brooklyn_bike

just picked this up early this morning for a song of a price from an old cycle racer in queens. the seller was the quintessential old french gentleman named jacques. used to race both road and track back in the 1960s. said he bought the bike from the kissena bicycle shop way back before it closed. he was especially happy it was going to someone who is going to overhaul it and cherish it. we hung out and he told me all about the good 'ol days of bike racing in new york city.

also included was an extra high flange campy wheelset and a box of wonderful old bicycle tools / track cogs / etc.

he had it overhauled regularly at a local bike shop. i was pleasantly surprised to see fresh grease still squeezing out of the bottom bracket and hubs. its amazing a 50 - 60 year old bicycle still has its internals running so smooth. i'm accustomed to overhauling 20 - 30 year old bikes that have been neglected. decals have almost completely rubbed off over time - there's still traces of red highlight paint around the lugs in places.

i've been doing a lot of research on dick power and found plenty to read so far. it sounds like these are incredibly rare bicycles indeed. maybe 500 built total and not many left still in circulation. i need to find a replacement decal set sometime in the future. and possibly contact edward albert: the guy who wrote a book on dick power.

hadn't seen any info on date codes. bottom bracket is stamped with two number 5s at odd angles. and a nervex serial number.

feel free to send me any special info on dick power you might have.

Epicus07

Wow. Stunning ride.

That cinelli stem is sick!

*edit*....nice dick.

Ciufalon

I think we are all in shock. That is an incredible find, and I for one never heard of Dick Power until now. But searching around the web it is clear that you are one lucky individual! That is a super score! Not only a fantastic bike to acquire, but it sounds like it was great to meet and chat with the seller - someone with some great stories and experiences to share. Thanks for sharing. That bike really is beautiful. Not to mention all the extras that came with it. Congratulations! I would call that a keeper.

eschlwc

that's how it's done.

element-82

Very nice! I wish we had a velodrome here. There would be a lot more track bikes for sale. I never heard of "dick power".

Pb

Rocket-Sauce 

Wait.... are you telling me that there was a bike maker named "Dick Power" and I missed it??? If I had one, every time I even thougth about it, much less rode it, I would turn into Beavis + Butthead.

That is a seriously beautiful bike. And a great story to go with it! The epitome of the C+V hobby.

Italuminium

perfect! don't waste it on the streets, take it to the track.

rootboy 

Outstanding bike. I believe if my mother had named me that, I'd probably use "Richard".
Nice pile of tools too. One question; I recognize everything in that picture, except those two eye bolt things with curved "nuts" on the ends. Anyone know what those are for?

that_guy_zach

tugnuts?

ColonelJLloyd 

Yes, chain tugs.

Awesome score, OP!

Poguemahone

One end (the loop) fits to the hub spindle. The cups ('nuts') fit over the end of the track ends. You can fine tune chain tension using them.

MarkusForest

... good for you for sitting with the old guy and listening to his stories. Perfect bike!

repechage

Those "banjo bolts" are axle position retainers. Used to insure the rear axle stays in position under the strongest jump. Actually they were pretty useful before Campagnolo came out with track ends, under tight torque many old thinner ends would start to distort and the axle creep. If you are Kieren racing in Japan, those parts are still needed.

bibliobob

That's a Holy Grail kind of score... Enjoy, most people only get a couple of those in a lifetime!

Mos6502

Now you only have to find the elusive Boob Energy ten speed to complete the collection.

cudak888 

Road bikes were never meant to be all-chrome.

Track bikes should always be all-chrome.

Prettiest bike of the year, I'd say. Congratulations.

-Kurt

KonAaron Snake 

If that frame were larger, we could say that's one big...

Awesome score, and it introduced me to Dick Power (that sounds so wrong). I had a hard time finding information...Googleing Dick Power gets unintended results.

justadude

I believe with maintenance and some luck, your C&V may fly around the track.

Darth_Firebolt

i bet you got some interesting Google results...

Shaneferd

That's an authentic slice of New York Soul you have, brooklyn_bike! From what I've gleaned, these & Drysdale frames are incredibly sought after American track iron... Compliments on the sweet scoop there, and a Tip 'O the Hat to Jacques for his loving & faithful preservation.

buldogge

That's pretty damn cool, to say the least...

Congrats!

purebikes 

Most BA bike I've seen in a while! Good score!

Ex Pres 

PM'd you with a link to an author of an upcoming book on Dick Power.

clubman 

I'd would love to know "what a song" is. Or maybe not, might cry.

Some sweet bikes coming out of the woodwork lately. This is exceptional.

OldsCOOL

Interesting choice of words considering the ***ahem*** Richard Power theme.