Are "Jim Blackburn" racks different than just regular ol "Blackburn" racks? Or does Blackburn only make pumps?

Mr. Blackburn is no longer associated with the products that bear his name. The racks used to be made in the USA and were among the first products sold by Specialized (maybe before it was Specialized). The Blackburn Design name and company are now part of Bell Sports, and the racks are manufactured overseas, either Taiwan or China (whichever is cheaper)

So does Mr Blackburn still make and sell a superior rack, or are they only available used?

Mr. Blackburn is off doing other stuff, maybe sitting on a tropical beach drinking Mai Tais. The racks haven't been made in the USA for something like 30 years. As to any quality differences, I can't say. For all I know, the Chinese are better welders than the Americans were.

wow. me gusta.

Thanks! Jim Blackburns fit a lot of my qualifications: silver, seat stay braze on mounted, simple, pretty to look at and period correct. Most other racks of that vintage use brake mounts or metal seat-stay clamping systems... I say if you've got them, use them!

Could someone point me in the right direction for finding a place on-line where I can have custom reflective decals made? I'm building a new commuter for my fiancee, and after I have the frame repainted, I want to spice it up, and make it more visible with reflective decals. I know that I could just get a roll of 3M tape and block out sections, like I did on my own bikes, but I'd like to put her name on the bike in big bold letters...instead of the frame's original brand.

Here ya go. Jamis Coda Sport, taken with the god awful camera on my Nokia
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=353738.

I have used edecals.com for some decals. they looked great and even sent extras. I was pretty impressed with their professionalism. I don't know about reflective, but I know they have mirror finish.

I used a kit from Applied Graphics that are made for motorcycle helmets. The material really flashes up well when light hits it. You will get plenty of pre-cut pieces that are about the right shape and lengths for the various tubes of the frame.

http://i.imgur.com/6Jdxh3G.jpg

Fresh from her first winter commute. My phone was cold so it took a really crappy picture.

This is what happened to my bike earlier that day. The sidewalk plows got to her :(

http://i.imgur.com/A6WkVrH.jpg

I LOVE this picture hahahahahaha.
where do you live?

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3792/1...f467f9cd_z.jpg
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5473/1...152f1445_z.jpg
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2889/1...db84fdca_z.jpg
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2894/1...093fb887_z.jpg

Minneapolis :)

There's a bike in them pic's ?

All I see is a nice 55 chevy :D

lol surprisingly yeah :lol: two of them actually a wagon and a belair . Good eye btw. :thumb:

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=354419 my commuter bike for 12 years! and proud of it. :)

I just put these studded tires on that I bought "used" (basically brand new - no missing studs) for $40. We'll see how it goes - everything was covered in ice today.

All ready for poor weather!

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=354543

Mild pain I am sure but really cool pic!

+1 that's amazing -- it's almost like you had your bike flocked like some people do with their christmas trees :lol:

Love the JTS!

Wow! That's pretty incredible. I couldn't think of anything else you'd need. A swiss army of bikes! Nice job.

Here is my 2004 Kona Cinder Cone frame converted into a commuter. This bike has been a front suspension 26" cross-country racer, a rigid single speed 69'er (for racing) and now this...
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=354938

I put it together like this over the past few weeks with spare parts from the "bin". I did recently purchase the Velo Orange touring bars for a more upright ride but everything else comes from my parts bin of miscellaneous odds and ends. Interesting point: The fenders are Planet Bike 29'er fenders. Adjusting the rods makes them fit 26'ers just fine with an added benefit of actually giving a fuller radius of fender around the wheels. Much more splash protection and kinda cool looking for fenders.

' tis the season..

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps8bcfc7d0.jpg

:)