Gary's "Fountain"
07-17-10, 05:30 AM
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Gary's "Fountain"
A couple of forum members asked to see this bike - so - here it is.
I had a Portacatena set just dying to be mounted on a bike so the search commenced. After about two years looking I came across this frame - it had the Portacatena mounting holes in the right rear dropout.
The frame was un-identified so a further search for its identity began. I did find out that the frame was most probably built by a well known Austrtalian frame builder who built frames for a number of bike brands.
Interestingly, the frame is an early Columbus SLX introduced into Aust. around 1978. The fork crown has 2 plastic plugs with the Columbus 'bird' on them. I removed them (one was damaged) and replaced them with some brass inserts.
After about 4 years research I decided to give it a new identity. I named it a 'Fountain'. (Any number of bike shops would have done the same.)
I love Campagnolo so I dedicated it to the Nuovo Record Gruppo (except the seatpost). I painted it using a scheme I saw on a Bob Jackson.
Hope you guys like it even if it isn't in its original guise.
I had a Portacatena set just dying to be mounted on a bike so the search commenced. After about two years looking I came across this frame - it had the Portacatena mounting holes in the right rear dropout.
The frame was un-identified so a further search for its identity began. I did find out that the frame was most probably built by a well known Austrtalian frame builder who built frames for a number of bike brands.
Interestingly, the frame is an early Columbus SLX introduced into Aust. around 1978. The fork crown has 2 plastic plugs with the Columbus 'bird' on them. I removed them (one was damaged) and replaced them with some brass inserts.
After about 4 years research I decided to give it a new identity. I named it a 'Fountain'. (Any number of bike shops would have done the same.)
I love Campagnolo so I dedicated it to the Nuovo Record Gruppo (except the seatpost). I painted it using a scheme I saw on a Bob Jackson.
Hope you guys like it even if it isn't in its original guise.
07-17-10, 06:33 AM
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A couple of forum members asked to see this bike - so - here it is.
I had a Portacatena set just dying to be mounted on a bike so the search commenced. After about two years looking I came across this frame - it had the Portacatena mounting holes in the right rear dropout.
The frame was un-identified so a further search for its identity began. I did find out that the frame was most probably built by a well known Austrtalian frame builder who built frames for a number of bike brands.
Interestingly, the frame is an early Columbus SLX introduced into Aust. around 1978. The fork crown has 2 plastic plugs with the Columbus 'bird' on them. I removed them (one was damaged) and replaced them with some brass inserts.
After about 4 years research I decided to give it a new identity. I named it a 'Fountain'. (Any number of bike shops would have done the same.)
I love Campagnolo so I dedicated it to the Nuovo Record Gruppo (except the seatpost). I painted it using a scheme I saw on a Bob Jackson.
Hope you guys like it even if it isn't in its original guise.
I had a Portacatena set just dying to be mounted on a bike so the search commenced. After about two years looking I came across this frame - it had the Portacatena mounting holes in the right rear dropout.
The frame was un-identified so a further search for its identity began. I did find out that the frame was most probably built by a well known Austrtalian frame builder who built frames for a number of bike brands.
Interestingly, the frame is an early Columbus SLX introduced into Aust. around 1978. The fork crown has 2 plastic plugs with the Columbus 'bird' on them. I removed them (one was damaged) and replaced them with some brass inserts.
After about 4 years research I decided to give it a new identity. I named it a 'Fountain'. (Any number of bike shops would have done the same.)
I love Campagnolo so I dedicated it to the Nuovo Record Gruppo (except the seatpost). I painted it using a scheme I saw on a Bob Jackson.
Hope you guys like it even if it isn't in its original guise.
Its always enjoyable seeing the bikes in your collection.
Gary, is the frame built from SLX or SL?
I'm pretty fuzzy about the dates of Columbus tubing.
Otherwise, your attention to detail is right on the money.......a source of inspiration.
07-17-10, 08:08 AM
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It's SLX - I couldn't source an SLX decal at the time I painted it so I used a SL decal from one of those cheap Repro Colnago decal sets that were so prevalent in the late 80's / early 90's.
07-17-10, 11:30 AM
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Wow! Thanks for the pics - I was one of those hoping to see a thread on this bike.
I love the color scheme and attention to detail - especially the matching paint in the flutes, etc. I play that with most of my bikes, too. The brass plugs are a nice personalized detail - very cool.
Gomango - I knew you'd love this bike (one of the reasons I was hoping it would get it's own thread).
