Classic & Vintage - Alpine Cycles Bicycle With Derailleur - Something Different...

So I am a confirmed IGH-aholic. I admit it and am proud of that fact. I have no plans of entering a 12-step program because I do not view IGH-aholism as an affliction, though I know many on this forum might think otherwise. Nonetheless, I do like nice bicycles and like many of the custom American builders. So far I have two American built tandems, my 1984 Davidson (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/sets/72157621588391107/) and 2010 Bilenky (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/sets/72157630220825872/), but until now have not yet put an American built single on the road. I do have an early- to mid-80's Mike Appel frameset (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/sets/72157632113323727/) I'm soon building, but this swept in a couple weeks ago out of the blue and, since it was a full bicycle, I only needed to reassemble it and start riding. Admittedly, this is something a bit out of the ordinary for me because it 1) has a derailleur 2) doesn't have fender eyelets 3) is built of Columbus SLX tubing and 4) has pretty aggressive geometry.

Interestingly the bicycle is full Mavic with the exception of the front derailleur, stem and pedals. I like the ride and handling quite a bit but am not sure I like it more than my Norman Rapide (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/sets/72157629377648749/). Additionally, as with rhm, I'm somewhat put off by the fact the frame is very tight and will limit my ability to either ride with much larger tires (I'm running 23-622 at the moment) or add fenders. As a matter of fact, my inaugural ride on this bicycle last Saturday was on wet roads and by the time I was finished riding 48 miles, the bike was filthy, my Carradice bag had a stripe up the back of it, and I was a lot dirtier than normal for a ride on wet roads where it wasn't actually raining. In any case, I present to you my Alpine Bicycle built in the mid- to late-80's by Fred Kelley. Enjoy!

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8056/8392439807_3c21119f54_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8392439807/)
Alpine Cycles - Mid- to Late-80's - 1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8392439807/) by Sallad Rialb (http://www.flickr.com/people/threefamilyalbum/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8234/8393527366_9e1868cdf8_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8393527366/)
Alpine Cycles - Mid- to Late-80's - 2 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8393527366/) by Sallad Rialb (http://www.flickr.com/people/threefamilyalbum/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8188/8392443521_1292a554e3_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8392443521/)
Alpine Cycles - Mid- to Late-80's - 3 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8392443521/) by Sallad Rialb (http://www.flickr.com/people/threefamilyalbum/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8095/8392445001_9ce355fec9_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8392445001/)
Alpine Cycles - Mid- to Late-80's - 4 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8392445001/) by Sallad Rialb (http://www.flickr.com/people/threefamilyalbum/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8355/8393532102_7fa73806ec_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8393532102/)
Alpine Cycles - Mid- to Late-80's - 5 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8393532102/) by Sallad Rialb (http://www.flickr.com/people/threefamilyalbum/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8373/8392447849_0087033739_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8392447849/)
Alpine Cycles - Mid- to Late-80's - 6 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8392447849/) by Sallad Rialb (http://www.flickr.com/people/threefamilyalbum/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8471/8393534986_89bf0e3acc_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8393534986/)
Alpine Cycles - Mid- to Late-80's - 7 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8393534986/) by Sallad Rialb (http://www.flickr.com/people/threefamilyalbum/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8211/8393536512_8a60ed88ef_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8393536512/)
Alpine Cycles - Mid- to Late-80's - 8 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8393536512/) by Sallad Rialb (http://www.flickr.com/people/threefamilyalbum/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8518/8392452347_2a9904fa84_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8392452347/)
Alpine Cycles - Mid- to Late-80's - 9 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8392452347/) by Sallad Rialb (http://www.flickr.com/people/threefamilyalbum/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8092/8393539940_028f549bb1_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8393539940/)
Alpine Cycles - Mid- to Late-80's - 10 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8393539940/) by Sallad Rialb (http://www.flickr.com/people/threefamilyalbum/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8358/8393542318_a828130334_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8393542318/)
Alpine Cycles - Mid- to Late-80's - 11 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8393542318/) by Sallad Rialb (http://www.flickr.com/people/threefamilyalbum/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8082/8392457979_5133d864ce_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8392457979/)
Alpine Cycles - Mid- to Late-80's - 12 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8392457979/) by Sallad Rialb (http://www.flickr.com/people/threefamilyalbum/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8474/8392459493_68b5072f73_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8392459493/)
Alpine Cycles - Mid- to Late-80's - 13 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8392459493/) by Sallad Rialb (http://www.flickr.com/people/threefamilyalbum/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8211/8393546514_110315064d_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8393546514/)
Alpine Cycles - Mid- to Late-80's - 14 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8393546514/) by Sallad Rialb (http://www.flickr.com/people/threefamilyalbum/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8214/8393548720_97981c6a60_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8393548720/)
Alpine Cycles - Mid- to Late-80's - 15 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8393548720/) by Sallad Rialb (http://www.flickr.com/people/threefamilyalbum/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8516/8392464961_f2a37ef8d4_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8392464961/)
Alpine Cycles - Mid- to Late-80's - 16 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8392464961/) by Sallad Rialb (http://www.flickr.com/people/threefamilyalbum/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8368/8392466573_1467631a30_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8392466573/)
Alpine Cycles - Mid- to Late-80's - 17 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8392466573/) by Sallad Rialb (http://www.flickr.com/people/threefamilyalbum/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8077/8392468163_1d3db72557_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8392468163/)
Alpine Cycles - Mid- to Late-80's - 18 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8392468163/) by Sallad Rialb (http://www.flickr.com/people/threefamilyalbum/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8357/8393555848_cc6ace8a39_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8393555848/)
Alpine Cycles - Mid- to Late-80's - 19 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8393555848/) by Sallad Rialb (http://www.flickr.com/people/threefamilyalbum/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8327/8393557322_7709b2e119_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8393557322/)
Alpine Cycles - Mid- to Late-80's - 20 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8393557322/) by Sallad Rialb (http://www.flickr.com/people/threefamilyalbum/), on Flickr

