Steam is still King.

Here's something interesting I came across today. This chap hand makes these replica Roper Steam Cycles down in Cambridge.

From our discussion there was only one Roper originally made in 1896. On the race track it averaged 60mph, pretty quick with a boiler between your legs and plunger on the tire for brakes.

If anyone would like more info on this or would like to purchase one feel free to drop me a line.

Still Broken............

With this busted collar bone things have been pretty stationary for the past few weeks and it looks like it might be another week or two before I can hit the tools once again. That'll be a sweet day.

So in the mean time, here's a video that's well worth a look but be warned, it'll only frustrate those who cant ride at the moment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cj6ho1-G6tw

Retro Disk Converstion

Here's some pics from a disk brake conversion on a old GT I've done recently for Chris. The frame would likely be '89-'93 vintage. It has a 1 1/8" threaded steerer with retro front entry frame ends which seem to work well with the disk. It also gives him the option of 1 or 9 speed set ups. Very cool.

Before I started

No need for rim brakes any longer

I was asked to retain one eyelet for use with a childs seat

Drive side cleaned up to match brake side

Tab added with addition of a brake bridge

New Year Road Trip

What better way to start a year than with a camping trip to Rotorua with the bikes.

However a trip to the A&E with concussion and a broken collar bone is less than ideal.

 

A big thank you to the crew at Rotorua Hospital and all good things to be said about the speed in their service.

I was told I was only the second clavicle of the day as result of mountain biking and my nurse had done the same injury coming up short on a gap jump.

First run on the 650b hoops.

I've fitted my 700c bike up with the 650b wheels for the next build and taken them for a run at Woodhill. Could well be the "all rounder" wheel size, rolls sweetly over the terrain but at a diameter that doesn't encourage a lanky bike. There will be fresh posts as this one plays out.

Taupo, 19-21 Nov.

Another great road trip/riding weekend. This time Taupo with riders of all abilities from first time to, well the rest of us.
It rained, but only when we were riding or asleep. The rest of the time the weather cranked out sun shine.

Next trip looks like Rotorua in the first week of Jan.

It's been nearly a month.........

.........and I've been slack posting on here. I'm still waiting on a shipment of tubing to get some frames rolling, I've got a very special set of stays coming which needed indenting.
However I have received some very nice sliding drop outs and I've been working on a design for my number 1 riding buddy, Jamie.

By all accounts my shipment will be leaving tonight which means I should see it early next week. Sweet..