Bilenky gets a little national fame
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Bilenky gets a little national fame
I think many of you already are aware of Steven Bilenky and his team of custom bike builders. He got a some attention today in some national news.
https://www.inquirer.com/business/bi...-20210611.html
https://www.inquirer.com/business/bi...-20210611.html
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because every thread needs some photos.. here are a couple from the 2015 NAHBS.
Mr. Bilenky is in the blue cap.
The tandem is quite unique!
Steve in Peoria
Mr. Bilenky is in the blue cap.
The tandem is quite unique!
Steve in Peoria
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You are right about pictures.
Here is the actual bike from a WHYY story.
Bilenky Cycle Work tried to source all us made parts where possible. The rims are from Velocity.
What saddle is that?
Here is the actual bike from a WHYY story.
Bilenky Cycle Work tried to source all us made parts where possible. The rims are from Velocity.
What saddle is that?
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#6
Disraeli Gears
What the hell cassette is that? the big cog must have 72 teeth; serious "underdrive". I have to say that as a "prize" bike, it's sort of underwhelming: clear anodized rims, crank and pedals and stainless steel spokes mixed with lots of black components, but not really going either way -- and then going brown/tan for saddle and grips. Just sort of a mish-mash. I realize that the red-white-and-blue color scheme was obligatory, but in that case, I would have gone with all clear ano and stainless/chrome. Also, I'd be surprised if BJ rides around London on a bike with American flag graphics on the top tube. It seems to me that the blue isn't dark enough, either.
Last edited by Charles Wahl; 06-11-21 at 04:20 PM.
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Damn that's ugly.
DD
DD
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e: To be fair the president asked for a bit of a large discount on this bike. C’mon now, doesn’t the prime minister deserve the finest?
Last edited by SoccerBallXan; 06-11-21 at 05:07 PM.
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PM Johnson is not especially svelte.
the cassette is typical 1x mtb.
SRAM gearing no doubt, not USA produced but USA HQ.
should have found Paul rear mech and brakes.
the paint is interesting.
where is the chain guard and fenders?
USA intel assets used to check frame size?
the cassette is typical 1x mtb.
SRAM gearing no doubt, not USA produced but USA HQ.
should have found Paul rear mech and brakes.
the paint is interesting.
where is the chain guard and fenders?
USA intel assets used to check frame size?
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My thoughts as well. Every proper English rider has these. They are essential!
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I like this bike! Simple, not an over-done showcase. Yeah, that cassette's hoot but I"m betting it works well and bring the gears back to normality is something any shop can do. The national colors are there but not overwhelming. For a two week rush job? Pretty nice!
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Joe only paid him $1500 for the bike?
It isn't 1972.
I suppose proper mudguards, lights, and a bell can be added.
It isn't 1972.
I suppose proper mudguards, lights, and a bell can be added.
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#17
Disraeli Gears
Really! The State Department probably spent fifty times that much on the hours for a slew of people "managing" the "ideation" and production of this gift. They really couldn't give Bilenky the going rate for the darned thing?
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#19
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I thought the same. He is getting way more than $3000 (or whatever) of free advertising, but it is still pretty lame to undercut him like that. Pay him what he is worth.
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The PM’s bike is a little meh.
but that white and green Bilenky tandem picture above is absolutely incredible. One of the most beautiful tandems I’ve ever seen.
but that white and green Bilenky tandem picture above is absolutely incredible. One of the most beautiful tandems I’ve ever seen.
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Likely there are State Dept rules about the value of diplomatic gifts, and that's maybe what capped it. For sure there's half a million's worth of mass media exposure coming along for the ride, but I suspect the bigger risk is their phone starts ringing off the hook with folks who don't bother reading the smaller print and now want a Bilenky custom build for $1500.
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Himalayan gearing? Perhaps should have been painted in Nepalese-flag colors.
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Wouldn't this be International fame/acclaim?
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For example, Gifts to the POTUS become the property of the United States Government, the President or his spouse can purchase the item at its authenticated value.
Would not surprise me that the UK has a similar regulation for the PM.
And/ or, there is a tacit agreement of the max value of gifts between G7 Summit participants.
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