A stunning mystery bike on San Fran CL
05-12-21, 05:28 AM
#1
framebuilder
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A stunning mystery bike on San Fran CL
This beautiful bike was posted on the Classic Rendezvous list. The filing on this no name frame is exquisite! Whoever made it probably back in the late 70's did a remarkable job. The lugs are beautifully shaped and immaculately thinned. The fillet brazed fastback style was extremely well done. I'm surprised this bicycle for $795 wasn't sold in the 1st 10 minutes it was posted. Whoever the builder was is absolutely top tier. The frame alone is worth twice the asking price. As a fussy frame builder, I am really impressed with it.
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik...316855351.html
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik...316855351.html
05-12-21, 05:34 AM
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05-12-21, 05:55 AM
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unworthy1 posted this one to the Ebay / Craigslist thread, it is a beauty. If it were close to me, I would have looked at it.
05-12-21, 06:33 AM
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Bruce Gordon?
05-12-21, 07:28 AM
#5
two wheels only
It is a tad too small for me, thank goodness! The joinery reminds me of Tom Ritchey's work like this head lug from an Annapurna. I've heard these called "faux lugs" and assumed that it was fillet brazing filed to resemble lugs. Regardless, that is one beautiful bike and a great buy!
05-12-21, 07:31 AM
#6
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I thought I read somewhere that Ritchey made a few lugged frames early on in his career.....?
Or am I mis-remembering something else entirely?
Definitely looks "American" to me
Or am I mis-remembering something else entirely?
Definitely looks "American" to me
05-12-21, 07:38 AM
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Reminds me a LOT of this cluster that @randyjawa posted potentially as a Roberts: https://www.bikeforums.net/18154714-post24.html
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05-12-21, 09:25 AM
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I saw that one. The size is just about right for me (well, the TT is a little short), and it's beautiful, but I don't have $800 to spend and the Mrs. would have me committed if I bought any more bikes. I briefly - VERY briefly - toyed with the idea of it as an Eroica machine, but then realized I don't really want to do the Eroica anyway.
I THINK that the lugs have just been carefully filed, which really is a beautiful look. They look more fluid and blend into the tubes so much more attractively.
I THINK that the lugs have just been carefully filed, which really is a beautiful look. They look more fluid and blend into the tubes so much more attractively.
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05-12-21, 09:27 AM
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I reached out to this seller and have not heard back. This was a few days ago. Just a couple questions about the frameset; serial numbers? any markings or imprints?
Craigslist hijinks?? Who knows.
Craigslist hijinks?? Who knows.
05-12-21, 09:40 AM
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What's the little post on the head tube for, Is it for a light? I don't think I have seen that before.
05-12-21, 09:47 AM
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05-12-21, 09:49 AM
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Folks on the CR list (which is also where I saw this and then copied the CL link to "Looking for one of these?" thread) had speculated it was an Early Ritchey and then further speculations were maybe a "Palo Alto" model that Ritchey made for sale in that shop (on University in PA) and they were also sold at a shop in Los Altos.
Another thought was it may have been made by a Ritchey contemporary who was also a legendary builder with skills that rivaled (some might say even exceeded) TR's: namely Peter Johnson.(or correction: MICHAEL Johnson?)
I have no idea but yeah it's a surprise this hasn't been snapped up already but it sure WILL be!
Another thought was it may have been made by a Ritchey contemporary who was also a legendary builder with skills that rivaled (some might say even exceeded) TR's: namely Peter Johnson.(or correction: MICHAEL Johnson?)
I have no idea but yeah it's a surprise this hasn't been snapped up already but it sure WILL be!
Last edited by unworthy1; 05-12-21 at 10:40 AM.
05-12-21, 09:50 AM
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One offs like this can be hard to ID without provenance. Kind of discouraging if it hasn't already sold at that price.
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05-12-21, 10:27 AM
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^^^^ Seat post binder is a little different. Does yours have the upward point at the front-center of the seatpost end of the seat lug?
05-12-21, 10:40 AM
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Reminds me a LOT of this cluster that @randyjawa posted potentially as a Roberts: https://www.bikeforums.net/18154714-post24.html
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05-12-21, 10:40 AM
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Talked to the seller. He purchased at an estate sale. Peter Johnson and Roberts came as a possible, but he had no one to ask. Says the bb has no number.
Last edited by curbtender; 05-12-21 at 10:45 AM.
05-12-21, 11:08 AM
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fairly local and tempting, but am saving pennies for a custom
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Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
05-12-21, 12:39 PM
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05-12-21, 02:41 PM
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05-12-21, 02:45 PM
#22
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Need a broker
If someone near there can broker, I壇 like to buy it. I知 in Albuquerque. Help! I値l throw in a fee.
05-12-21, 03:02 PM
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No number certainly kills the clues.
of course once one buys it, drop the fork hoping for a number and remove the bottom bracket hoping for some identification in there.
small chance in seat tube-
nice bike, too big for me.
of course once one buys it, drop the fork hoping for a number and remove the bottom bracket hoping for some identification in there.
small chance in seat tube-
nice bike, too big for me.
05-12-21, 04:21 PM
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Hmm...
I think gravelinmygears is asking for an individual near this bicycle to help them purchase and ship it to Abq. They値l also include a payment for the willing individual.
I think gravelinmygears is asking for an individual near this bicycle to help them purchase and ship it to Abq. They値l also include a payment for the willing individual.
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