Derek Bailey Rocky Mountain

[Warhorse]

Great find. I just pulled a similar bike out of the woodwork yesterday after a two hour drive. Will post some images shortly.

Guessing it’s this beauty that just recently popped up over on the Island?

 

[vtwinvince]

That's it, although I got it from an intermediary who swapped out a lot of the parts, and unfortunately I didn't get it for that bargain price. But it is in my size and the frame and fork are in good original shape with no rust.

 

[dirttorpedo]

I've seen a number of Bailey road frames from Rocky, but never one with those graphics. I suspect that's an earlier one before the Rockymountain brand really got going

 

[vtwinvince]

Yup, I'm trying to get a handle on the time line with graphics. I think the Sherpa branded ones date from around 1985, then this version came out before the graphics which are more commonly associated with RM, so I'm guessing this one is from 1986-87, maybe some of our RM experts can chime in?

 

[Warhorse]

Yup, I'm trying to get a handle on the time line with graphics. I think the Sherpa branded ones date from around 1985, then this version came out before the graphics which are more commonly associated with RM, so I'm guessing this one is from 1986-87, maybe some of our RM experts can chime in?

By 1986 Rocky was using the thin lined decals with the thin drop shadow behind them, that version lasted for a few years into the late eighties… I think these decals were commonly used on 84/85 bikes?
I have a similar track bike with the same lug cutaway behind the headtube, and then a road frame without the cutaway but with “Bailey” pantographed on the seat stay caps!

 

[vtwinvince]

That's interesting. How would you date the Sherpa-badged model? And was Bailey involved in the production of those?

 

[Warhorse]

I’m not entirely familiar with the earlier years, but I believe the Sherpa ones were production models they brought into Canada in the earliest years like 82(?) or 83-85ish? Not entirely sure when Rocky acquired Norman Hills production facility which brought Derek Bailey who had been building Norman Hill bikes previously on board. I’m guessing 83 where he handled the custom Road and track frames. Then in 84 Paul Brodie took on the custom MTB work.
I believe the earliest catalogue I’ve ever seen was 85, it’d be fantastic to see anything earlier!

 

[vtwinvince]

I wonder if the Sherpa models were made in Japan, like the mountain bikes?

 

[dirttorpedo]

Here is an article on the history of Rockymountain bikes. The Sherpa in the second photos has similar graphics to your road bike so possibly of a similar vintage?

https://mountainculturegroup.com/rocky-mountain-bicycles-40-anniversary/

 

[vtwinvince]

I saw this article, thanks for posting it. I have a Sherpa-branded mountain bike which I believe is an '85 model, but obviously they produced ones with the RM badging as well. I'm getting confused......