A marque is born?
02-02-17 | 10:50 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Bike Butcher of Portland
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 12,450
Likes: 7,986
From: Portland, OR
Bikes: It's complicated.
A marque is born?
Close followers of this forum may know that I'm doing some framework on a vintage Holdsworth for [MENTION=73614]rhm[/MENTION]. What isn't known is there's some tradework going on. Those close followers will also know that he does saddle re-leathering, with custom stampings. When his Holdsworth arrived at Atelier Gugie, I was amazed at the wonderful decaling. Not knowing the Holdsworth label well, one could easily think this was their marque. Having seen some original decals, I can uncategorically state that they are an improvement on the original.
To my surprise, Rudi started working on some new branding for me.
First, a saddle
I have read about the extra thick leather he uses, this will surely last twice, thrice, well, a lot more than the Brooks standard:
The brass rivets are big, fat, beautiful, and remind us of the craftsman who made them:
Completely satisfied with his work, yet there was more:
Decals for downtubes, seat tubes, and gorgeous head badges in brass:
All I can add is, wow!
To my surprise, Rudi started working on some new branding for me.
First, a saddle
I have read about the extra thick leather he uses, this will surely last twice, thrice, well, a lot more than the Brooks standard:
The brass rivets are big, fat, beautiful, and remind us of the craftsman who made them:
Completely satisfied with his work, yet there was more:
Decals for downtubes, seat tubes, and gorgeous head badges in brass:
All I can add is, wow!
__________________
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
02-02-17 | 11:02 PM
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 6,280
Likes: 612
From: Los Angeles
Bikes: 78 Masi Criterium, 68 PX10, 2016 Mercian King of Mercia, Rivendell Clem Smith Jr
Wow indeed. Double Wow even. 
Excellent work in concept, execution and taste. That's going to look great on a bike. Can't wait to see.
Excellent work in concept, execution and taste. That's going to look great on a bike. Can't wait to see.
02-02-17 | 11:41 PM
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 7,717
Likes: 4,120
From: Berkeley, CA
Bikes: 72 Cilo Pacer, 72 Gitane GT, 72 Peugeot PX10, 73 Speedwell Ti,l, 75 Peugeot PR-10L, 80 Colnago Super, 81 Zinn, 85 ALAN Cross, 85 De Rosa Pro, 86 Look 753, 86 Look KG86, 89 Parkpre Team, 90 Parkpre Team MTB, 90 Merlin
Wow, very impressed all around. Fantastic work!
I'd love to hear more about how those head badges were crafted.
I'd love to hear more about how those head badges were crafted.
02-03-17 | 12:00 AM
#6
Old bikes, Older guy
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,068
Likes: 298
From: Fiscal Conservative on the Lefty Coast - Oregon
Bikes: A few modern, Several vintage, All ridden when weather allows.
Looking good! Can't wait to see the finished product.
Cheers,
Van
Cheers,
Van
__________________
Remember: Real bikes have pedals.
...and never put a yellow tail on a Red, White and Blue kite!
Remember: Real bikes have pedals.
...and never put a yellow tail on a Red, White and Blue kite!
02-03-17 | 01:23 AM
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 7,951
Likes: 688
From: Port Angeles, WA
Bikes: A green one, "Ragleigh," or something.
I think you may be first in line, Andy 
Put me down for frame 000002, pls, [MENTION=381793]gugie[/MENTION]!
Put me down for frame 000002, pls, [MENTION=381793]gugie[/MENTION]!
__________________
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
02-03-17 | 03:36 AM
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 546
Likes: 45
Bikes: colnago titanio oval master, pinarello treviso es, centurion prestige, tomac ti 26er, lemond buenos aires, mbk 753, vitus 992 and zx1, rocky mountain hammer disc,bd century titanium, specialized venge expert
Very nice work. Classy and understated. Ties everything together very well. Subscribed.
02-03-17 | 06:36 AM
#10
Freewheel Medic
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 13,556
Likes: 3,300
From: An Island on the Coast of GA!
Bikes: Snazzy* Schwinns, Classy Cannondales & a Super Pro Aero Lotus (* Ed.)
First saddles!!! Now head badges!!!! Dang [MENTION=73614]rhm[/MENTION] you are full of amazing ideas which come to fruition. The #elonmusk of our C&V world!
[MENTION=381793]gugie[/MENTION], thanks for sharing! Now let's see the frame!
[MENTION=381793]gugie[/MENTION], thanks for sharing! Now let's see the frame!
__________________
Bob
Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
Bob
Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
02-03-17 | 07:01 AM
#11
multimodal commuter
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 19,810
Likes: 597
From: NJ, NYC, LI
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...
Thanks, everyone, for your kind words!
Someone contacted me about restoring a Bartali saddle, and provided this image of the stamp... which was helpful, but not quite enough to get me started.
So I searched for similar images and found this:
You should check out the source, by the way; very cool bike » Vianzone.001
So I figured both the Benotto and Bartali saddles were made by a saddle manufacturer in italy (FN in Bologna) and they used the same stock graphics for both. So I stole the design
Someone contacted me about restoring a Bartali saddle, and provided this image of the stamp... which was helpful, but not quite enough to get me started.
So I searched for similar images and found this:
You should check out the source, by the way; very cool bike » Vianzone.001
So I figured both the Benotto and Bartali saddles were made by a saddle manufacturer in italy (FN in Bologna) and they used the same stock graphics for both. So I stole the design
__________________
www.rhmsaddles.com.
www.rhmsaddles.com.
02-03-17 | 09:05 AM
#16
Señor Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 18,473
Likes: 1,558
From: Hardy, VA
Bikes: Mostly English - predominantly Raleighs
Thanks, everyone, for your kind words!