Very nicely done frame! And I really like seeing all the Mavic components together on one bike.
Brent

All that aside, I really like it! What a nice cheerful color scheme with the bright apple green. It'll keep you happy while you're laboring up the hills with that primitive drivetrain ;). What's that big ring? A 54? I bet you can fly on this thing when you're "sur la plaque." Great photos, too.

Hey man, nice bike! sweet color! I like the crecent cuts on rear drops and on the fork ends! and that crazy fork crown! I'm really diggin' it!

Very nicely done frame! And I really like seeing all the Mavic components together on one bike.
Brent

Thanks, I agree it does have some interesting details. I don't believe I have ever seen anyone scallop the fork ends or the rear dropouts as was done on this particular bicycle. I also like the way he did the fork crown on this.

All that aside, I really like it! What a nice cheerful color scheme with the bright apple green. It'll keep you happy while you're laboring up the hills with that primitive drivetrain ;). What's that big ring? A 54? I bet you can fly on this thing when you're "sur la plaque." Great photos, too.

Thanks simmonsgc. The color scheme is definitely a bit brighter than what I typically would go for, but it fits the bike nicely and is in pretty decent shape too. I think that the big ring is a 53 if I recall correctly. I intend to give it some good workouts this year and find out just how often that big ring comes in handy. :)

As you know, I'm glad you've added another bike with derailleurs :)

Thanks for posting up more detailed pics - and I've got a bit of trivia for you: the fork crown was available to builders the way it is. My damaged Freschi frame has one just like it with the assymetrical point on the outside. I'd never seen another one until viewing your detail pics today, so I used to think it was a Freschi thing myself.

I, too, love the scalloping to the stay/fork ends - reminds me of the details on my Olympia (Spinella).

When do we get more looks at a semi-built Appel? Oh, and you aren't going to hear any crap from me about the skinsuit - like the weather is warranting getting out wearing that? Don't think so!

Now, come summertime - that's a different story ;)

Congrats on your most recent addition to the fleet, Dallas!

DD

Hey man, nice bike! sweet color! I like the crecent cuts on rear drops and on the fork ends! and that crazy fork crown! I'm really diggin' it!

Hey ilikebikes, thanks. :) The scalloped/crescent cut ends are distinctive, that's for sure. I definitely got my hands on a one of a kind with this one.

I have to agree, it is a great looking bike and made even more so by the great unusual color.

If you really hate the idea of having a derailleur bike around the house drop it off at my place.

As you know, I'm glad you've added another bike with derailleurs :)

Thanks for posting up more detailed pics - and I've got a bit of trivia for you: the fork crown was available to builders the way it is. My damaged Freschi frame has one just like it with the assymetrical point on the outside. I'd never seen another one until viewing your detail pics today, so I used to think it was a Freschi thing myself.

I, too, love the scalloping to the stay/fork ends - reminds me of the details on my Olympia (Spinella).

When do we get more looks at a semi-built Appel? Oh, and you aren't going to hear any crap from me about the skinsuit - like the weather is warranting getting out wearing that? Don't think so!

Now, come summertime - that's a different story ;)

Congrats on your most recent addition to the fleet, Dallas!