Kurt - I'm sure you'll see this: note the seatpost
I consciously realized something about myself when checking this out: I love it, but don't envy it or wish I owned it myself. Not because it's not cool, gorgeous or desireable (it is, of course). But it's so cool to see other's bikes, see what they've done to them and appreciate them and not lust after them because 1) they can give you ideas/inspiration for your own and 2) the more I get to 'know' Forum members I am getting a lot out of knowing they're happy with their bike(s) on the other end which (strangely enough) makes me happy, too.
Gary, that's a bike to be proud of. You did a stupendous job - well done!!
I love the color scheme and attention to detail - especially the matching paint in the flutes, etc. I play that with most of my bikes, too. The brass plugs are a nice personalized detail - very cool.
Gomango - I knew you'd love this bike (one of the reasons I was hoping it would get it's own thread).
Kurt - I'm sure you'll see this: note the seatpost
I consciously realized something about myself when checking this out: I love it, but don't envy it or wish I owned it myself. Not because it's not cool, gorgeous or desireable (it is, of course). But it's so cool to see other's bikes, see what they've done to them and appreciate them and not lust after them because 1) they can give you ideas/inspiration for your own and 2) the more I get to 'know' Forum members I am getting a lot out of knowing they're happy with their bike(s) on the other end which (strangely enough) makes me happy, too.
Gary, that's a bike to be proud of. You did a stupendous job - well done!!
07-17-10, 12:33 PM
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Gary, Very nice bike. I love the little details you did on it.
I have to correct you on one thing, though. There was no SLX in the late 1970's. It appeared on some pro bikes in late 1983, and was available commercially in 1984.
I have to correct you on one thing, though. There was no SLX in the late 1970's. It appeared on some pro bikes in late 1983, and was available commercially in 1984.
07-17-10, 12:48 PM
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I consciously realized something about myself when checking this out: I love it, but don't envy it or wish I owned it myself. Not because it's not cool, gorgeous or desireable (it is, of course). But it's so cool to see other's bikes, see what they've done to them and appreciate them and not lust after them because 1) they can give you ideas/inspiration for your own and 2) the more I get to 'know' Forum members I am getting a lot out of knowing they're happy with their bike(s) on the other end which (strangely enough) makes me happy, too.
07-17-10, 01:40 PM
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07-17-10, 02:14 PM
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Beautiful bike! I've always held the belief that finely crafted bicycles are as much a work of art as it is machinery. Such an elegant machine, the bicycle. It's always rewarding to peruse the custom work and personal details of someone's ride. Inspiring.
07-17-10, 02:30 PM
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I learn so much from guys like you, it would be a shame for you to change.
Also, OFG, it was fantastic talking to you about bikes the other night!
I learned more in an hour, than sitting at the bike shop for an afternoon.
Didn't have as many adult beverages either.....
07-17-10, 06:40 PM
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Thanks Guys - I needed your comments.
Recently I sold off 50% of my bikes and 30 - 40 years worth of Campagnolo parts collecting and I must admit, was feeling pretty down. I recently retired and moved to Queensland. Space in my new home is quite small - so - things had to go.
I had to part with bikes that I truly loved. This is now a case of a broken heart - but I will recover - I still have 15 bikes.
Dear Old Fat Guy, and all you other Guys, you raise an interesting question about the age of the frame as well as the tubing. As you read, I researched the frame for quite some time before I repainted it. My main sources of information were two bike shop owners and their recollections. The only decal still in place, and looking very original, was the Columbus SLX frame decal. We deduced that the frame had all the attributes of SLX and, with the fork crown plugs, was most probably one of the original SLX framesets introduced to Australia. I even found information stating that SLX was introduced in 1978.
Now Old Fat Guy, you throw a 'spanner into the works'!!! You are probably very correct. I went through my old magazines last night and, sure enough, I didn't find reference to SLX prior to 1983. You know this changes everything (but many thanks). In the big scheme of things it doesn't matter at all.
I'm still clinging to my SLX theory. It would be interesting to hear from others regarding the tubeset and plugged front forks.
Thanks once again Guys.
Recently I sold off 50% of my bikes and 30 - 40 years worth of Campagnolo parts collecting and I must admit, was feeling pretty down. I recently retired and moved to Queensland. Space in my new home is quite small - so - things had to go.
I had to part with bikes that I truly loved. This is now a case of a broken heart - but I will recover - I still have 15 bikes.
