Show Your "American Builders Only" Steel Rides
05-27-21, 06:01 PM
#602
Senior Member
Peter is relatively unknown, at least compared to a few of the well known builders. He gave a talk at the 2016 Classic Rendezvous gathering...
what I find interesting is that his wife, Jan Johnson, is also mildly famous in vintage cycling! She was the model for this early Klein advertisement....
I have a vague recollection of a discussion of this ad on the Classic Rendezvous list. The gist of it was that she was used for the ad because she is rather tall (6 feet or a bit more, based on getting a glimpse of her at the CR event), and she made the frame tubes look a bit smaller and therefore less of a shock to folks used to the dimensions of steel tubes.
Steve in Peoria
what I find interesting is that his wife, Jan Johnson, is also mildly famous in vintage cycling! She was the model for this early Klein advertisement....
I have a vague recollection of a discussion of this ad on the Classic Rendezvous list. The gist of it was that she was used for the ad because she is rather tall (6 feet or a bit more, based on getting a glimpse of her at the CR event), and she made the frame tubes look a bit smaller and therefore less of a shock to folks used to the dimensions of steel tubes.
Steve in Peoria
05-27-21, 06:44 PM
#603
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: New York Metro Area
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Bikes: '02 Litespeed, '99 Bianchi Alfana. '91 Fuji Saratoga, '84 Peugeot Canyon Express, '82 Moto GR, '81 Fuji America, '81 Fuji Royale; '78 Bridgestone Diamond Touring, '76 Fuji America, plus many more!
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Titanium Litespeed
My Litespeed from Tennessee.
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06-04-21, 05:35 PM
#604
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: California
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Bikes: '87 Serotta Colorado,'96 Moots VaMoots, Bertoni MAX, Eddy Merckx Grand Prix Team USA
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Found this Walton on CL early yesterday morning, priced so low that I was forced to text the seller at 6AM. I'm glad I did too, because the seller got a lot of replies...it's good to be first in line. It has a complete Dura Ace 7400 group. It even had a Dura Ace stem, but it was too short for me so I swapped it out for a Cinelli I had on hand. It came to me without bars, because the seller wanted to hang on to the 3ttt tri bars it had...and I happily obliged. Walton is not a builder I am familiar with, and google could only provide pics of NBA great Bill Walton. Google did tell me that the shop of the frame decal was still around though. I sent an email to Grand Performance bike shop in St Paul MN and got a reply back right away from Dan Casebeer, the current owner. Dan was a former racer and once held the hour record for the US. He bought the shop from Steve Hed, after Steve's wheel company got going. Dan told me that Mike Walton built frames in the basement of the shop for a few years in the 80's and was a frame sponsor for the shop's team. He told me that Walton later moved to Tucson, but he said they had lost contact.
This pic is pretty much "as found" except for the handle bars and test ride pedals. I took it out for a quick spin today and was very pleased with the ride and fit. Even on 30 year old tires (20mm) it was super smooth. I'll do a complete tear down, clean, lube and rebuild. Just eye balling it, it looks like it might have enough tire clearance to fit some 28's which would be great when Eroica rolls around. And I need to dig up a 39 inner ring, that 42 it has now won't do for my local terrain. I'll update with "after" pics once I've gone through it. If anyone has any info on Walton's, I would love to hear it.
Last edited by velomateo; 06-04-21 at 07:04 PM.
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06-04-21, 06:10 PM
#605
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PDX
Posts: 13,354
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
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Found this Walton on CL early yesterday morning, priced so low that I forced to text the seller at 6AM. I'm glad I did too, because the seller got a lot of replies...it's good to be first in line. It has a complete Dura Ace 7400 group. It even had a Dura Ace stem, but it was too short for me so I swapped it out for a Cinelli I had on hand. It came to me without bars, because the seller wanted to hang on to the 3ttt tri bars it had...and I happily obliged. Walton is not a builder I am familiar with, and google could only provide pics of NBA great Bill Walton. Google did tell me that the shop of the frame decal was still around though. I sent an email to Grand Performance bike shop in St Paul MN and got reply back right away from Dan Casebeer, the current owner. Dan was a former racer and once held the hour record for the US. He bought the shop from Steve Hed, after Steve's wheel company got going. Dan told me that Mike Walton built frames in the basement of the shop for a few years in the 80's and was a frame sponsor for the shop's team. He told me that Walton later moved to Tucson, but he said they had lost contact.
This pic is pretty much "as found" except for the handle bars and test ride pedals. I took it out for a quick spin today and was very pleased with the ride and fit. Even on 30 year old tires (20mm) it was super smooth. I'll do a complete tear down, clean, lube and rebuild. Just eye balling it, it looks like it might have enough tire clearance to fit some 28's which would be great when Eroica rolls around. And I need to dig up a 39 inner ring, that 42 it has now won't do for my local terrain. I'll update with "after" pics once I've gone through it. If anyone has any info on Walton's, I would love to hear it.
