What is your grail bike and why?
10-25-16, 06:42 AM
#102
"Florida Man"
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: East Florida
Posts: 1,667
Bikes: '16 Bob Jackson rando, '66 Raleigh Superbe, 80 Nishiki Maxima, 07 Gary Fisher Utopia, 09 Surly LHT
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1571 Post(s)
Liked 1,707 Times
in
856 Posts
I have it, and I'm working on getting it together and on the road soon. Life is short, so do it now, right? I commuted by bike for many years, and saved lots. and now I'm 'blowing' some of it.
There are lots of fancy details on the frame, and I hand picked the components I wanted (not my bike below).
It will be a 'classic' look, but all new, a century / fast rando bike.
It won't be long now.
There are lots of fancy details on the frame, and I hand picked the components I wanted (not my bike below).
It will be a 'classic' look, but all new, a century / fast rando bike.
It won't be long now.
__________________
Campione Del Mondo Immaginario
Campione Del Mondo Immaginario
Last edited by chewybrian; 10-25-16 at 06:49 AM.
10-25-16, 07:43 AM
#103
Senior Member
Pretty sure I posted on a thread very similar to this.
My infatuation with bikes started with an ad. But I couldn't afford it, a couple of years later when I could, well that color scheme was no longer available. THEN the internet, ebay, and retro came to be and the bike I thought I would never see again or own I bought on ebay. So not a grail in the sense of scarcity,price or attainment , but rather in the desire, longing, and sentiment.
Dura Ace (6 speed) hubs,front and rear derailleurs,shifters, bottom bracket, headset, and freewheel.
My infatuation with bikes started with an ad. But I couldn't afford it, a couple of years later when I could, well that color scheme was no longer available. THEN the internet, ebay, and retro came to be and the bike I thought I would never see again or own I bought on ebay. So not a grail in the sense of scarcity,price or attainment , but rather in the desire, longing, and sentiment.
Dura Ace (6 speed) hubs,front and rear derailleurs,shifters, bottom bracket, headset, and freewheel.
Last edited by texaspandj; 10-25-16 at 07:46 AM.
10-25-16, 07:54 AM
#104
Still learning
The grail bike for me is usually the one most inaccessible in my garage or other storage location.
Honestly, I don't have a grail, but will add as budget and space will allow. It would be nice to get a 1986ish Schwinn Peloton, but finding a reasonably priced 23" with good paint has been futile.
Honestly, I don't have a grail, but will add as budget and space will allow. It would be nice to get a 1986ish Schwinn Peloton, but finding a reasonably priced 23" with good paint has been futile.
Last edited by oddjob2; 10-25-16 at 08:07 AM.
10-25-16, 08:04 AM
#105
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Peoria, IL
Posts: 4,476
Mentioned: 86 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1829 Post(s)
Liked 3,375 Times
in
1,580 Posts
I have it, and I'm working on getting it together and on the road soon. Life is short, so do it now, right? I commuted by bike for many years, and saved lots. and now I'm 'blowing' some of it.
There are lots of fancy details on the frame, and I hand picked the components I wanted (not my bike below).
<...photo deleted...>
It will be a 'classic' look, but all new, a century / fast rando bike.
<...photo deleted...>
It won't be long now.
There are lots of fancy details on the frame, and I hand picked the components I wanted (not my bike below).
<...photo deleted...>
It will be a 'classic' look, but all new, a century / fast rando bike.
<...photo deleted...>
It won't be long now.
I didn't realize that Bob Jackson was building bikes in the Hetchins style. Your Magnum Opus style frame looks wonderful! Everyone deserves an overly ornate bike at least once in their life!
I've got a Hetchins M.O. built by Bob Jackson back in 1987. It's a more "subtle" version, with no chrome. Fun bike, and it does get noticed now and then.
Steve in Peoria
10-25-16, 08:14 AM
#106
Senior Member
I want to see that thing built. The braze on derailleur cable stop adjusters are a nice touch. Where did you find a plain chrome headset?
10-25-16, 08:34 AM
#107
multimodal commuter
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: NJ, NYC, LI
Posts: 19,808
Bikes: 1940s Fothergill, 1959 Allegro Special, 1963? Claud Butler Olympic Sprint, Lambert 'Clubman', 1974 Fuji "the Ace", 1976 Holdsworth 650b conversion rando bike, 1983 Trek 720 tourer, 1984 Counterpoint Opus II, 1993 Basso Gap, 2010 Downtube 8h, and...
