Pinarello Restored

Just finished restoring this Pinarello 

frame set for a friend, came out pretty nicely.

 I was a bit worried about the metallic

grey, but was surprised in how well it carried the 

chrome lugs, quite subtle.

I was also worried that the black key line on the 

main decals would get a little lost, but again was

pleasantly surprised to see that they worked well.

Although, I did lighten up the grey quite a bit. from

what was originally intended.

 

VINCOLO COLUMBUS MAX TT

While at work in The Little red bookshop a couple of days ago,

busy doing book stuff, a man entered the shop, carrying

under his arm, what seemed to be some sort of

interesting race bike frame.

Even from a quick glance, one couldn't help but notice a 
bulbous black contraption jutting forth 
from the front of the bike.

Can I help you? I asked.

Would you like this bike?, the man replied, 
 upon hearing the voice,

I immediately recognized that it was Harold,

a gentleman I had brought a very (very) nice set

of 28 hole Mavic Gel 280/Campagnolo wheels from

last year (tied and soldered even).

It turns out Harold is moving to a smaller house, can't really

take the bike and thought I might like it....

like it! I love it, although not not love at first sight.

The carbon 'TT flight deck', made by Carbonz in Wanganui, 

took some getting my head around, I mean yes it's ugly...

but somehow after a day or two of appraising it, letting it sit

in the context of of it's own time, the less than high style 

early/mid nineties that is, I finally came to see the brutal logic

behind the design, and in it a form of the over the top,

go fast thinking that was inspiring  cycle makers at

the time think Mike Burrows designed Lotus type108/110

and you will see what I mean.

To the bike itself, well for a start it's not a Colnago, it's 
a New Zealand built Vincolo, apparently built for
NZ Olympic rider Lee Vertongen.
Garry Buys, who started Vincolo, was a very innovative
frame builder, especially his track and TT  frames.
I am going to Palmerston North in a few weeks to do
an interview with him, so stay tuned.
 

The frame is fillet brazed from Columbus Max, a tubing 
set that has quite a loyal following among collectors. 
I can see why, the tubes firstly have a really beautifully
rounded tone when you 'ping' them with your finger nail.
They sound light, if that's a possible sound.
The tubes are all contoured, and flatten off at the joins, 
they have complete aero rear triangle, and their
own aero forks, which are very pretty.

I am not sure if the aero head tube is factory, but I am sure the 
aero foil on the B/B has been locally fabricated...nice.

So after taking these photo's last night, I got all fired up,
and assembled the bike into a reasonable riding condition.
 I have to have at lest one ride before I restore it back into
in original Vincolo livery, and put it on display.

 Will let you know how it rolls...

Bertin C38 Track Frame

Yes, more Bertin action,

Just today finished this lovey C38 track frame.

Mid sixties frame #38341

This one was in a pretty sorry state when I got it, 

so I decided it needed the full love..it had been a full

 noise track race bike bike in it's early life, and then turned into

a training bike after being retired from the track in it's later life.

After such a full life. I thought it would be nice to 

bring it back to it's former glory..and then some.

The first thing was to have it fully rechromed.

Gisbourn's Custom Chrome to a fantastic job, thanks guys.

 Next, I fixed the numerous small dents and blemishes,

masking, several coats of etch primer/paint/clear coat etc

and voila..a very pretty C38 Bertin Track bike.

I left the brake holes so it could be used as a town bike by

it's new owner if they wish.

hope you enjoy, I did.