So cool to find these obscure builders, in many cases they easily hold their own with the best of the best.
06-04-21, 06:39 PM
#606
Senior Member
Who's the doofus in the background rudely checking out t-shirts instead of listening to Peter's riveting tales? Some people!
Peter is relatively unknown, at least compared to a few of the well known builders. He gave a talk at the 2016 Classic Rendezvous gathering...
what I find interesting is that his wife, Jan Johnson, is also mildly famous in vintage cycling! She was the model for this early Klein advertisement....
I have a vague recollection of a discussion of this ad on the Classic Rendezvous list. The gist of it was that she was used for the ad because she is rather tall (6 feet or a bit more, based on getting a glimpse of her at the CR event), and she made the frame tubes look a bit smaller and therefore less of a shock to folks used to the dimensions of steel tubes.
Steve in Peoria
what I find interesting is that his wife, Jan Johnson, is also mildly famous in vintage cycling! She was the model for this early Klein advertisement....
I have a vague recollection of a discussion of this ad on the Classic Rendezvous list. The gist of it was that she was used for the ad because she is rather tall (6 feet or a bit more, based on getting a glimpse of her at the CR event), and she made the frame tubes look a bit smaller and therefore less of a shock to folks used to the dimensions of steel tubes.
Steve in Peoria
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Fuggedaboutit!
Fuggedaboutit!
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06-04-21, 07:21 PM
#607
Senior Member
By chance, I'm typing this while wearing the shirt I bought from him that day.
The talks from the various builders and folks were a very fun portion of the CR gathering!
Steve in Peoria
09-22-22, 09:27 AM
#608
Thrifty Bill
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Mountains of Western NC
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Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
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2022 has been the year of the US builders for me.
First came a Bernie Mikkelsen. Next was a late 1980s Mountain Goat (Jeff Lindsay). Yesterday I added a Ron Stout to the list.
Stout
Mountain Goat
Seller's picture of the Mikkelsen, quite a mess!
First came a Bernie Mikkelsen. Next was a late 1980s Mountain Goat (Jeff Lindsay). Yesterday I added a Ron Stout to the list.
Stout
Mountain Goat
Seller's picture of the Mikkelsen, quite a mess!
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Please don't confuse ebay "asking" prices with "selling" prices. Many sellers never get their ask price. some are far from it. Value is determined once an item actually SELLS. Its easy enough to check SOLD prices.
Please don't confuse ebay "asking" prices with "selling" prices. Many sellers never get their ask price. some are far from it. Value is determined once an item actually SELLS. Its easy enough to check SOLD prices.
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09-23-22, 01:12 PM
#610
“Senior” Member
Since this thread popped up again I thought I might as well add some Bruce Gordon photos that have been previously posted elsewhere:
Some photos of the seat cluster from various angles.
The elegant fork crown
Some photos of the seat cluster from various angles.
The elegant fork crown
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09-23-22, 02:52 PM
#611
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PDX
Posts: 13,354
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
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Following up from way back, Gordon,
Dave Levy/TiCycles/Strawberry
Merz MTB
Merz TW189 w/ panniers
Merz RR150, probably already here but....
Ritchey
Dave Levy/TiCycles/Strawberry
Merz MTB
Merz TW189 w/ panniers
Merz RR150, probably already here but....
Ritchey
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06-17-23, 06:26 PM
#612
mindless wizardry
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: China
Posts: 7
Bikes: Montgomery Ward Rollfast, Raleigh Lancer, Raleigh Gran Sport, Bianchi Specialissima, Schwinn Paramount, Masi Special, Frejus Track, Masi Gran Criterium, Harry Quinn, TS Isaac Cirrus, TR Isaac Track Special, Trek 770, Trek MTB Proto,Match Paramount
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Guess I can add this now. A Wayne Evans supposedly made in Denver. Just can't find any info on the builder. I got the bike from a multiple RAAM winner a couple of months ago. Made with EL OS tubing.
Wayne Evans painted frame for TS Isaac in Denver for a few years.
Wayne Evans painted frame for TS Isaac in Denver for a few years.
06-17-23, 08:27 PM
#613
slow on any terrain
My pride and joy
First among equals in my stable
nuthin' not to love about this ride . . .
A good guy on this forum suggested that I ditch the wheel decals and I did. Looks much better now, IMO.
Understatement appeals to me.
nuthin' not to love about this ride . . .
A good guy on this forum suggested that I ditch the wheel decals and I did. Looks much better now, IMO.
Understatement appeals to me.
Last edited by eljayski; 06-21-23 at 06:33 PM.
