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Monday, April 19, 2010

Integration Now: Elvis Glasses

"It's like gluing your eyeglasses to the bridge of your nose."  This comment on component integration, specifically front racks, was made by our designated miscreant. Behold ...

The Ghost of Elvis
I generally slip into my comfy sequined white jumpsuit, white cycling shoes, and a lighted blue helmet when I ride this baby. Here is some history of the Ghost and how things spiraled out of control. Since 2008 the bag and rack have been "integrated" with the requisite braze-ons, and the white 700c x 28 Vittoria Randonneur tires added. This looks a little like a parade bike, but it'll go all day at a smart rate (if your engine is up to it).

24 comments:

Anonymous said...

Galli made some beautiful components that were anodized in an assortment of colors.....maybe blue???? (for your derailleur?)
Just a thought, -Tony

Gunnar Berg said...

I considered it. Weren't the Galli derailleurs rebadged Mavics? I also had an offer from a painter to powder coat the crankset, etc to match the brakes.

Anonymous said...

I think (but I am not completely sure of this) That Galli made most of their derailleurs, but did source some small parts from Simplex. (like the jockey wheels) I have a silver Galli Criterium in my collection, and it is very nicely finished part that appears to be an original design. (With a heavy influence from Campagnolo) In comparison, my Gipiemme derailler is obviously a rebadged Simplex LJ. -Tony

Gunnar Berg said...

After I wrote that I questioned myself and did a quick check. I think you're correct. The only Galli part I've owned was a headset with pin bearings similar to Stronglight. I don't recall why it left. It worked perfectly.

Margadant said...

Don't touch it.

Gunnar Berg said...

How about just dark blue infill painting on the crankset grooves?

Silk Hope said...

Isn't this frame for a Danish Snowtrooper. Nice "Camo"

JG

I'm BAAACCK

Gunnar Berg said...

I missed you. I have a reoccurring carbuncle in the crack of my ass that came back too.

Anonymous said...

You have the nicest toys... your kvale, mooney and mclean are three of nicest looking bikes I've seen.

Not to nit-pick, but have you considered getting a pair of campy triomphe pedals for this bike? They'd look very nice on there. I used to have a pair on a (too small for me) Marinoni and I loved them. I regret including them in the sale to this day.

http://velobase.com/ViewSingleComponent.aspx?ID=983fbbe6-1978-4bf4-aa4b-d6252d9b0a58&Enum=109

Cheers!
Allan Pollock

PS: is that a plain jane shimano HG freewheel? eesh. ;)

Gunnar Berg said...

Yes, it is a Plain Jane Shimano freewheel. They work. IRD would be the only other acceptable alternative.

The pedals are MKS because they are wider than Campags.

I'm within a month of 65. Friction and straps. I'm not going over to the darkside now.

Silk Hope said...

Oh BTW I'm with Margadant. Never mess with perfection. The bike Gods will strike you down.

Anonymous said...

I'm for the dark blue infill on the crank. (but I'm of Italian decent, and that's how we roll!) -Tony

Gunnar Berg said...

Apparently we're takin' nominations for Bike Gods. I hereby nominate Tony the Italian dude.

Anonymous said...

Gunnar, Have a look at the old triomphe pedals, they are cages and work nicely with street shoes--sadly not cheap on ebay anymore. And, no, I would not suggest changing the drivetrain to index...just that everything else you have looks like NOS campy, etc..

Allan

Silk Hope said...

I leave you to your own devises.

Gunnar Berg said...

Jack,
You cannot do this. You are an incumbent bike God.

Silk Hope said...

I was not aware of this august moniker. Was there a form ("1410 o.w.d." in triplicate)I forgot to fill out?

Anonymous said...

dear Gunnar,

I must inform you that you have misread my intent. When I said that some of those bike show racks were like gluing your glasses to your nose, that was meant to describe the practice so many builders have of building show bikes with permanently attached fancy racks brazed directly to the front or back. I find this ludicrous. I have no problem with racks which are bolted on, and can be removed as needed. I mean, I am not going to go down to a welder and ask him to weld my Yakima rack onto the top of my 14 yr old Integra. That would be stupid, right? That's what I feel about the boutique builders who sacrifice function for some odd reason. A frame is a frame, a rack is a rack, and they are separate for a reason. As for your gorgeous Kvale, I join the ranks of the envious, except it looks a little anemic, a little like one of those ghost bikes hanging from a tree. But these are quibbles, n'est-ce pas?
yrs truly,
mw

Gunnar Berg said...

Oh. Never mind.

Well, can you pretend you meant removable front racks so we can play some more?

Anonymous said...

also, where I come from, when someone says something like, "I must inform that you have misread my intent" it means you about to get whacked upside the head with a coke bottle

mw, phd

Gunnar Berg said...

I'm sorry.

Anonymous said...

don't sweat it!

mw

Rydjor Bike Shop said...

Where's the pug?

Gunnar Berg said...

Sleeping on the back deck.