Josh's Bicycles

Fiji Special Road Racer fixed gear

2015-05-21T12:03:00.001-07:00

This is my favorite type of restoration ( not fixed gear) rather a fully custom job. As an added bonus I had most of the parts in house. Done in about 5 days when I had time. Themed out in white, it looks almost as good as it rides. I was even able to use the original cranks. The only new stuff is the inner tubes, power grip peddles, and the front brake system. Everything else is original or used (the way it should be).

Shogun Champion No. 2

2015-05-21T11:33:00.001-07:00

This is a 56cm road bike I restored. It sports shimano 600 and has armadillo tires. One thing I think is important, and often overlooked is doing the grips and brake lever hoods, both can be had new. This step along with a new/modern chain can make an old bike new again.

The Trek 710, The Sad Story of My Most Prized Possession.

2014-06-01T14:50:00.000-07:00

After the theft of my first trek 710 I was beyond what a person should feel in the lost of something precious (I felt like Gollum). Within a month I found My trek 500, it was a nice ride, however it wasn't the same. I crashed that one into a car (sun in my eyes) and then waited to see if I could find something better. Right around my birthday I did, this Trek 710!

Amazingly, This frame was even better then my first 710: it had the original forks, it was made in the USA, and being from 1978 it was 4 years older then my first one. Considering the Trek bicycle corporation only stared selling bikes in 1976, My vintage makes this bike the earliest trek I have ever seen.
Needless to say this one became my all time favorate soon after I built it up. Most of the parts came from my trek 500's crashed frame. Eventually I put a Deore Rear derailleur on and it's just amazing on these old road bikes. Later came my bag and fenders.

I was finally satisfied with my bicycle, not something to be taken for granted. In the summer of 2013 I completed the Marin Century on this bike, keeping up with all the carbon.

Alas... nothing lasts forever, By May 2014, I had logged over 3000 miles on this build. I was just headed home after a 15 mile ride, I went to enter the local bike path and a split second later I must have sensed someone coming, But he was going down hill fast. Before I knew it he ran into me right in the middle of my bike at what must have been very fast. He was on the ground screaming, so it was all I could do to try to help, truth be told the nice people near the path entrance rushed out after they herd the crash and helped the guy much more then I could ( both of us were in shock). He seemed OK enough to not need an ambulance , but he had broken the forks off his time triles bike and he broke the handlebars with his face. One of the people that lived near by gave him a ride back to San Francisco. All in all the situation could have been much worse, and everything worked of, I even found another vintage TREK (number 4).

peugeot record du monde

2014-05-06T22:24:00.001-07:00

This one was given to me about half way restored, they wanted drop bars (like it should have been), and they wanted it to be able to stop.

I Gave it drop bars, new levers, new bar tape, and new chain. I needed to switch the wheels with some I had in storage for a better breaking surface.

I found a matching simplex front derailleur to go with the rear (It didn't have one). Lastly I ordered big gummy break shoes meant for mountain bikes. It now looks correct, rides and shifts smooth, and stops like a new road bike.

Motorized Bicycle #2 Trek 4500

2014-04-11T18:14:00.001-07:00

In the past year I got myself a construction job, paying much better then my old job at a sporting goods store. However, the job We have been working on for most of that time is about 13 miles from my home, and has about 900 ft of elevation both ways. Being an apprentice carpenter, I get to do all the hard stuff, so out right bicycle commuting is sort of extreme for my taste. So rather than not ridding I started going on my first motorized commuter bike. This bike was a friction drive and already was in bad shape, In just a few months it was no longer safe (as if they ever can be safe). So I spent way to much money building a better one. This time a belt drive system on a modern mountain bike with good front suspension. I used the first bike's rear wheel witch was rather newer. 8 x 3 system with an Acera rear derailleur and a Deore front, Deore rear shifter, and a Sram front shifter. Upright, flat, cruiser type bars, Deore hollowtec 2 cranks, and a brooks b67 saddle. The last thing i did was to bolt on my homemade pannier directly to the motor kit, as a bike rack has no place on this bike. The bike tops out at 32mph on flatland and can climb 10% grades without pedal assist at 25mph. on steep hills and when taking off it's best to pedal. I like to think of this bike as a hybrid vehicle "Human and Gasoline."

