The Grand Cru 50.4bcd cranks are back in stock. We'd been out of them for a few months due to a production problem, but we have plenty nowWe also have 50.4bcd bare crank arms which many of you have asked for. They come with BB-bolts and dust caps, but no rings. I only announced them on my own (not VO's) Twitter feed yesterday and they have been flying out the door since. An impressive number is going to shops in Japan.
We also have single ring hardware kits for 50.4bcd cranks.
Here is a very impressive transformation of a 1985 Trek 620 into a lovely city/all-arounder bike. Of course a lot of VO parts were involved. You don't need to buy a brand new frame to build a great bike, (yes I know we sell frames). Good job, Justin. The one thing that's typically missing on these sorts of transformations is low-trail geometry. But it is possible for a frame builder to re-rake a steel fork, sometimes without even damaging the paint, should you really want low trail.
I really like this Rene Andre porteur profiled on the Bikeville blog. What a cool bike! (It was also mentioned on the official VO Twitter feed.)
the handlebar bend on that andre is amazing.
ReplyDeleteWhat is this part (the nut/bolt combination that extends the fender away from the fender mount and allows it to sit closer to the tire)!
ReplyDeletehttp://gallery.me.com/justinhughes#100401/IMG_4225&bgcolor=black
Where can I get one! Thanks!
Lwburt:
ReplyDeleteI think that is just a long bolt, washers (leather and metal), and aluminum bolt spacers. I recently put fenders on a 70s Lotus frame and found the spacers to do this at the hardware store. A hardware store with a good selection should have something that will work. Just make sure all of the parts are either aluminum or stainless steel, to prevent rust.
-Shane
Shane is correct. However, it's not really a bolt as it does not have a head (it's just threaded stock). Fender washers, barrel spacers, leather washers, bolt stock and nylon locknuts were what was required. The result is very secure. I've never had to bridge such a gap from the fender to the chainstay bridge!
ReplyDeletei love those cranks!
ReplyDeleteIs that a recessed brake bolt used to attach the front fender onto the Daruma bolt?
ReplyDeletehttp://gallery.me.com/justinhughes#100401/IMG_5312&bgcolor=black
Here's the Rene Andre on ebay - attracted 0 bids starting at EUR800 (after previously attracting 0 bids at EUR1200).
ReplyDeleteI dare say it would sell now following the publicity...
It's in the UK, but if anybody wants the raw material to do what Justin accomplished, here's a candidate: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170728473966#ht_25340wt_1256
ReplyDeleteChris, that is indeed a recessed brake bolt, or perhaps the female half of a seatpost binder bolt. I used these several times during 650B conversions, where the stock daruma bolts are too short to reach the fender:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/7516215@N03/5403383604/
Christopher,
ReplyDeleteThat is indeed the recessed nut for a front brake. I learned that trick from Sommervillain above.
The daruma bolt was shortened with a Dremel cutting disc. This gives a bit more clearance between the nut and front tire. Frames flex when climbing and sprinting and the more clearance under the fork crown, the better.
A more detailed write up of this build can be found here.
ReplyDeletehttp://vicsclassicbikes.blogspot.com/2011/11/bike-built-for-dad.html
Justin
WHY IS THIS RACK NOT IN YOUR PRODUCT LINE!?!?!
ReplyDeleteSeriously, it's perfect. Fills the gap between the Contructeur and the Porteur. If you offered these, my life would be complete.
I'm buying a Phil Bottom bracket with their "Raleigh Super Corsa" rings for my simple Raleigh Sports three speed.
ReplyDeleteI just bought your Grand Cru 50.4, with a single 46T rings.
What size Phil bottom bracket do you recommend?
I have your crank arms, your chainwheel, the Phil Raleigh rings, I just need to buy the actual Phil spindle.
Phil lists their simple steel ones as:
70
80
103
108
111
113
116
119
123
125
127.5
130
135
145
155
Which is the sweet spot?