Mentioned: 584 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1908 Post(s)
Liked 574 Times
in
339 Posts
My grail bike is the perfect bike, the bike to end all bikes, the only bike that I will ever need. It is more beautiful than any of the others posted in this thread. It weighs less, too. It fits me perfectly, and is comfortable over long distances. Its timeless design gives it vintage credibility, but it utilizes a sensible blend of classic and modern tech. It has dynamo lighting, with the wires hidden inside the frame and fenders to keep them safe and unobtrusive. and it has a bell loud enough to be heard from a hundred yards away. Hearing its cheerful peal will instill into your subconscious mind the idea that now would be a good time to get tf out of the way, hold your dog, and congratulate yourself that you got to see me ride by.
The search for the grail continues.
The search for the grail continues.
__________________
www.rhmsaddles.com.
www.rhmsaddles.com.
10-25-16, 08:43 AM
#108
Fat Guy on a Little Bike
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 15,944
Bikes: Two wheeled ones
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1254 Post(s)
Liked 345 Times
in
174 Posts
My grail bike is the perfect bike, the bike to end all bikes, the only bike that I will ever need. It is more beautiful than any of the others posted in this thread. It weighs less, too. It fits me perfectly, and is comfortable over long distances. Its timeless design gives it vintage credibility, but it utilizes a sensible blend of classic and modern tech. It has dynamo lighting, with the wires hidden inside the frame and fenders to keep them safe and unobtrusive. and it has a bell loud enough to be heard from a hundred yards away. Hearing its cheerful peal will instill into your subconscious mind the idea that now would be a good time to get tf out of the way, hold your dog, and congratulate yourself that you got to see me ride by.
The search for the grail continues.
The search for the grail continues.
10-25-16, 08:50 AM
#109
multimodal commuter
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: NJ, NYC, LI
Posts: 19,808
Bikes: 1940s Fothergill, 1959 Allegro Special, 1963? Claud Butler Olympic Sprint, Lambert 'Clubman', 1974 Fuji "the Ace", 1976 Holdsworth 650b conversion rando bike, 1983 Trek 720 tourer, 1984 Counterpoint Opus II, 1993 Basso Gap, 2010 Downtube 8h, and...
Mentioned: 584 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1908 Post(s)
Liked 574 Times
in
339 Posts
__________________
www.rhmsaddles.com.
www.rhmsaddles.com.
10-25-16, 09:30 AM
#110
Fat Guy on a Little Bike
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 15,944
Bikes: Two wheeled ones
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1254 Post(s)
Liked 345 Times
in
174 Posts
Done...right after you fly me out to England to see Ray (assuming he tours in 17')
10-25-16, 10:02 AM
#111
Banned
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,480
Mentioned: 93 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1361 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 423 Times
in
282 Posts
All of your bikes are gorgeous and new condition. Beautiful stuff!
Oh and this just crossed my mind, John -
Recall meeting up with you and Steve at a bike jumble last year. There was a fellow who just purchased for cheaps a jazzed up Colnago. The three of us followed him all the way to the parking lot. Think he might have been a bit nervous.
10-25-16, 10:19 AM
#112
Senior Member
A "Holy Grail" bike would be for each person different. Usually it means an "unobtainium", but for me personally any Ciocc frame from 70s and 80s would be a desired bike. They are just sexy...
10-25-16, 11:31 AM
#113
"Florida Man"
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: East Florida
Posts: 1,667
Bikes: '16 Bob Jackson rando, '66 Raleigh Superbe, 80 Nishiki Maxima, 07 Gary Fisher Utopia, 09 Surly LHT
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1571 Post(s)
Liked 1,707 Times
in
856 Posts
Very nice!
I didn't realize that Bob Jackson was building bikes in the Hetchins style. Your Magnum Opus style frame looks wonderful! Everyone deserves an overly ornate bike at least once in their life!
I've got a Hetchins M.O. built by Bob Jackson back in 1987. It's a more "subtle" version, with no chrome. Fun bike, and it does get noticed now and then.
Steve in Peoria
I didn't realize that Bob Jackson was building bikes in the Hetchins style. Your Magnum Opus style frame looks wonderful! Everyone deserves an overly ornate bike at least once in their life!
I've got a Hetchins M.O. built by Bob Jackson back in 1987. It's a more "subtle" version, with no chrome. Fun bike, and it does get noticed now and then.
Steve in Peoria
They are making everything right, though, so no complaints. It will just take a little longer to get it rolling. I'll miss my first scheduled century, but hopefully I'll have many more chances.
The headset came from Rivendell. The roller bearing design is supposed to be bulletproof, with a side benefit of eliminating 'shimmy'. Also, I like the simple chrome look very much.
