Our good friends at Off Course Bike Shop in Melbourne, Australia did a phenomenal job representing Velo Orange at this past MADE Australia. Not only did they have our parts on display, but they built up two bikes dressed from fork end to rear dropout in VO. The first of the pair is this stunning, 90s Shogun Trail Breaker dubbed "Klunkerella". And before we jump in, a thank you to John Watson from The Radavist for taking terrific photos!
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: 80s and 90s ATBs make fantastic platforms upon which to build some of the most durable, fun, and practical bikes. They live at the intersection of Utility Blvd and Unique Ave with no two looking the same. They not only embody the fashion of the time, but also transcend modern technologies to create something that reveals a rider's own soul. Needless to say, they rule.
Starting from just a lonely frame and fork waiting for their turn to be built up, selecting the Klunker Bars was the perfect first step. They're fantastic for getting dem bars up and comfy! They have the perfect aesthetic which matches the vibes of the bike. Understated and playful. Classic and modern.
Since this bar has a crossbar, you can't just put any 'ol quill on there. It has to have a Removable Faceplate (arriving in a few weeks!). It also has a very good amount of adjustability, so you can raise the handlebars higher for more comfort, or lower for a more aggressive position. You could also use a Threadless Adaptor and Stem to get the same functionality, but the integrated look is so good!
Continuing with the theme of functionality of these vintage machines, they often have mounts or braze-ons for racks and fenders. In this case, the crew opted to go for our Porteur Front Rack for loads of loads.
The basis for any good build, aside from the frameset, are the wheels. And Off Course built up a set of our Voyager Rims in 26" laced to our Front and Rear Hubs. Stout and pretty matches the vibes.
Moderniste Cages adorn the down tube and seat tube for hydration. Love it.
Ok let's talk drivetrain. I feel like in recent years I simply don't care so much about the fastest shifting, lightest cages, and if my cassette has the most modern number of gears. What I do care about is that it works. And I have no alignment with any one particular brand, I will, however, go out on a limb and say that Dura-Ace 7700 derailleurs are the most beautiful ever made. But anyway, this build sports the solid and dependable Shimano Cues with our 1x Crankset. Lovely.
Going is cool, but stopping is cool, too! And this steed stops with the help of our very powerful Zeste Cantilever Brakes.
And all of the brake cables are being pulled by our Grand Cru Levers. Light, stiff, with a good hand feel.
Ok, that's pretty much it for this bike, but look at these beautiful snaps! Next blog post will be for their Rando build so stay tuned! Igor out.
13 comments
Michael Hayward
Lovely restomod retro build with quill stem and cantis and a nice crankset….spoiled by an ugly modern RD and plastic shifters instead of thumbies…imho…
David Cummings
ATB’s indeed rule!!! I’ve put more miles on my ‘84 Stumpy than any of my other bikes. It just fits so well and rolls so well. The featured build is spot on: front load for many loads. It also just looks right for the geometry.
Also, a Moderniste bottle cage looks at home on ANY bike and it also is extremely modifiable to fit a range of bottle sizes. The BEST cage I have ever found – I have them on at least a half dozen bikes. VO FTW!!!
Brandon
I bought my Rando frameset and a bunch of VO parts from Off Course, love those guys. They did great with this build, I wish I went to MADE.
Jon
Looks great, and, a way to build a fairly inexpensive, durable, pleasant ride. Folks should be aware, however, that 80s frames will likely need to be cold set to accept 135 OLD hubs/wheels, and, as you mentioned in a previous post, the spacing on some cantilever studs is narrower than the current dimension, creating difficulties with brake set up.
Matt
Kudos on a killer build! Love the yellow cable housing — chef’s kiss.
Lovely restomod retro build with quill stem and cantis and a nice crankset….spoiled by an ugly modern RD and plastic shifters instead of thumbies…imho…
ATB’s indeed rule!!! I’ve put more miles on my ‘84 Stumpy than any of my other bikes. It just fits so well and rolls so well. The featured build is spot on: front load for many loads. It also just looks right for the geometry.
Also, a Moderniste bottle cage looks at home on ANY bike and it also is extremely modifiable to fit a range of bottle sizes. The BEST cage I have ever found – I have them on at least a half dozen bikes. VO FTW!!!
I bought my Rando frameset and a bunch of VO parts from Off Course, love those guys. They did great with this build, I wish I went to MADE.
Looks great, and, a way to build a fairly inexpensive, durable, pleasant ride. Folks should be aware, however, that 80s frames will likely need to be cold set to accept 135 OLD hubs/wheels, and, as you mentioned in a previous post, the spacing on some cantilever studs is narrower than the current dimension, creating difficulties with brake set up.
Kudos on a killer build! Love the yellow cable housing — chef’s kiss.
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