I've done the BMX build this year, plus the Track bike build is done, so the itchy fingers were getting a little too itchy...
I have been given the complete background on this bike from the first and only owner. A guy called Colin Woods, who used to ride track years ago. But, me being me, I can't remember the nitty gritty. But I can share with you what I can remember (it may be wrong).
Please take all the following info at face value. If anyone else has any information I would appreciate it:
Apparently Brian Cross (RIP) was a frame builder from the Western Suburbs of Melbourne. And was quite an eccentric character and there are stories relating to this which I have heard but will not share them here. I was told by Colin, that Brian was one of the first recognised "Master Frame Builders" of this hemisphere and at the time was one of the few people allowed access to Reynolds 531 and 531 "Professional" tubing. He was basically a one man operation and pretty hard to get along with if you didn't know him. As a small aside, one of his apprentices went onto starting BAUM bicycles.
Anyway. in the mid eighties, Colin asked Brian to build him a bike based on the geometry of a Gordon Johnson (track?) bike, so this was the result:
The frame is made up of Reynolds 531 "Professional" tubing, the forks and the fork steerer are 531. The bottom bracket is CINELLI with integrated cable guides.
The geometry on this thing is super tight, and the toe overlap is ridiculous, but I can honestly say it's the best bike I have ever ridden. It is smooth, fast, tight and handles on a knife edge.
I know it's not Italian, but how unreal is it to have an Aussie built bike with the name "Brian" on it?
So, this will be the story of Brian...
Now I have made the stupid mistake of not taking a photo before the repairs, so it will have to start from post - repair I'm afraid. I've never really made a visual diary or progression of any of my builds, so I think I owe it to the old fella to give this one a little respect and save it for the ages.
Saturday arvo, take everything part. Original parts list includes:
Superbe Cranks
Suntour BB
Dia Compe Brakes
Dura Ace AX Post
Dura Ace AX Stem
3tt Bars (virtually not one mark on em)
Shimano 600 hubs laced to first gen Velocity Deep V's
Monday. Off to PACONI (see photos)
New shifter mounts,
new brake bridge,
braze on for front derailleur
Fork crown drilled out for new brakes
Clean and file dropouts - from an earlier quick repair.
I may be preaching to the perveted, but PACONI are awesome.
(I couldn't rotate the photos. So just turn you head to one side)
Thursday morning; Off to the sand blaster. Pick up Friday
I'll just make a note at this stage. My lovely wife does all the running around for me. She has probably been to more powdercoaters, sandblasters, frame builders and bike shops than I could poke a stick at!!
I'll update after I get the stripped frame back.
Enjoy.