The motor: I originally purchased
a cloned Mitsubishi 2 stroke motor for this bike for $110 US. It ran well and had plenty of power at 43cc. However, after just 300 miles of use the gas tank sprang a leak, this made my junk warning senses tingle, so I just decided to get the good motor.

The PF-4000 is the motor I replaced the junky one with, and really it's the one I should have started with on a heavily used bike. At $330 it is rather pricy as far as motorized bikes are concerned, but it is more powerful, cleaner, and if it's not quieter, it at least sounds better. The only issue I have had so far is the bolts for the muffler coming out, I had to find the right size on eBay. I have also upgraded the muffler to one meant for a bigger motor, it doesn't effect power, it just dulls the noise a little better. Although for sound the best thing I ever did was get my full face motorcycle helmet, it also keeps me warm and not to mention SAFE (bicycle helmets are not good enough for the speeds and traffic I use this bike For).

Restored Sears tandem

2014-04-09T12:54:00.001-07:00

This was a referral from my father's coworker. She wanted it like new, and i told her that I make it ride like new, but retain the aged paint, because I think it's wrong to take the story from a bicycle frame. But, I also told her that if she wanted to do it later, I wouldn't hold it against her. Everything on this bike was rusted to the point of being seized, so I started with WD-40 on everything that needed to come off, so basically everything. 2 weeks of that and I stared the dis-assembly. I repacked the hubs, and bottom bracket, spent days rubbing off rust with steel wool, got the 3 new single speed chains that were needed, new tires (same brand and type as it came to me with), I got some new comfort type seats, some new pistol style grips (red to match the paint), and finally I cleaned the grime of time from the places that count.

My Short lived Trek 500

2013-06-06T00:02:00.000-07:00

I purchased this bike off of Craigslist 4-1-12, just 11 days after the theft of my beloved blue trek (i think it was a 700). I set about changing everything to suite my liking, this included: brooks saddle, new BB, new chain, different used rims, front and back, and as this bike had no rear eyelets at all I got myself a rather fancy saddlebag so that the bike wasn't entirely useless. The bike was one of the best looking bikes I have ever road. The colors and its classic road bike sleek look were simply stunning to see locked up (with a fat U) anyplace we were at. It also was an amazing rider, like every trek bike I have ever owned. I used the original suntour cyclone derailleurs and down tube shifters and it was flawless. It did have a few drawbacks; namely that the 500 was made from 501 steel rather then the more common and nicer 531, also the lack of eyelets but, for me the biggest problem was tire clearance, I could only use up to 23c tires! This really came into play when in June of 2012 I did my first century ride on the 500, it was on country roads that weren't in the best shape, my hands were tingling for a few days after. Despite the tire limitation, I was really falling in love with the bike. I mainly used it to commute to work in the evenings. One day, sun in my eyes, I was looking down and sideways as I road though a green light. Little did i know, there was a police car parked in the red zone of the parking lot I had been entering. The red zone also happens to be the bike lane in my area, so I ran straight into the back of the car at about 22mph. My poor trek 500 fame absorbed all the force. That was it for this one, less then 600 miles on it from me. First frame I've ever wrecked! Thankfully, the only component damaged was the headset, almost every park is now in use on my current Trek.

Rusty 18" Schwinn Duro

2013-06-05T18:26:00.001-07:00

This one was a pick I did in exchange fore some scrape metal I had. He was going to junk thins thing, as i am sure most people would have. The wheels, handlebars, and cranks were all rusty (don't get me started on the chain), and after all it is a kids bike. Took a few months to get motivated on it but, It wasn't really as bad as it seemed. The biggest issue was leaning that this bike needs 18" tires and tubes, these were not at any store (more or less extinct size) however, it dose make the duro a size between 16" and 20", and that's kind of cool! This bike also gave me an opportunity to repack a 70's era coaster brake with lube and see how they work. It's for sale if Anyone wants to provide a kid with a super solid classic bike with between 16" and 20" wheels, its so strongly built that i personally test road it.

