1991 Brodie Sovereign
- Thread starter pw_pw_la
- Start date
MattiThundrrr
Kona Fan
I'm kinda goofy about his writing on it...
rigidftw
Retro Guru
I had no idea you could. Bugger…
pw_pw_la
Senior Retro Guru
Yeah, my original plan might just have to become my new plan! Leave it raw and have someone clear cerakote it.
I believe Larkin, the guy that did the fork for my Merlin, has a guy out this way he used to use.
At the very least it’s going to get installed and ridden in this form first, while I wait to decide whether to commit to paint or not.
Updates to follow when I’ve done so!
pw_pw_la
Senior Retro Guru
I'm kinda goofy about his writing on it...
Me too!!
I just love those type of unique touches. Need to put a clear decal or something over it for the time being, to preserve it!
pw_pw_la
Senior Retro Guru
Well, I figured an update was due here...
So, I decided the custom ICR stem Paul made for me would go on the bike unpainted for a while, and also on its longterm form:
I'm going to send it to either D&D or Joe Bell to be repainted a close as match as possible to the original "Light Violet Metallic" Tim ordered the bike in, as a little callback to it's original form.
For now: I'm not mad about staring at those welds while I ride!
While the cockpit was getting a refresh, I figured I'd make a couple of other changes, too.
As much as I love that MRC Powerlink, it's just a giant pain in the ass when it comes to changing a mid-ride rear flat! So when Lee at Full Metal Cycles up in Marin announced he was relicensing and reproducing the Paragon Machine Works Rollercam (which was made with Charlie's approval for a short period of time way-back-when, based on his original design so that the then-new adjustable threaded brake pads could be used), I jumped on a set.
Lee took his time to get these right, testing samples on his own beautiful pink Phoenix. You can see a bunch of reference on his Instagram, and the results, while not cheap (although still way cheaper than trying to score an original WTB RC), speak for themselves. Produced by Paragon, the quality is flawless and the performance has been a revelation compared to the MRC on my first few rides.
Lee makes a custom and very nice brace for his FMC Mega Force Cam, but seeing as I'd already had Paul make a Brodie booster, along with the stem, that went on in its place:
These photos were taking during the testing stage, just to make sure everything worked before I fully committed. Since then the brass washer has been replaced with a shorter, aluminum version, to bring the booster closer inboard. Otherwise, everything works a treat.
Seeing as it was out with the old, in with the new in the rear, and because I'm a complex contrarian, I decided I'd replace the newer Paul Touring Canti on the front with a bargain that had fallen into my lap via one of the vintage Facebook groups:
I'd always wanted to try these, and if there's a bike that's suitable for just a single, shiny silver cantilever it's this one! I also figured the cut-out design would fit nicely with the rest of the holey-ish build.
Pads were changed to Kool Stop Thinlines before install and I had fun trying to set them up using both the Hunter Nug and the lovely little proprietary Campy end on the straddle cable.
I also took the opportunity to install the replacement M735 RD, switch out the pedals, and replace the WTB SST saddle with a slightly older iteration, because it's a little more bedded-in and I just kind of like the aesthetic of a beat-up old saddle!
All of which means, other than a little fine tuning, the bike is now ready to "race" at the Keyesville Classic next month.
A "finished" photo and some detail shots from the first ride to follow...
So, I decided the custom ICR stem Paul made for me would go on the bike unpainted for a while, and also on its longterm form:
I'm going to send it to either D&D or Joe Bell to be repainted a close as match as possible to the original "Light Violet Metallic" Tim ordered the bike in, as a little callback to it's original form.
For now: I'm not mad about staring at those welds while I ride!
While the cockpit was getting a refresh, I figured I'd make a couple of other changes, too.
As much as I love that MRC Powerlink, it's just a giant pain in the ass when it comes to changing a mid-ride rear flat! So when Lee at Full Metal Cycles up in Marin announced he was relicensing and reproducing the Paragon Machine Works Rollercam (which was made with Charlie's approval for a short period of time way-back-when, based on his original design so that the then-new adjustable threaded brake pads could be used), I jumped on a set.
Lee took his time to get these right, testing samples on his own beautiful pink Phoenix. You can see a bunch of reference on his Instagram, and the results, while not cheap (although still way cheaper than trying to score an original WTB RC), speak for themselves. Produced by Paragon, the quality is flawless and the performance has been a revelation compared to the MRC on my first few rides.
Lee makes a custom and very nice brace for his FMC Mega Force Cam, but seeing as I'd already had Paul make a Brodie booster, along with the stem, that went on in its place:
These photos were taking during the testing stage, just to make sure everything worked before I fully committed. Since then the brass washer has been replaced with a shorter, aluminum version, to bring the booster closer inboard. Otherwise, everything works a treat.
Seeing as it was out with the old, in with the new in the rear, and because I'm a complex contrarian, I decided I'd replace the newer Paul Touring Canti on the front with a bargain that had fallen into my lap via one of the vintage Facebook groups:
I'd always wanted to try these, and if there's a bike that's suitable for just a single, shiny silver cantilever it's this one! I also figured the cut-out design would fit nicely with the rest of the holey-ish build.
Pads were changed to Kool Stop Thinlines before install and I had fun trying to set them up using both the Hunter Nug and the lovely little proprietary Campy end on the straddle cable.
I also took the opportunity to install the replacement M735 RD, switch out the pedals, and replace the WTB SST saddle with a slightly older iteration, because it's a little more bedded-in and I just kind of like the aesthetic of a beat-up old saddle!
All of which means, other than a little fine tuning, the bike is now ready to "race" at the Keyesville Classic next month.
A "finished" photo and some detail shots from the first ride to follow...
Last edited:
pw_pw_la
Senior Retro Guru
We get some nice light in the kitchen at the end of the day...
Sorry about that tire logo orientation
I forgot to say I went back to the Humptulip Ridge for tires, too. I just didn't get on with those Ultradynamico's and I personally think the profile and ride quality of the Renne Herse is far superior.
Sorry about that tire logo orientation
I forgot to say I went back to the Humptulip Ridge for tires, too. I just didn't get on with those Ultradynamico's and I personally think the profile and ride quality of the Renne Herse is far superior.
pw_pw_la
Senior Retro Guru
NiceI was very tempted by those FMC brakes
If you've got a project that requires an RC and you're not too fussed about them being period, then I highly recommend them Adrian.
Anyway, nice light on yesterday's ride, too...
Front:
Rear:
Prodigal Son
Senior Retro Guru
The italians never disapoint when it comes to luxurious styling. I love Campagnolo. The rear brake is not bad (best rim braking ever)
(best rim braking ever)
