Wednesday 15 December 2010

Motoconfort Single Speed Conversion

So after the singlespeed On One bike of Monday being a bit of a turn of focus for the Bicycle Safari, how about this for some kind of middle ground. Just like the Motoconfort I spotted whilst over in Barcelona the frozen snow covered Nottingham also has one to offer!

Proof that this is a Motoconfort frame.

A Junior Sport GL to be precise.

But one that's been converted over to be a modern styled single speed with some reasonably tasteful deep V white wheels.

I think they pull it off well! You still have these great old bike elements, like the logos the graphics and general style.

But as an old bike rider myself I know the day-to-day hassles faced by running an older bikes mechanicals everyday, so maybe a nice simple modern re-interpretation is a good way to extend the life of an older bike?

Tuesday 14 December 2010

On One dorky singlespeed

Technical difficulties have kept me away for a few days, but I'm back now, and I brought something a bit different with me. When I started this blog back in snowy Lund, Sweden, it was going to be about just the random interesting bikes I saw sitting around, and so be a comment on what's going on where in the world in terms of cycling. Recently it's been very focused on the vintage logos and graphics that live on many of the bikes I spot, but not wanting to get too pigeon holed, here's an On One singlespeed commuter!

Not vintage!

Lots of hip colourful parts on this!

Throw some purple anodized parts on it!

.... and a handlebar mirror?.... haha, okay so I have no problem with people using mirrors on bikes, they're sensible and hopefully increase safety. I just thought it was funny to see one on what otherwise seems a bit of a hipster commuter bike, but maybe the full mudguards should've have tipped me off this wasn't the usual singlespeed cool fest.

Wednesday 8 December 2010

Steyr Clubman perfect vintage town bike

It never ceases to amaze me the bikes you find sitting around. This is a near mint condition vintage Steyr, apparently being at least occasionally used as someone's daily transport? Unusual and brilliant.

In particular it's the Steyr Clubman!

Some nice foil on the logo graphics.

Rad rad rad.

The brakes also seemed worthy of a mention.

But then again, so did the rear mudguard!
A bit of time warp.

Monday 6 December 2010

Bicycle Safari Navigates to Nottingham

So after a couple of weeks taking in the sun, the sights and the bikes of Barcelona, The Bicycle Safari has once again packed its trunks and headed back up to cold old Nottingham England.


And what better way to celebrate being back in what used to be the centre of bicycle production in Britain than a classic Raleigh racing bike.
Nice vintage bicycle graphics on the seat tube.

Vintage lettering and the usual bicycle logos.

And a nice welcome back to blogging the old, interesting and rad bikes sitting around rusting up the streets!

Thursday 2 December 2010

Rabeneick vintage bicycle

Another day, another new brand. Rabeneick today who are a German firm. Raising ever more questions about the migration of national brands of bicycles around Europe.
Faded and damaged vintage logos.

A practical basket on the back.