For those following [MENTION=63590]jyl[/MENTION]'s '61 Bianchi Speciallisima gets phat thread, I'm posting this as a separate thread. He's taking a vintage 1961 Bianchi Speciallisima and converting it to a low trail 650b rando bike, with my assistance. It was kinda like the Raleigh International of the Bianchi line at that time - long stays, sports touring geometry

The front rack started with a drawing (courtesy of [MENTION=63590]jyl[/MENTION]):


It became this:




The build process here (scrolll down about halfway for the rack)

That's cool as all get out!!!

That looks [expletive deleted] awesome!

We'll invert the lens/reflector to accommodate the upside down mounting - it is easy.

My job is to install LED bulbs and build a standlight circuit. The circuit will be housed in a small project box that will be mounted to the fork crown and hidden by the rack and bag.

Just for everyone's amusement, the aesthetic we're going for is something like



I mocked up this example and [MENTION=381793]gugie[/MENTION] ran with it, like Usain Bolt.

That's awesome! [MENTION=381793]gugie[/MENTION] where do you get the pipe stock for this? I would like to try my hand at brazing and racks seem like a good intro.

There's a lot of different places, I typically order from McMaster Carr. Air
5/16" stainless thinwall tubing
I also used 3/8 pm the front rack.

Note that CrMo tubing is stronger, but then you have to either plate or paint it. I made this rack over the weekend and it's ready to go. For many applications, stainless steel is "strong enough" if you design wisely.

If you're interested in more info, PM me.

Who doesn't love a neat project like this??

I've discussed it briefly with [MENTION=381793]gugie[/MENTION] when he was asking about dual Schmidt E6's, but I'm curious about the method of retrofitting LEDs into the E6's. The need to properly heatsink the LEDs complicates the task, and getting optics worked out to be compatible with the different radiation pattern of the LED is another hurdle. Please let us know how this works out.


Steve in Peoria

Yep, we're making this up as we go along. I expect there to be some minor explosion sometime in the future, perhaps a few flames. But that would be cool, huh? Especially if it's on [MENTION=63590]jyl[/MENTION]'s bike, not mine...

I'm just going by Nicelite's claims that their N412 LED works in the E6. If it doesn't, well, the rack is designed to accept Edelux too.

Really nicely done! Looking forward to seeing this bike all built up.

But the staging of the photos does highlight the need for a Mk II version with a pint glass holder...

my rusty memory says that Jan Heine has written about this in the past. I think the results were mixed.

Personally, I anticipate a day that a vintage bike won't be complete without authentic incandescent bulbs! In the same way that learning to shift a Cambio Corsa is a rare skill, being able to ride at night by the flimsy light of an incandescent will be the hallmark of a true vintage person. My plan is to retire off of the profits from my stash of Philips 3 watt bulbs.

optimistic Steve in Peoria

Cool setup, John! The Stratos is a bit aggressive looking though, you should consider instead a 1961 bugeye Sprite as a stablemate and transport vehicle for those rides that are too far away to cycle to.

My neighbor has a beautiful Bugeye Sprite, in Gulf Blue. He and his wife take it out on nice days.

I've got one of these - well, minus the cool color, and the driving lights, and mine isn't even running. Going to get it started up and drivable later this month.



I was a car guy long, long before I became a bike guy. Kind of lost interest in cars a few years ago. Parked the Porsche. But I need to start commuting by car soon, so time to get the 911 running.

Or, buy a commuter car. Thinking about finding a clean one of these. But the problem with cars is they are expensive, dirty, and too heavy for the work stand.



just bought my daughter a used car, and just the new tires for it will cost more than most bikes I own . . .

Its a trend i've noticed before (and see in my own life). start with cars, then go to motos, then bicycles, in 5 years it will be sneakers.

Yup. Has to do, perhaps, with declining tolerance for nonsense and hassle. Bikes are so beautifully simple.

My car is getting towards "that" time. That Bavarian propensity to use plastic for everything... and it's all starting to disintigrate. But, aside from a few rust spots (which unfortunately show well on silver)- it still looks nice...

80,000 miles ago:

Since it hasn't been expressly said yet...


"Ooh Baby! Nice Rack!"