DD

I figured that you'd be happy with this bike despite its decidedly (mostly) non-Campagnolo build. I've been meaning to put up some pics, but the bike was too dirty to post pictures last week and the weather has been too dreary for any good pictures even if the bike was clean.

Regarding that fork crown, I thought that was a custom cut crown so I'd like to find out who made it. I'm guessing CDM might know.

I've been slowly collecting the parts for the Appel so I should be building it soon. Since I need to get some bikes and parts cleaned up and collected together for the Westminster Swap Meet which is only about 3 weeks away, it's doubtful I'll be focusing my attention on the Appel before then.

Thanks also for not harassing me on the skinsuit. :) Seems everyone else is making up for the slack! :cry:

Now I know why rhm got that Basso--it was to keep up with you on that Alpine!

Sweet Georgetown Cyclery custom! They had several builders over the years on those, yours is a really nice example.

I have to agree, it is a great looking bike and made even more so by the great unusual color.

If you really hate the idea of having a derailleur bike around the house drop it off at my place.

Thanks BG. I wasn't sure how I'd like the color, but it seems to suit the bicycle just fine and is beginning to grow on me. Regarding having a derailleur bike around, I have an even better solution than leaving it off at your place: IGH conversion. I've done plenty and never tire of them! ;)

Now I know why rhm got that Basso--it was to keep up with you on that Alpine!

I think you have it the other way around. I got the Alpine so I could keep up with rhm on his Basso! rhm's Basso is the shizz. I really like the blue and green(purple) color scheme.:)

Sweet Georgetown Cyclery custom! They had several builders over the years on those, yours is a really nice example.

Thanks Poguemahone. This is one of the later ones for sure and, at least as I understand it, was built at a time when Alpine Cycles had become a separate concern from Georgetown Cycle Sport. This is confirmed as being one that Fred Kelley built in the mid- to late-80's. There is a name on the top tube for a person named Kocis. I'd really like to get the history of the bike if anyone might know who he might be.

Oy, this troubles me! On the one hand, the frame is gorgeous but the paint is ... uh... well let's not waste time finding the right euphemism. Similarly there's this tout Mavic thing, and while î certainly appreciate the campy-free aesthetic, that group has its own aesthetic issues. All this is fine, of course. It's just... Well, put it next to the Norman and tell me which is the prettier bike. Right? Now put it next to another one and... Yes you see where I'm going now. Other than a certain Basso I know, there aren't many bikes that this one looks better than. But who am I to cast nasturtiums, I must show you a photo of my 'witworth.'

That group is beautiful

Oy, this troubles me! On the one hand, the frame is gorgeous but the paint is ... uh... well let's not waste time finding the right euphemism. Similarly there's this tout Mavic thing, and while î certainly appreciate the campy-free aesthetic, that group has its own aesthetic issues. All this is fine, of course. It's just... Well, put it next to the Norman and tell me which is the prettier bike. Right? Now put it next to another one and... Yes you see where I'm going now. Other than a certain Basso I know, there aren't many bikes that this one looks better than. But who am I to cast nasturtiums, I must show you a photo of my 'witworth.'

rhm, I understand your thoughts and, though I'm not one for repaints of original paint, this would be a candidate. :) While the Mavic group, the starfish crankset at least, has some aesthetic challenges, it seems to perform pretty well despite its obvious inferiority to a nice IGH setup. I'm with you on the comparison to the Norman - there is simply no classier bike in my collection that that. It oozes elegance and is one hella rider. Until, I get the Alpine dialed in I'll withhold final judgment, but I'm inclined to say that the Norman performs just as well but with much more comfort and utility. Again, that's just my first impression and I'll withhold final judgment until I've put some more miles on her. I'm planning to take it on another half-century today.

That group is beautiful

Thanks Owen. I know there are many out there that like the Mavic stuff. It is unique when compared to the ShimaNO, SunTour and Campy stuff of the era.

PG; That paintjob looks like early springtime. Perfect for a fixed gear conversion

Thanks Poguemahone. This is one of the later ones for sure and, at least as I understand it, was built at a time when Alpine Cycles had become a separate concern from Georgetown Cycle Sport. This is confirmed as being one that Fred Kelley built in the mid- to late-80's. There is a name on the top tube for a person named Kocis. I'd really like to get the history of the bike if anyone might know who he might be.

I have a friend locally who worked as a mechanic for G-town cycles at one point. Next time I see him I will ask him if he knows anything or who might.

How long till it gets an SX3?

Totally 80s, dude. That is ugly enough to hurt my eyes.

What's going on with the wrap at the handlebar drops/hooks?

Photog - I love it.


Variety is a good thing - if you have fender bikes with fat tires, you don't need this to be one.