Headset Tange/IRD NeedL BlastR Roller Drive
__________________
Campione Del Mondo Immaginario
Campione Del Mondo Immaginario
10-25-16, 11:52 AM
#114
Banned
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,480
Mentioned: 93 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1361 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 423 Times
in
282 Posts
^ chewy- Neat project
Seems you're already head-'set' but suggest to take a look at the orginal Tange G-Master headsets in silver. NOS on ebay - not cheap but a bit less costly then Rivendell. Difference being the G-Master has both upper and lower taper rollers. Arguable theory but the Tange race and cups are jewels. I'll vote them over Stronglight A9
Seems you're already head-'set' but suggest to take a look at the orginal Tange G-Master headsets in silver. NOS on ebay - not cheap but a bit less costly then Rivendell. Difference being the G-Master has both upper and lower taper rollers. Arguable theory but the Tange race and cups are jewels. I'll vote them over Stronglight A9
Last edited by crank_addict; 10-25-16 at 11:58 AM.
10-25-16, 12:24 PM
#115
working on my sandal tan
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CID
Posts: 22,629
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Mentioned: 98 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3871 Post(s)
Liked 2,568 Times
in
1,579 Posts
I tried to bite my tongue, and it shouldn't really affect me, but to say "There are plenty of holy grail bikes!" strikes me as improper use of the term. By definition, such a thing (probably) doesn't exist, and is all but unattainable if it does, but is chased after with a passion anyway.
So, mine would be the 1938 Narcisse that Rene Herse rode in that year's Technical Trials. A fully integrated (lights, fenders, front rack) 650B brevet bike that still came in well under 20 lbs. Only a few pictures of it exist now.
But I'd settle for any 1940's RH that fit me, though.
So, mine would be the 1938 Narcisse that Rene Herse rode in that year's Technical Trials. A fully integrated (lights, fenders, front rack) 650B brevet bike that still came in well under 20 lbs. Only a few pictures of it exist now.
But I'd settle for any 1940's RH that fit me, though.
__________________
RUSA #7498
Originally Posted by noglider
People in this forum are not typical.
Last edited by ThermionicScott; 10-25-16 at 12:27 PM.
10-25-16, 12:38 PM
#116
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Point Reyes Station, California
Posts: 4,528
Bikes: Indeed!
Mentioned: 92 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1507 Post(s)
Liked 3,473 Times
in
1,132 Posts
DiNucci, because I dig his sleek aesthetics and sublime craftsmanship.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/dinuccicycles/
DiNucci, in His Own Words | RKP
https://www.flickr.com/photos/dinuccicycles/
DiNucci, in His Own Words | RKP
Brent
10-25-16, 12:55 PM
#117
Fat Guy on a Little Bike
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 15,944
Bikes: Two wheeled ones
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1254 Post(s)
Liked 345 Times
in
174 Posts
Dinucci and Appel are two I really like. Also...a Bruce Gordon like this one:
10-25-16, 01:27 PM
#118
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Poznań, Poland
Posts: 178
Bikes: Moser Leader NP, Koga Miyata WT 86'
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 43 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Pink bike? You would get a lot of unpleasant comments. Trust me, I know. :/
10-25-16, 04:48 PM
#119
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: NM & MN
Posts: 542
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 94 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I'd probably choose something like this, I saw one once. Paris Galibier.
Freddie Grubb too:
Yes, Sheldon Brown did make Viscount Aerospace's a grail bike too with the coming of the internet. They had a lore and were obtainable. A bike I did seek out.
10-25-16, 04:54 PM
#120
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PDX
Posts: 13,038
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
Mentioned: 267 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4511 Post(s)
Liked 6,378 Times
in
3,667 Posts
Picture 034 copy.jpg
Needles to say this is my "grail" and after 40 years I have it, it was his now its mine.
10-25-16, 05:31 PM
#121
Fat Guy on a Little Bike
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 15,944
Bikes: Two wheeled ones
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1254 Post(s)
Liked 345 Times
in
174 Posts
I would probably like your pink bike...and encourage you to post it. Ride that sucker proudly...they're jealous they have less style.
Well anyone that would disparage a pink BG would be summarily dismissed out of hand for having no usable opinion worth considering, or a Merz for that matter, I get nothing but props, even from people who have no idea what it is.
Attachment 541206
Needles to say this is my "grail" and after 40 years I have it, it was his now its mine.
Attachment 541206
Needles to say this is my "grail" and after 40 years I have it, it was his now its mine.
I'm not much for de facto embrace of European traditions...and I'm certainly not a "we should do it that way because they do that in Copenhagen" guy, but the Europeans are far more sensible on:
Metric
The color pink
The serving temperature of beer
Last edited by KonAaron Snake; 10-25-16 at 05:44 PM.
