Neil Berg kindly sent these photos of his Chris Kvale custom (with Velo Orange white elkhide handlebar covers). This bike is so stunning that I had to share them. Wow. And yes, those are painted Honjos.The last photo is of the same bike but pre-bar covers. There are more photos, including detail shots, of this and other Kvale frames here.
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ReplyDeleteI understand that it does get ridden. It's just that it's owner admits to being somewhat (read "very") fanatical about keeping it clean.
ReplyDeletewhat's the metal tubular doohicky on the left front fork blade?
ReplyDeletei like the white elkhide.
An LED light.
ReplyDeleteThe white frame and blue parts reminds me of the Olmo Firenze from the mid-80's. Those bikes featured white SL/SP frames with chrome forks. The only color came from the Galli components which came in your choice of black, red or blue. Man I always wanted one of those bikes!!! Just stunning to look at.
ReplyDeleteGreat looking bike, makes me realize just how bad mine needs to be cleaned. Where does one get the top tube frame-fit pump?
ReplyDeleteThat's a Silca pump. I need to get those for the Velo Orange store. Thanks for the reminder. Jitensha Studio has them in silver. You can usually find a selection on E-bay too.
ReplyDeleteI road the Kvale 35 miles yesterday. The only limitations
ReplyDeletewere the 91 degree temperature and my 61 years. Incidently, I have a
friend who identifies it as something from Elvis Presley rather than Elton John. I agree that Chris Kvale is an interesting man. He is an very honest person who lives life on his own terms.
It's cool, but when I saw it my first impression was Ghost Bike which sorta gave me the chills...
ReplyDeleteWhat type of LED light? I would love to have one that affixes to the fork blade like that. Is the battery life halfway decent?
ReplyDeleteIt's actually a Coast flashlight mounted to a brase-on with an old brake leveler strap. It's bright. It'll knock your eyes out, but it's got a narrow beam. It takes three AAA batteries. I've never replaced them, but here in Minnesota it's daylight until 9 or 10. We'll see when fall comes. Downside is that it's about $40. The rear light is a Bruce Gordon bullet which accepts one of the small end of the handlebar lights. Neither of them are "real" lights, but more "be seen" lights.
ReplyDeleteDamn. Never heard of Ghost bikes. Now I'm going to think about that everytime when I get on it. Maybe I should embrace the concept and get a black grim reaper outfit ro wear. Seriously, it's not as blinding white as the photo indicates. It's just a nice pearl white bike that got out of hand. My other bikes are more subdued.
ReplyDeletethe lights on the bike are lovely. Need to track down one of those bruce gorden lights.
ReplyDeleteNeil: What type of weather proofing solution do you use to protect the handlebar covers? I have installed a set of white ones on my bike, but have not weatherproofed them because I haven't yet heard from anyone who has undergone the process what protecting lotion will work but won't dim the beautiful bright white shade.
ReplyDelete