1915 Rola
09-07-21, 05:12 PM
#28
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Hubs are marked Rola, probably made by SIamt. The crank is engraved Perfect. Emmo Ghelfi was a distributor of Perfect (out of the UK) and just press fit the chain ring onto the crank. The pedals are unmarked, but Marco has seen in the past an identical set that were marked Rola. No markings on the rims. Rear dropouts could be Chater Lea. I also like the sloping fork crown with internal fork sleeves that CIno Cinelli "invented" 35 years later. I haven't torn down the BB, can't comment there. Integrated stem/bars is also not marked.
I forgot to add, I have been told the fixed cog and lockring are not a standard diameter. Haven't gotten to that non-compatible nightmare yet.
I forgot to add, I have been told the fixed cog and lockring are not a standard diameter. Haven't gotten to that non-compatible nightmare yet.
Last edited by iab; 09-07-21 at 05:15 PM.
09-07-21, 05:13 PM
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How do you operate this style of brake lever (on the 1915 Rola pictured)? Presuming your hands are on the grips in the dropped section of the bar...do you reach over with your thumb and pull the lever over towards the grip? Or do you curl your hand further under and grab the lever with your fingers and pull it over?
09-07-21, 05:16 PM
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09-07-21, 06:36 PM
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Very cool! Did you say it's a fixed gear, or does it freewheel?
Since some of the brake parts are (as you say) 'fabricated,' I suspect something isn't as designed. I've seen spoon brakes that could send the rider on an endo. That's not your goal, of course, but it's always nice to have more braking power than you need.
Would you consider using a different wheel size, for actually riding the bike? I realize any other wheel size will be smaller, but maybe not noticeably smaller. The brake should adjust down....
Since some of the brake parts are (as you say) 'fabricated,' I suspect something isn't as designed. I've seen spoon brakes that could send the rider on an endo. That's not your goal, of course, but it's always nice to have more braking power than you need.
Would you consider using a different wheel size, for actually riding the bike? I realize any other wheel size will be smaller, but maybe not noticeably smaller. The brake should adjust down....
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09-07-21, 06:56 PM
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Wonderful bike! I'm eager to follow your progress on this one.
I'm struck by a couple of differences between this bike and the North American bikes I've seen of the same vintage. One is the straight seatpost on this bike compared to the "L" shaped seatposts on many of the North American bikes. Another is the skip-tooth chainwheels on North American bikes. Were these just regional variations or am I missing something?
Thanks,
Brent
I'm struck by a couple of differences between this bike and the North American bikes I've seen of the same vintage. One is the straight seatpost on this bike compared to the "L" shaped seatposts on many of the North American bikes. Another is the skip-tooth chainwheels on North American bikes. Were these just regional variations or am I missing something?
Thanks,
Brent
09-07-21, 07:28 PM
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Very cool! Did you say it's a fixed gear, or does it freewheel?
Since some of the brake parts are (as you say) 'fabricated,' I suspect something isn't as designed. I've seen spoon brakes that could send the rider on an endo. That's not your goal, of course, but it's always nice to have more braking power than you need.
Would you consider using a different wheel size, for actually riding the bike? I realize any other wheel size will be smaller, but maybe not noticeably smaller. The brake should adjust down....
Since some of the brake parts are (as you say) 'fabricated,' I suspect something isn't as designed. I've seen spoon brakes that could send the rider on an endo. That's not your goal, of course, but it's always nice to have more braking power than you need.
Would you consider using a different wheel size, for actually riding the bike? I realize any other wheel size will be smaller, but maybe not noticeably smaller. The brake should adjust down....
I could go to a 700C rim, but then it is no longer original. The front wheel is fine to ride. I have a proper Siamt rear hub and another 700A rim to build so I can ride it. I'll use the original for shows and such. And I may want you to make me a spare Rola saddle so my fat ass doesn't tear this one. Not until next year though, I have enough projects going.
09-07-21, 07:31 PM
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Wonderful bike! I'm eager to follow your progress on this one.
I'm struck by a couple of differences between this bike and the North American bikes I've seen of the same vintage. One is the straight seatpost on this bike compared to the "L" shaped seatposts on many of the North American bikes. Another is the skip-tooth chainwheels on North American bikes. Were these just regional variations or am I missing something?
Thanks,
Brent
I'm struck by a couple of differences between this bike and the North American bikes I've seen of the same vintage. One is the straight seatpost on this bike compared to the "L" shaped seatposts on many of the North American bikes. Another is the skip-tooth chainwheels on North American bikes. Were these just regional variations or am I missing something?
Thanks,
Brent