10-25-16, 06:00 PM
#122
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 1,895
Bikes: to many to list
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 296 Post(s)
Liked 1,064 Times
in
262 Posts
Good Lord!
All of your bikes are gorgeous and new condition. Beautiful stuff!
Oh and this just crossed my mind, John -
Recall meeting up with you and Steve at a bike jumble last year. There was a fellow who just purchased for cheaps a jazzed up Colnago. The three of us followed him all the way to the parking lot. Think he might have been a bit nervous.
All of your bikes are gorgeous and new condition. Beautiful stuff!
Oh and this just crossed my mind, John -
Recall meeting up with you and Steve at a bike jumble last year. There was a fellow who just purchased for cheaps a jazzed up Colnago. The three of us followed him all the way to the parking lot. Think he might have been a bit nervous.
Thanks
__________________
From Illinois. Collector of many fine bicycles from all over the world. Subscribe to my Youtube channel. Just search John's vintage road bike garage
From Illinois. Collector of many fine bicycles from all over the world. Subscribe to my Youtube channel. Just search John's vintage road bike garage
10-25-16, 06:05 PM
#123
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Posts: 9,845
Bikes: Kirk Custom JK Special, '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque
Mentioned: 106 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2338 Post(s)
Liked 2,822 Times
in
1,541 Posts
I think I have sorta gone away from grail bike.
I was thinking de rosa for a while, but I have so much fun with my torpado super strada, that I would love to get my hands on a Torpado super light and put modern gear on it.
The closest I have as grail right now (more timing I hope, after kid is out of college and a couple of other goals done so years down he road) is Kirk custom, the Roma, in red, with quill stem
I was thinking de rosa for a while, but I have so much fun with my torpado super strada, that I would love to get my hands on a Torpado super light and put modern gear on it.
The closest I have as grail right now (more timing I hope, after kid is out of college and a couple of other goals done so years down he road) is Kirk custom, the Roma, in red, with quill stem
__________________
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
10-25-16, 06:07 PM
#124
Señor Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Hardy, VA
Posts: 17,923
Bikes: Mostly English - predominantly Raleighs
Mentioned: 70 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1491 Post(s)
Liked 1,090 Times
in
638 Posts
I have it, and I'm working on getting it together and on the road soon. Life is short, so do it now, right? I commuted by bike for many years, and saved lots. and now I'm 'blowing' some of it.
There are lots of fancy details on the frame, and I hand picked the components I wanted (not my bike below).
It will be a 'classic' look, but all new, a century / fast rando bike.
It won't be long now.
There are lots of fancy details on the frame, and I hand picked the components I wanted (not my bike below).
It will be a 'classic' look, but all new, a century / fast rando bike.
It won't be long now.
That would be a leading candidate if I were buying new. Have had excellent experiences with Bob Jacksons.
__________________
In search of what to search for.
In search of what to search for.
10-25-16, 06:29 PM
#125
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Ocean County, NJ
Posts: 2,914
Bikes: Looking for a Baylis or Wizard in 59-62cm range
Mentioned: 65 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 374 Post(s)
Liked 344 Times
in
115 Posts
I had a Zunow (the one with the wishbone seat stay) back in college during the early '90s. I bought it from one of the college team racers who put a lot of miles on it. I built it with a 14 speed Shimano 105sc groupo, Mavic wheels, Control Tech stem, Scott Drop In bars, and a bunch of other great period pieces.
After college, I got enamored with big tube Cannondales, and built up a 2.8 frame. The Zunow got parted out. My goal was to build it up later with Dura Ace 7400 after I saved up.
Then the 2008 crash happened, and I needed money. I sold my Cannondale and the Zunow frameset. Finding a buyer was not too difficult.
So my grail bike is a Zunow frameset like my old one once my financials get a bit better.
Here's a picture swiped from Google of a similar frame to mine with the same color pattern.
Edit: The why? Simply nostalgic reasons.
After college, I got enamored with big tube Cannondales, and built up a 2.8 frame. The Zunow got parted out. My goal was to build it up later with Dura Ace 7400 after I saved up.
Then the 2008 crash happened, and I needed money. I sold my Cannondale and the Zunow frameset. Finding a buyer was not too difficult.
So my grail bike is a Zunow frameset like my old one once my financials get a bit better.
Here's a picture swiped from Google of a similar frame to mine with the same color pattern.
Edit: The why? Simply nostalgic reasons.
She was a beauty, just a tad too small for me to truly enjoy so I sold her.