Someone contacted me about restoring a Bartali saddle, and provided this image of the stamp... which was helpful, but not quite enough to get me started.
So I searched for similar images and found this:
You should check out the source, by the way; very cool bike » Vianzone.001
So I figured both the Benotto and Bartali saddles were made by a saddle manufacturer in italy (FN in Bologna) and they used the same stock graphics for both. So I stole the design
Someone contacted me about restoring a Bartali saddle, and provided this image of the stamp... which was helpful, but not quite enough to get me started.
So I searched for similar images and found this:
You should check out the source, by the way; very cool bike » Vianzone.001
So I figured both the Benotto and Bartali saddles were made by a saddle manufacturer in italy (FN in Bologna) and they used the same stock graphics for both. So I stole the design
__________________
In search of what to search for.
In search of what to search for.
02-03-17 | 09:18 AM
#17
multimodal commuter
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 19,810
Likes: 597
From: NJ, NYC, LI
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...
Hmm... well, at the risk of giving away proprietary trade secrets...
I start with a drawing...
and I go to the 3D printing service "Shapeways:"
https://www.shapeways.com/creator/2dto3d#landing
and I upload my drawing. After a few steps I get a preview of the stamps, which might look like this:
I chose a material (in this case, the cheapest plastic). They do various checks of how thick it will be, and... eventually I pay them, they print it, and they send it to me.
I do something similar with the head badge, except it was "printed" in brass or bronze. That actually means they print in castable wax and then turn it into metal by a lost wax casting process. It comes to me flat; I file it as needed, add paint, sand the paint of the high parts, curve it to fit a bicycle, and... that's about it. Please don't tell anyone.
I made [MENTION=381793]gugie[/MENTION] four head badges; two of them are brass, two are bronze. I can't tell the difference, but I believe they will oxidize differently, so in a year or two they should be different colors.
__________________
www.rhmsaddles.com.
www.rhmsaddles.com.
02-03-17 | 09:46 AM
#19
Freshman Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 5,870
Likes: 4,155
From: City of Angels
Bikes: A few too many
I agree, incredible work from master craftsmen.
Just think 200 years from now when someone does a search asking:
" I found this neat old bike but can't find much on the cloud does anyone know anything about the maker? Any help greatly appreciated....I did do a search and no the fork is not bent!!
Ben
Just think 200 years from now when someone does a search asking:
" I found this neat old bike but can't find much on the cloud does anyone know anything about the maker? Any help greatly appreciated....I did do a search and no the fork is not bent!!
Ben
__________________
"EVERY PERSON IS GUILTY OF ALL THE GOOD THEY DID NOT DO"
Voltaire
Voice recognition may sometimes create odd spelling and grammatical errors
"EVERY PERSON IS GUILTY OF ALL THE GOOD THEY DID NOT DO"
Voltaire
Voice recognition may sometimes create odd spelling and grammatical errors
02-03-17 | 10:03 AM
#20
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 16,748
Likes: 138
From: Wherever
I do something similar with the head badge, except it was "printed" in brass or bronze. That actually means they print in castable wax and then turn it into metal by a lost wax casting process. It comes to me flat; I file it as needed, add paint, sand the paint of the high parts, curve it to fit a bicycle, and... that's about it. Please don't tell anyone.
We promise to tell no one.
02-03-17 | 11:21 AM
#22
Thread Starter
Bike Butcher of Portland
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 12,450
Likes: 7,986
From: Portland, OR
Bikes: It's complicated.
Just about anyone can make a headbadge.
Making one that is really cool, though, takes talent.
Talent is the secret ingredient.
Making one that is really cool, though, takes talent.
Talent is the secret ingredient.
__________________
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
02-03-17 | 12:14 PM
#24
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 11,479
Likes: 4,885
From: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Bikes: Kirk Custom JK Special, 86 De Rosa Pro, '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque
Hmm... well, at the risk of giving away proprietary trade secrets...
I start with a drawing...
and I go to the 3D printing service "Shapeways:"
https://www.shapeways.com/creator/2dto3d#landing
and I upload my drawing. After a few steps I get a preview of the stamps, which might look like this:
I chose a material (in this case, the cheapest plastic). They do various checks of how thick it will be, and... eventually I pay them, they print it, and they send it to me.
I do something similar with the head badge, except it was "printed" in brass or bronze. That actually means they print in castable wax and then turn it into metal by a lost wax casting process. It comes to me flat; I file it as needed, add paint, sand the paint of the high parts, curve it to fit a bicycle, and... that's about it. Please don't tell anyone.
I made [MENTION=381793]gugie[/MENTION] four head badges; two of them are brass, two are bronze. I can't tell the difference, but I believe they will oxidize differently, so in a year or two they should be different colors.
I start with a drawing...
and I go to the 3D printing service "Shapeways:"
https://www.shapeways.com/creator/2dto3d#landing
and I upload my drawing. After a few steps I get a preview of the stamps, which might look like this:
I chose a material (in this case, the cheapest plastic). They do various checks of how thick it will be, and... eventually I pay them, they print it, and they send it to me.
I do something similar with the head badge, except it was "printed" in brass or bronze. That actually means they print in castable wax and then turn it into metal by a lost wax casting process. It comes to me flat; I file it as needed, add paint, sand the paint of the high parts, curve it to fit a bicycle, and... that's about it. Please don't tell anyone.
I made [MENTION=381793]gugie[/MENTION] four head badges; two of them are brass, two are bronze. I can't tell the difference, but I believe they will oxidize differently, so in a year or two they should be different colors.
__________________
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can.
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can.