1970's Raleigh Carlton Fixed Gear convertion

2013-05-13T14:07:00.000-07:00

This is actually the second Raleigh Carlton I have worked on. The first one I know was from the 60's and was in the words of the first owner "more expensive then a new VW Bug!". This one was a find from the local dump by the guy that currently owns the bike (I might have lost my mind with glee if this happened to me!). The parts and seat were a little beat up but, nothing really stayed on. I got it a new bottom bracket, new axle fixed gear rim, used front (both 700c from the original 27"), used specialized seat, and I cut some drop bars to make bullhorns. Better pictures soon.

Motobecane hybrid

2013-05-12T23:46:00.000-07:00

This is a custom one I did last fall. Once upon a time this was my fixie frame, however it was WAY too big for me. It sat around for a few years until a good friend saw it and decided it was a good frame for a custom road bike (one that was actually tall enough for him). I got it new/used rims, Shimano 8 speed shifter brake levers, Sunlite expanding bottom bracket, used Sora cranks, bolt on hanger, new Deore derailleurs, new oury grips, and he got himself a brooks flyer:). 6 months in and the bike is doing well, lots of positive feedback.

Single Speed Schwinn Suburban

2013-03-24T14:07:00.001-07:00

Got this one at my local used shop, no wheels... no problem! always wanted to strip a suburban down and turn it into a coaster braking single speed. So, I got it a new rear 27" wheel with coaster brake hub (surprisingly good braking), cool looking blue tires (just like this one), new tubes, and a new chain (as always). Other then that, the parts that are left are all original.

Ladies Bridgestone Citylimit CB1

2013-03-24T13:42:00.002-07:00

This is one a got as a frame and gathered what was needed (like wheels) over the winter. Upgraded it to my favorite EF51 shifters, put on used cranks, new chain, and used v-brakes. And its ready for the road and trails again. I even put on an old Blackburn rear rack so it can carry all sorts of stuff, (Bridgestones are excellent bicycles!)

Nishiki Citi Sport Upgraded

2012-06-30T01:01:00.004-07:00

I restored and updated this bike for a friend of a friend. Its a stepthough frame., 3x7 gearing, about 54cm. I put on new Shimano EF-51 shifter/levers, new chain, new cables/housing, fresher grips, better used rear D, and new Shimano V-brakes front and rear. Considering the bike didn't shift, and had cantilever brakes prior to my work, I'd say I'v done good.

Befor

After

All told it was $130 for the restoration.

1980 Fuji s12s

2012-06-30T00:39:00.001-07:00

This One I found at a thrift store in rather good shape. I found original Dia-come levers with the "Fuji hoods still intact. I put on some new cables, a new chain, and new/used tires with new tubes. Fresh gray bar tape and a good cleaning and she is ready to go.

The frame is 57cm seat tube and top, 332 chrom-mo steel

SOLD on eBay for: $180

1991 Updated Ladies' Specialized Rockhopper

2012-06-01T01:20:00.000-07:00

This Bike is a good representation of what can be done with a 20+ year old mountain bike. This little 16" Specialized RockHopper got:
-new bottom bracket
-new shifters, Shimano trigger finger
-new cables/housing
-new v-brakes -new chain
-new seat -new grips
-new "Country Rock" tires

Basically its set to go an other 20+ years with proper care. Only the Shifting and braking is better then it was NEW.

SOLD

The Trek 2.0

2012-05-07T14:39:00.001-07:00

After my trek was stolen I spent a good 2 weeks morning. During that process I searched in vain on Craigslist for my Trek. One post I clicked on was one for a 1984 Trek 560, 54 cm. VERY close to my own year and size, however this one was black and had its number code (560). Somewhat let down I continue to read, it's made in America, has suntour cyclone components, and is indeed just the right size for me. So, I got a ride to Santa rosa, and payed almost 3 time my original trek's price (emotional buy), $260 for my new everyday road bike. A month later and I have around a grand into this replacement, and it's quite spectacular.

Fairwell to The Trek

2012-05-05T11:35:00.000-07:00

for 2 years now, my co to road bike, my most beloved commuter had been my 12 speed 1984 Trek (what i think is a 500) It was pail blue, had superbe levers and rear D, a Topeak rack, and Ol' Schwalbe marathon tires. I learned how to build a wheel with this bike, and I forever fell in love with down tube shifters (DTS). I had something like 3000 miles on the computer as of May, 20th 2012 .....when they cut my lock. Don't know who, but around 8 pm that night, The Trek was taken along with my: helmet, lock, 5000 mile brooks b.17, and any trust I have ever had for humanity. so if anyone know anything about my flagship bikes whereabouts.... please, I'd do anything to get it back.