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06-18-23, 06:15 AM
#614
aka: Dr. Cannondale
What seat post is that?
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Hard at work in the Secret Underground Laboratory...
Hard at work in the Secret Underground Laboratory...
06-18-23, 12:50 PM
#615
slow on any terrain
06-18-23, 01:45 PM
#616
Groupetto Dragon-Ass
I think I have one "American Builder" bike, a ~'62 Oscar Wastyn Custom.
'90's repaint and grab bag of parts.
"What are you doing in my shop?!
'90's repaint and grab bag of parts.
"What are you doing in my shop?!
Last edited by Chuckk; 01-26-24 at 10:49 AM.
11-25-23, 08:56 AM
#618
^ * * ^ * * ^
Join Date: May 2014
Location: FL USA
Posts: 165
Bikes: 1977 Tom Kellogg Nr. 27 - 1984 Bob Jackson - 1987 Alpineer - 1999 Bianchi - 2002 LeMond Buenos Aries- 2007 Specialized Tarmac Pro - 2017 Mongoose Argus Comp FatBike - 2024 Gravity 29er 1-Speed Monstercross
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This is my 1977 Tom Kellogg. It is the 27th frame he built. It's been sitting for several years but I now plan to build it out. 50cm with a 53cm top tube. Trying to decide what components to use. Period Campagnolo Nuovo Record would probably be the obvious choice but I'm also thinking maybe high-end 1977 Japanese stuff and/or use some of the cool American-made components like Phil Wood hubs, etc.
I don't have many pics of the frame because it is currently several states away!
I don't have many pics of the frame because it is currently several states away!
Last edited by cegerer; 11-25-23 at 09:02 AM.
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11-25-23, 08:12 PM
#619
^ * * ^ * * ^
Join Date: May 2014
Location: FL USA
Posts: 165
Bikes: 1977 Tom Kellogg Nr. 27 - 1984 Bob Jackson - 1987 Alpineer - 1999 Bianchi - 2002 LeMond Buenos Aries- 2007 Specialized Tarmac Pro - 2017 Mongoose Argus Comp FatBike - 2024 Gravity 29er 1-Speed Monstercross
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The handlebar dent in the top tube has been largely repaired since this photo was taken.
01-26-24, 10:00 AM
#620
Romic touring bike
Thanks for that photo of your Romic.
i just acquired one myself and I’m wondering what wheels you have on yours, what size tires as well. Also, what canti brakes are on yours. Thank you very much
i just acquired one myself and I’m wondering what wheels you have on yours, what size tires as well. Also, what canti brakes are on yours. Thank you very much
06-21-24, 08:38 AM
#621
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2024
Location: San Diego
Posts: 962
Bikes: Columbine, Paramount Track Bike, Colnago Super, Santana Tandems (1995 & 2007), Gary Fisher Piranha, Trek Wahoo, Bianchi Track Bike, a couple of Honda mountain bikes
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Taking the newly built Columbine for it's first ride!
Vintage in San Diego!
Vintage in San Diego!
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Cheers, Mike
-Stupid hurts....ride safe
Cheers, Mike
-Stupid hurts....ride safe
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06-21-24, 10:09 AM
#622
Full Member
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06-21-24, 11:39 AM
#624
Klaatu..Verata..Necktie?
Join Date: May 2007
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Bikes: Litespeed Ultimate, Ultegra; Canyon Endurace, 105; Battaglin MAX, Chorus; Bianchi 928 Veloce; Ritchey Road Logic, Dura Ace; Cannondale R500 RX100; Schwinn Circuit, Sante; Lotus Supreme, Dura Ace
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Hmmmm....
Well, there's my first American steel bike - American builder, but welded in Taiwan. 1995 Ritchey Road Logic:
Then there's this 1989 Schwinn Circuit, built at Schwinn's short-lived Mississippi factory:
And my most recent acquisition/build, this 1997 LeMond Zurich frame, build up with 7410 Dura Ace kit:
Well, there's my first American steel bike - American builder, but welded in Taiwan. 1995 Ritchey Road Logic:
Then there's this 1989 Schwinn Circuit, built at Schwinn's short-lived Mississippi factory:
And my most recent acquisition/build, this 1997 LeMond Zurich frame, build up with 7410 Dura Ace kit:
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"Don't take life so serious-it ain't nohow permanent."
"Everybody's gotta be somewhere." - Eccles
"Don't take life so serious-it ain't nohow permanent."
"Everybody's gotta be somewhere." - Eccles
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06-21-24, 11:50 AM
#625
Palmer
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Parts Unknown
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Bikes: Mike Melton custom, Alex Moulton AM, Dahon Curl
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Yes, it's steel. Yes, the frame was fabricated in America. 2008 BikeFriday tikit:
