Alex Singer Cycles and culture
#176
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: In transit
Posts: 1,897
Bikes: 07 Vanilla, 98 IRD road frame built up with 25th Ann DA, Surly cross check with 105 comp, 78 Raleigh Comp GS, 85 Centurionelli
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 87 Post(s)
Liked 923 Times
in
191 Posts
Thanks for the nice comments, I too dream of a retirement that allows me to actually ride the French countryside. The realities of a (more than) full time job definitely aren't reflected in this thread. Like FakeBook it makes it seem like I just hang out in cool bike shops and meet super interesting folks. I do get to do that, and pursue other things like my interest in history, but the reality of the 9-5 in an urban setting makes those activities rare indeed. I wouldn't want folks to think I'm living in some cyclist idyll of lazy days cycling the Champs Elysee every afternoon. Someday though... I will definitely be in a situation that allows for daily training rides and working towards big goals like the PBP. For now it's weekend rides and dreaming, slowly rehabbing my knee and taking advantage of the unique and awesome opportunities that are here.
I think you're right about the shop thing and the more intense the artist the messier the shop. Don't let the appearance fool you though, he knows exactly where every tool is and it's usually within arm's reach of whatever he's set up that area to do. That place is a very refined set of workstations, a fact it took me time and observation to appreciate being an inveterate tool returner myself. My shops are always set up with an anal retentive expectation that every tool will be in the exact place I expect it to be. I think that's the true sign of an avid hobbyist who isn't making a living from his craft. I can lavish that sort of time and attention on my setup because it's for the pleasure of being in that space only.
And yes, i have a strong Oregon connection. I lived there thanks to a work assignment for three years, and my in laws live in Eugene. Despite being born in Pa I view Oregon and the mountainous West in general as my real home.
How about a thread of pics dedicated to that cream colored wonder?
Good luck with the recovery, I hope you're on the mend and back in the saddle quickly!
I think you're right about the shop thing and the more intense the artist the messier the shop. Don't let the appearance fool you though, he knows exactly where every tool is and it's usually within arm's reach of whatever he's set up that area to do. That place is a very refined set of workstations, a fact it took me time and observation to appreciate being an inveterate tool returner myself. My shops are always set up with an anal retentive expectation that every tool will be in the exact place I expect it to be. I think that's the true sign of an avid hobbyist who isn't making a living from his craft. I can lavish that sort of time and attention on my setup because it's for the pleasure of being in that space only.
And yes, i have a strong Oregon connection. I lived there thanks to a work assignment for three years, and my in laws live in Eugene. Despite being born in Pa I view Oregon and the mountainous West in general as my real home.
How about a thread of pics dedicated to that cream colored wonder?
Good luck with the recovery, I hope you're on the mend and back in the saddle quickly!
#177
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 586
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 191 Post(s)
Liked 564 Times
in
196 Posts
For some reason I had never seen your Flickr site, now it's on my "follow". Such wonderful pictures, and knowing you spent some time in Portlandia years ago makes me happy.
On a business trip many years ago to Aix-en-Provence (did you know they make semiconductors near there?) I had some time to visit Cézanne's atelier. I knew then that I wanted a place to tinker and make things, just didn't know what I'd be doing there. Fast forward to today, looking at the Atelier, wondering when I'll ever take the time to clean up the chaotic mess it's in...but seeing Alex's shop, perhaps it's supposed to be that way?
The personal connection with the framebuilder, riding in an intimate club of fellow riders with a common amour du vélo is a special thing. Switching to Italian, it's cosa nostra, something outsiders wouldn't understand.
I dream of retirement and having the time to be a cyclotourist exploring Europe on a classic randonneuse. On a day that I'm recovering from a mild bout of COVID my adrenal glands are kicking in from reading your thread. Thank you for that.
Oh, and that cream colored Singer that @northbend posted earlier? When I first saw it several years ago I told Matt that if he ever was wanting to sell it to keep me in mind. Several weeks ago he emailed me and told me it was time for someone else to be the caretaker.
On a business trip many years ago to Aix-en-Provence (did you know they make semiconductors near there?) I had some time to visit Cézanne's atelier. I knew then that I wanted a place to tinker and make things, just didn't know what I'd be doing there. Fast forward to today, looking at the Atelier, wondering when I'll ever take the time to clean up the chaotic mess it's in...but seeing Alex's shop, perhaps it's supposed to be that way?
The personal connection with the framebuilder, riding in an intimate club of fellow riders with a common amour du vélo is a special thing. Switching to Italian, it's cosa nostra, something outsiders wouldn't understand.
I dream of retirement and having the time to be a cyclotourist exploring Europe on a classic randonneuse. On a day that I'm recovering from a mild bout of COVID my adrenal glands are kicking in from reading your thread. Thank you for that.
Oh, and that cream colored Singer that @northbend posted earlier? When I first saw it several years ago I told Matt that if he ever was wanting to sell it to keep me in mind. Several weeks ago he emailed me and told me it was time for someone else to be the caretaker.
Likes For El Chaba:
Likes For Ago15:
#179
Bike Butcher of Portland
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 11,630
Bikes: It's complicated.
Mentioned: 1299 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4677 Post(s)
Liked 5,790 Times
in
2,279 Posts
__________________
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
Likes For gugie:
#180
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 586
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 191 Post(s)
Liked 564 Times
in
196 Posts
Likes For El Chaba:
#181
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: In transit
Posts: 1,897
Bikes: 07 Vanilla, 98 IRD road frame built up with 25th Ann DA, Surly cross check with 105 comp, 78 Raleigh Comp GS, 85 Centurionelli
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 87 Post(s)
Liked 923 Times
in
191 Posts
Likes For poprad:
#182
Bike Butcher of Portland
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 11,630
Bikes: It's complicated.
Mentioned: 1299 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4677 Post(s)
Liked 5,790 Times
in
2,279 Posts
Thanks for posting, the pics are great! If you want info on the frame (original build date, first owner, etc) send me the serial #. Should be on the left dropout and fork tip. I can ask Olivier and he'll look it up, all the serials are recorded in appropriately aged binders filled with the names of all those who realized the cycling magic that comes out of Levallois.
__________________
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
Likes For gugie:
#183
blahblahblah chrome moly
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Seattle
Posts: 1,984
Mentioned: 92 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1172 Post(s)
Liked 2,566 Times
in
1,072 Posts
The horizontal dropouts make me think it may be one that Spence Wolf brought in. Though if it was purchased in Canada, maybe not.
I think I have heard that Cupertino Bike Shop still has the sales records, so you could try them with the serial number.
Would you call this bike a sportif?
Mark B
#184
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: North Bend, Washington State
Posts: 2,941
Bikes: 1937 Hobbs; 1977 Bruce Gordon; 1987 Bill Holland; 1988 Schwinn Paramount (Fixed gear); 1999 Fat City Yo Eddy (MTB); 2018 Woodrup (Touring) 2016 Ritchey breakaway
Mentioned: 291 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 554 Post(s)
Liked 3,793 Times
in
667 Posts
Thanks for posting, the pics are great! If you want info on the frame (original build date, first owner, etc) send me the serial #. Should be on the left dropout and fork tip. I can ask Olivier and he'll look it up, all the serials are recorded in appropriately aged binders filled with the names of all those who realized the cycling magic that comes out of Levallois.
Serial Number by Matthew Pendergast, on Flickr
Guys,
I purchased the bike from it's second owner, Douglas Brooks from New York.
He bought it from the original owners family in Canada. Toronto I think.
I asked Jan Heine about the serial number years ago. He approximated the age (circa 1974) and stated it was likely one of a multi frame order from Bloor Cycles.
- Matt
#185
Bike Butcher of Portland
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 11,630
Bikes: It's complicated.
Mentioned: 1299 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4677 Post(s)
Liked 5,790 Times
in
2,279 Posts
I'd call it a bad a$$ bike.
__________________
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
#186
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 586
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 191 Post(s)
Liked 564 Times
in
196 Posts
Since the subject has come up, here are a few detail shots. Olivier is so good at working out the details, that even somebody like me who suffers from OCD about such things can just mention what one wants in the most general way and then get out of the magician’s way to work his magic.
This seat cluster style has been in use for a LONG time…
Small cable eye for the rear brake cable on the bottom of the top tube….
Front view of “ Alex Singer” handlebar bag and the small mount for attaching a handlebar mount style battery powered headlight…
View of Olivier’s work on stem, head lugs,etc. and rear view of the Berthoud “ Alex Singer” handlebar bag….
Pump peg and view of rear centerpull brake attachment…
The stay ends have also been the same style since forever….
View of small front rack and other details without the obstruction of the front bag…
This seat cluster style has been in use for a LONG time…
Small cable eye for the rear brake cable on the bottom of the top tube….
Front view of “ Alex Singer” handlebar bag and the small mount for attaching a handlebar mount style battery powered headlight…
View of Olivier’s work on stem, head lugs,etc. and rear view of the Berthoud “ Alex Singer” handlebar bag….
Pump peg and view of rear centerpull brake attachment…
The stay ends have also been the same style since forever….
View of small front rack and other details without the obstruction of the front bag…
Likes For El Chaba:
#187
Full Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Oklahoma City
Posts: 243
Bikes: 1985 Roberts SLX, Mercian 531, 1984 Torpado SLX,1981/82 Peugeot PSV-10, 1978 Charlie Roberts full touring, 1970 Charlie Roberts 531 road.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 79 Post(s)
Liked 164 Times
in
61 Posts
And that’s a pretty nice Reynolds 531 professional Peugeot next to Anquetil.
Likes For santa fe 2926:
#188
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: In transit
Posts: 1,897
Bikes: 07 Vanilla, 98 IRD road frame built up with 25th Ann DA, Surly cross check with 105 comp, 78 Raleigh Comp GS, 85 Centurionelli
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 87 Post(s)
Liked 923 Times
in
191 Posts
Here is a photo of the serial stamped on the dropout:
Serial Number by Matthew Pendergast, on Flickr
Guys,
I purchased the bike from it's second owner, Douglas Brooks from New York.
He bought it from the original owners family in Canada. Toronto I think.
I asked Jan Heine about the serial number years ago. He approximated the age (circa 1974) and stated it was likely one of a multi frame order from Bloor Cycles.
- Matt
Serial Number by Matthew Pendergast, on Flickr
Guys,
I purchased the bike from it's second owner, Douglas Brooks from New York.
He bought it from the original owners family in Canada. Toronto I think.
I asked Jan Heine about the serial number years ago. He approximated the age (circa 1974) and stated it was likely one of a multi frame order from Bloor Cycles.
- Matt
I've sent Olivier a request to look up the serial #, we will see what the Master Records reveal.
Likes For poprad:
#189
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: In transit
Posts: 1,897
Bikes: 07 Vanilla, 98 IRD road frame built up with 25th Ann DA, Surly cross check with 105 comp, 78 Raleigh Comp GS, 85 Centurionelli
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 87 Post(s)
Liked 923 Times
in
191 Posts
Since the subject has come up, here are a few detail shots. Olivier is so good at working out the details, that even somebody like me who suffers from OCD about such things can just mention what one wants in the most general way and then get out of the magician’s way to work his magic.
#190
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: In transit
Posts: 1,897
Bikes: 07 Vanilla, 98 IRD road frame built up with 25th Ann DA, Surly cross check with 105 comp, 78 Raleigh Comp GS, 85 Centurionelli
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 87 Post(s)
Liked 923 Times
in
191 Posts
Likes For poprad:
#191
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 586
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 191 Post(s)
Liked 564 Times
in
196 Posts
The bike arrived on Christmas Eve of 2021, but it was completed perhaps a month before as there were shipping issues to resolve. The whole issue of international shipping-or travel- in the Covid era seems to have been turned on it’s ear.
Likes For El Chaba:
#192
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: In transit
Posts: 1,897
Bikes: 07 Vanilla, 98 IRD road frame built up with 25th Ann DA, Surly cross check with 105 comp, 78 Raleigh Comp GS, 85 Centurionelli
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 87 Post(s)
Liked 923 Times
in
191 Posts
Ah OK, then indeed I may have run across it before. I didn't go by there much during COVID and I had my accident in Aug 2020, which really limited my get around ability, but I stopped in now and then. Beautiful machine you have there sir.
#193
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: In transit
Posts: 1,897
Bikes: 07 Vanilla, 98 IRD road frame built up with 25th Ann DA, Surly cross check with 105 comp, 78 Raleigh Comp GS, 85 Centurionelli
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 87 Post(s)
Liked 923 Times
in
191 Posts
Here is a photo of the serial stamped on the dropout:
Serial Number by Matthew Pendergast, on Flickr
Guys,
I purchased the bike from it's second owner, Douglas Brooks from New York.
He bought it from the original owners family in Canada. Toronto I think.
I asked Jan Heine about the serial number years ago. He approximated the age (circa 1974) and stated it was likely one of a multi frame order from Bloor Cycles.
- Matt
Serial Number by Matthew Pendergast, on Flickr
Guys,
I purchased the bike from it's second owner, Douglas Brooks from New York.
He bought it from the original owners family in Canada. Toronto I think.
I asked Jan Heine about the serial number years ago. He approximated the age (circa 1974) and stated it was likely one of a multi frame order from Bloor Cycles.
- Matt
Good evening Marc,
This frame was made with a series of 7 others identical to the
Canada. That’s why they’re numbered that way.
So there are only frames on the invoice and there is no sheet
specific control.
That’s all I can say.
Olivier
#195
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PDX
Posts: 13,031
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
Mentioned: 267 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4509 Post(s)
Liked 6,374 Times
in
3,666 Posts
How Efn cool is that?
My only child was born on Christmas, the only and way cooler thing than a Singer showing up.
Likes For merziac:
#196
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PDX
Posts: 13,031
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
Mentioned: 267 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4509 Post(s)
Liked 6,374 Times
in
3,666 Posts
Hopefully it will be as cool, entertaining and fascinating as this one is.
#197
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 20,305
Mentioned: 130 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3464 Post(s)
Liked 2,827 Times
in
1,995 Posts
catch up with the players while away from work?
#198
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: In transit
Posts: 1,897
Bikes: 07 Vanilla, 98 IRD road frame built up with 25th Ann DA, Surly cross check with 105 comp, 78 Raleigh Comp GS, 85 Centurionelli
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 87 Post(s)
Liked 923 Times
in
191 Posts
Clearly Ago15 is planning to be in the Alps with the crew. I can confrim that Paris is, indeed, generally closed for the month as the lunch at work options have dwindled. On the upside the COVID tube of my morning transit is less thickly crowded.
Likes For Ago15:
#200
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: In transit
Posts: 1,897
Bikes: 07 Vanilla, 98 IRD road frame built up with 25th Ann DA, Surly cross check with 105 comp, 78 Raleigh Comp GS, 85 Centurionelli
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 87 Post(s)
Liked 923 Times
in
191 Posts
You have my jealousy sir.