Diamond Back Ascent

2011-12-27T02:30:00.001-08:00

This was another full restoration I did from a donation. I re-did all cables and housing, replaced the bottom bracket with a sealed Shimano un-54, replaced the 6 speed freewheel for a 7 speed generic Shimano (had to widen the rear axel), new Shimano V- brakes front and rear (night and day improvement), new wood grain foam grips, almost new specialize hemisphere tires/tubes,...... and finally I upgraded the the shifters to Shimano 7 speed EF-51 shifter/ brake levers. Not to mention the extra parts salvaged: bars, steam, and seat. Basically it is better then it really has a right to be... But hey, it's a great mountain bike.

2 Day single speed!

2011-09-20T00:32:00.001-07:00

I'll start by saying this bike was well over a half a year in the making. John found this beautiful Cr-mo Univega frame in his very large size range (61cm!). He then spent time finding good wheels, and ordering a very cool set of drop bullhorns from Profile design, and a truly vicious looking steam from origin8. And of course we had to gather brakes, levers, and, cable set up. Finally it was done, we went for a ride and John went faster then I've ever seen him! We'd even wrapped the bars! So, he road home on it, but two days later, a front end crash. Long story short, The Univega was toast.

Single Speed 95 Kona Cinder Cone

2011-09-17T18:12:00.000-07:00

This one belongs to a friend of mine, i converted it to be single speed for him more then half a year ago- going strong. Along the way he found a very cool cannondale saddle (to replace the one messed up in critical mass). Then I got it a rear brake (only had the front for most of the time) an Avid single digit 5. And finally it now has super strong double walled Ritchey rims... for care-free street ridding.

Ladies Cyclepro Skyline

2011-09-11T18:36:00.001-07:00

This is another full restoration that I did over the summer. A mountain bike this time with 15 gears and cantilever brakes on a; 4130 Cr-mo steel step-though frame from the early 1980's I believe (one of the first mountain bikes). Cycle pro from what I could find out was an off shoot of Nishiki (I'm a big fan of Nishiki bikes). It has full shimano "deer's head" shifters, derailleurs, and brake lever's ("Deer's Head" later became Deore XT!) I replaced the bottom bracket with a sealed shimano UN-54. Then new cables, housing, chain, tubes, and best of all: I put Specialized Hemisphere 26 x 1.95 tires on the freshly cleaned and trued Area rims. Other then that the only thing not original is the crankset witch I replaced with a used but, more modern shimano Altus set. The bike rides amazingly smooth and quietly for a mountain bike and it would make an ideal touring bike with just a rack and bags....and maybe Mustache bars:)

2011 Burning Man bikes

2011-09-07T17:07:00.001-07:00

so i didn't get as meny out this year as last, but i did get some last minute people some bikes.

This frame I've had for a 2 years now, long enough for a walmart bike... put some cruiser wheels, mountain tires,and a basket on it then sent it to the desert...

The same couple also lumped in this little 24" mountain bike, this bike unlike me actually has been to burningman.

Blue 1970 Schwinn Traveler

2011-09-07T16:37:00.001-07:00

This one was donated to me by a friend with a few others. A Japan made Schwinn, I think assembled in Chicago. I spent time cleaning all the rust (almost all) from the chrome parts. I replaced the tires (very cool blue 27 x 1 1/4), tubes, strips, cables, housing, chain (a must!), and some new style blue foam bar tape. The bike has it's original "le tour" front D, and Schwinn approved rear. This was the first bike a used my new (to me...) wheel truing stand on, the results were impressive with the Japan made Area rims and properly lubed spokes! The bike rides amazingly, shifts smooth and is really something to behold as a part of cycling history.

UPDATE 12/2011- Sold for $220 to A loving home with other old Schwinn bikes.

John's Univega Alpina

2011-04-11T19:23:00.000-07:00

This bike John found at the re-cyclery like his rahgie. We upgraded the brakes and replace the tires, tubes (scavenging them from the old workhorse: the trek antelope), cables, housing, chain, and grips. With a nice rack this is John's get there, pick it up, bring it back bike

2011-01-06T00:07:00.000-08:00

every day an other adventure.