Dear Old Fat Guy, and all you other Guys, you raise an interesting question about the age of the frame as well as the tubing. As you read, I researched the frame for quite some time before I repainted it. My main sources of information were two bike shop owners and their recollections. The only decal still in place, and looking very original, was the Columbus SLX frame decal. We deduced that the frame had all the attributes of SLX and, with the fork crown plugs, was most probably one of the original SLX framesets introduced to Australia. I even found information stating that SLX was introduced in 1978.
Now Old Fat Guy, you throw a 'spanner into the works'!!! You are probably very correct. I went through my old magazines last night and, sure enough, I didn't find reference to SLX prior to 1983. You know this changes everything (but many thanks). In the big scheme of things it doesn't matter at all.
I'm still clinging to my SLX theory. It would be interesting to hear from others regarding the tubeset and plugged front forks.
Thanks once again Guys.
07-17-10, 07:33 PM
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I can absolutely guarantee that SLX was introduced in the 1983-84 model year. Prior to that there was only SL/SP.
If there is ribbing in the seat tube at the BB, it is SLX, if not, well...
I have seen many bikes with SLX decals that were not SLX.
You may be able to see by shining a light down the seat tube. The ridges are not large, but there will be five spiraled at the bottom.
If there is ribbing in the seat tube at the BB, it is SLX, if not, well...
I have seen many bikes with SLX decals that were not SLX.
You may be able to see by shining a light down the seat tube. The ridges are not large, but there will be five spiraled at the bottom.
07-17-10, 08:15 PM
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Very nice Gary. Good to see you posting. You always have something interesting to contribute. While I have learned a lot about Campagnolo parts this past year or so, I have not seen the Portacatena set up. Neat touch. Wouldn't mind a close-up of the brass inserts and a front shot of the "Headbadge" if you get a chance. Congratulations on your retirement, enjoy every minute! Motivates me even more to get back on my Bianchi. The parts are cleaning up nicely. https://www.flickr.com/photos/umpire5...7622146368588/
Hope to have it finished by the end of the year. Thanks for the inspiration!
Hope to have it finished by the end of the year. Thanks for the inspiration!
07-17-10, 11:18 PM
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Regarding the SLX conundrum: as OFG states, shine a light down the seat tube. To get an idea of what the ridges/rifling looks like, most likely the fork's steerer tube is ridged/rifled at the bottom - that's what your seat tube will look like if it is indeed SLX.
+1 on a closeup of the fork's brass inserts! Let's see!!
+1 on a closeup of the fork's brass inserts! Let's see!!
07-17-10, 11:37 PM
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07-18-10, 02:29 AM
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Good to see u back Gary,did u say u just moved up into MY neck of the woods ? I,m Gold Coast !
07-18-10, 05:46 AM
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Yes, take out two links. You won't need them with that gearing.
If you can't see down the seat tube, next time you have the BB out, run your finger inside the seat tube
Nice looking bike !
If you can't see down the seat tube, next time you have the BB out, run your finger inside the seat tube
Nice looking bike !
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07-18-10, 05:47 AM
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Hi guys and thanks for your kind words and thoughts.
The frame is SLX as an internal inspection verifies. Must have been made post 1983. It's been over 15 years since I reconditioned it and my memory of actual events is a little hazy.
It's been really nice coming into contact with you guys again. I have always felt that this forum has been supportive of all people interested in bikes weather they are new to the interest or have a long history with bikes. It's a real sharing of knowledge.
Ozneddy - I'm one of the thousands of Hervey Bay retiree's now (to all you yanks - Hervey Bay is a small "God's waiting room" 3 1/2 hours north of Brisbane) - good to hear from you.
Thanks once again,
Gary.
The frame is SLX as an internal inspection verifies. Must have been made post 1983. It's been over 15 years since I reconditioned it and my memory of actual events is a little hazy.
It's been really nice coming into contact with you guys again. I have always felt that this forum has been supportive of all people interested in bikes weather they are new to the interest or have a long history with bikes. It's a real sharing of knowledge.
Ozneddy - I'm one of the thousands of Hervey Bay retiree's now (to all you yanks - Hervey Bay is a small "God's waiting room" 3 1/2 hours north of Brisbane) - good to hear from you.
Thanks once again,
Gary.
07-19-10, 01:17 AM
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Dammit,was hoping u were closer,not many CV nutcases around here , was hopeing for a partner in crime *so to speak) lol !
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