://vanscyoc.net/blog/uploads/Our_Bikes/Chalkboard_Bike/19.jpg

[Weppie]

 

I would like one of these...

[Weppie]

Or even this...

 

[Wyatt Earp]

Or even this...

 

 

Would donate both my hairy tentacles for something like that.

[nathrix]

The Pashley Guv'nor

http://www.pashley.co.uk/cms/products/main_46.jpeg

The style and elegance of the 1930s Path Racer has returned with the Guv'nor. Based on the model made by the Company in the 1930s, the Guv'nor has a classic and relaxed style, but is equipped with modern components. It features a Pashley built Reynolds 531 diamond frame (in 20.5, 22.5 and 24.5* inch), with relaxed style forks, Brooks B17 Titanium saddle, drop North Road handlebars with leather grips, and a Sturmey Archer single speed rear wheel with 28 inch gold lined black alloy rims.

 

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Pashley_Guv%27nor_02.jpg/800px-Pashley_Guv%27nor_02.jpg

 

Pashley Cycles is England's longest established bicycle manufacturer. Founded in 1926 and based in Stratford-upon-Avon.

[Weppie]

The Pashley Guv'nor

http://www.pashley.co.uk/cms/products/main_46.jpeg

 

Beautiful creature that...

 

And best of all, with a little effort, you can now have your own!!

 

Should you find the time, effort & frame to do so...

 

http://www.instructables.com/id/The-Govnot-An-attempt-to-turn-an-old-frame-into/?ALLSTEPS

[nathrix]

Whippet Bicycle – Full Suspension Bike from 1888

 

http://reviews.mtbr.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/whippet-3quarters.jpg

 

http://reviews.mtbr....en-1888-whippet

[ossum]

Weppie, those ratrodbikes guys are awesome. Most friendly forum I have ever come across as well.

 

I have been following them for a couple of years, I'm sure you already know, but for the other guys, they have just completed their 7th annual build-off which always results in some amazing bikes.

 

Here is one of my favorites from last year: http://www.ratrodbikes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=60&t=43736

 

I just wish we could get hold of those awesome prewar frames in SA. I'm having to settle for building up an old 20inch bike from the 80's.

[Weppie]

 

I just wish we could get hold of those awesome prewar frames in SA. I'm having to settle for building up an old 20inch bike from the 80's.

 

Strangely enough I would expect loads of really old & unique frames in SA, as - according to Wikipedia - We where quite influential in the use of bicycles in the war times...

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_infantry

 

 

Wonder were all of those cycles has gone/dissappeared to?

[Doggone]

I get the riding singlespeed thing as a race class.

I really get the beautiful hand built bikes, but they would be just as lovely if they had more gears.

I dont get how singlespeed is superior to or the riders are more gifted/wonderful/exceptional than other cyclists.

Wanting to only ride singlespeed seems like a step backwards. . . .almost like turning oil back into coal. . . . a bit pointless really!

 

Now please explain to me, what am I missing?

[Agteros]

I get the riding singlespeed thing as a race class.

I really get the beautiful hand built bikes, but they would be just as lovely if they had more gears.

I dont get how singlespeed is superior to or the riders are more gifted/wonderful/exceptional than other cyclists.

Wanting to only ride singlespeed seems like a step backwards. . . .almost like turning oil back into coal. . . . a bit pointless really!

 

Now please explain to me, what am I missing?

Why pedal then? Get an engine!

[Stretched@Birth]

I get the riding singlespeed thing as a race class.

I really get the beautiful hand built bikes, but they would be just as lovely if they had more gears.

I dont get how singlespeed is superior to or the riders are more gifted/wonderful/exceptional than other cyclists.

Wanting to only ride singlespeed seems like a step backwards. . . .almost like turning oil back into coal. . . . a bit pointless really!

 

Now please explain to me, what am I missing?

This question is often asked, and I don't think will ever be fully answered. I don't think I'm gifted/wonderful/exceptional, I know I'm lui gat, and the simplicity of my SS bike means very little maintenance. I have a full sus, many geared bike hanging in the garage, but I couldn't be arsed with all of the work required every time it gets a bit dirty or wet, with all it's bearings, pivots, gears and deraileurs.

 

So, I do it cause I like the simplicity, plus, generally, the riding I do does not require all of those gears and all of that squish.

[Kavandje]

If you manage to find a copy of this book get it. Great stories and great images as well.