Its ugly in an 80's pointy, heavy metal guitar way. I dig it. I predict a lot less riding time for the Norman once you get used to it.

Totally 80s, dude. That is ugly enough to hurt my eyes.

What's going on with the wrap at the handlebar drops/hooks?

It's the early ergonomic bars. Last set I saw had a small half round of metal that sat there for a nicer grip. I liked it.

Cool bike!

I love it! Well done!

PG; That paintjob looks like early springtime. Perfect for a fixed gear conversion

That paint seems to be somewhat polarizing on this forum. It is quite springy looking fer sure. :thumb: I have been considering a fixed gear build and this could be a decent platform and I have a Dawes Galaxy that I've been sitting on for a while that will probably be built up as a FG bike.

I have a friend locally who worked as a mechanic for G-town cycles at one point. Next time I see him I will ask him if he knows anything or who might.

Poguemahone, thanks much! I'd be thankful for anything you might be able to dig up.

How long till it gets an SX3?

As long as it takes... :) I'm actually thinking of converting it to a sweet 8-speed or 11-speed IGH. :P I do think a SX3 would be interesting for something, but I'm thinking the Dawes Galaxy frameset I have might a better platform.

Totally 80s, dude. That is ugly enough to hurt my eyes.

What's going on with the wrap at the handlebar drops/hooks?

I don't really notice the color while I'm riding it, strange though that may seem. That sweet Columbus SLX makes for a pretty nice riding bicycle. It is a love or hate it type of paint scheme, so I understand what you're saying. It is louder than any of the bicycles in my collection, for sure!

The guy who sold me the bike said there are some inserts that are in the drops but I've not seen what they look like because the bike is set up exactly as it was delivered other than the addition of my Brooks B17 Special saddle and pedals.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8330/8397145498_45a5082a29_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8397145498/)
Alpine Ergo Bar (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8397145498/) by Sallad Rialb (http://www.flickr.com/people/threefamilyalbum/), on Flickr

Photog - I love it.

Variety is a good thing - if you have fender bikes with fat tires, you don't need this to be one.

Thanks Aaron. I thought you'd like this bicycle. :)

I'm OK with variety and it is a pretty nice bike for club rides. As with rhm, I'll add it into the rotation (along with the Appel) and see how I like it over time.

Its ugly in an 80's pointy, heavy metal guitar way. I dig it. I predict a lot less riding time for the Norman once you get used to it.

That's an apt description for sure! :thumb: I wouldn't count the Norman out by any means. I'm building a new set of wheels for it and have already put a set of Bluemels Airweight fenders on it recently. The Norman is a very comfortable and stable bike when ridden over long distances that I'm not sure I'll be able to achieve with the Alpine. We'll see how the mileage tallies up at the end of the year.

It's the early ergonomic bars. Last set I saw had a small half round of metal that sat there for a nicer grip. I liked it.

Yes, that's how I understand it. I'm not used to an ergo bar, so this is pretty foreign to me, but I'm willing to try it for a while. Admittedly the handlebar is quite wide and flat, so I'm considering something more comfortable and with a shorter stem.

Cool bike!

Thanks Oldpeddaller!


I love it! Well done!

Thanks Bill. I'd love to take credit for the build, but this is as it landed on my doorstep. The guy who owned it previously seemed to have a pretty good eye for how to build it and for getting the colors in sync.

As long as it takes... :) I'm actually thinking of converting it to a sweet 8-speed or 11-speed IGH. :P I do think a SX3 would be interesting for something, but I'm thinking the Dawes Galaxy frameset I have might a better platform.

Or the upcoming Shimano 5 speed with 15% steps in the top four gears. . .

That bike would go much better next time with 2.5 pounds of lead poured down the down tube.
why did you not bring the Norman, I would have been happier!

As long as it takes... :) I'm actually thinking of converting it to a sweet 8-speed or 11-speed IGH. :P I do think a SX3 would be interesting for something, but I'm thinking the Dawes Galaxy frameset I have might a better platform.

Or the upcoming Shimano 5 speed with 15% steps in the top four gears. . .

I will be interested to hear how that comes along and doubt I will be an early adopter. Early versions of Shimano internal hubs tend to be somewhat unreliable.

That bike would go much better next time with 2.5 pounds of lead poured down the down tube.
why did you not bring the Norman, I would have been happier!

It,s all about the engine. ;) An extra 2 1/2 or 3 pounds wouldn,t have bothered me. I typically carry a much larger bag with much more in it on the Norman that I do on the Alpine. Because I am so comfortable on Norman, I probably would,ve actually going even faster. :eek: