SFBC Winterfest Auction Bike - Custom built by Pedal Revolution

SFBC Winterfest Auction Bike - Custom built by Pedal Revolution

SFBC Winterfest Auction Bike - Custom built by Pedal Revolution

This bike was assembled from the frame up by Pedal Revolution and given to The San Francisco Bike Coalition for their Annual fundraising party - Winterfest!

Lead Mechanic Todd B. with assistance from two our Youth interns Daniel and Josh spearheaded the assembly utilizing many donated components from Soma Fabrications. This is a signature example of a custom refurbished Pedal Revolution bike; a classic steel frame completely rebuilt with great quality new parts into a totally reconfigured city bike. Our focus is versatility, function, reliability, and fun! Early mountain bike frames like this one had a very high level of craftsmanship from Japan and had more of a touring bike geometry compared to contemporary mountain bikes. We love transforming these classic bikes into unique and utilitarian commuter style bikes, capable of carrying significant loads and accommodating racks, baskets, and fenders. Many of our customers rely on their bikes as their primary mode of transportation, grocery getting, commuting, and recreation. They want a bike that can reliably get them to work and back home and then be outfitted for a weekend bike camping trip or out of town adventure.

Pedal Revolution is a non-profit bike shop that has been in business since 1992 and hosts a paid work internship program for at-risk bay area youth. We employ 20 young people every year as interns in our shop working side by side with our professional staff. Our interns learn a combination of basic work-readiness skills and participate in a bicycle service based training curriculum experiencing bicycle repair, assembly, and sales in our own business. Interns assist our professional staff in the building of our new and custom refurbished used bicycles like the one you see here. Our refurbished used bicycles arrive from donations from individuals like you who want to support our program. The bikes are stripped, assessed, and then rebuilt with new components to assure a long and reliable life. These bikes are unique, one of a kind creations with distinct style and a character all their own. Please consider donating your old bicycles, frames, or bike parts to our program to support our social mission. Next time you are in the market for a fantastic new or refurbished used bike come visit us!

Here are some photos of the before and after bike build process:

Pictured below are two of our current youth interns Josh and Daniel holding the vintage Miyata “Terra Runner” frameset that provided the foundation for this build:

80’s Japan built, triple butted, lugged steel goodness.

The paint was a little rough so we sent it off to our friends at Champion Powdercoating for a super sweet repaint.

We’ve come to referring to this textured blue finish as ” Pining for the Fjords Blue”.

Service Manager Joel had the bright idea to have the stem painted to match.

Came out quite nice!

Here are Josh and Daniel again with painted frame, fork, and stem with the new wheels and Soma Fabrications New Xpress tires which they set up and installed.

Below Daniel carefully shellacks the cork grips designated for the bike. We love the classic look of cork grips.

Shellacking weatherproofs them and keeps them looking good for a long time.

Brand new drivetrain with Sugino touring cranks, Shimano and IRD mechanicals, and stylish MKS touring pedals.

Shop bottle/shop sticker steeze.

Sprung leather touring saddle.

Soma Fabrications Oxford Handlebar, IRD thumbshifters, Champs Elysees front rack, and Wald basket….gotta have a basket.

Those grips though!

This was a really fun project for the Pedal Rev crew. Hope you like!

Bike details:

 

-80’s era Lugged steel  Miyata “Terra Runner” early MTB frame

-Made in Japan

-Size 21”

-Custom powder-coated “Pining for the Fjords Blue”

 

Parts:

-Shimano 26” wheelset

-Soma Fabrications New Xpress Touring Tires

-Sugino XD500 Touring Crankset

-Shimano Deore M591 Long cage rear Derailleur

-IRD Front derailleur

-MKS Sylvan Touring Pedals

-Velo Orange Leather Saddle

-Soma Fabrications Oxford handlebar

-IRD 9spd indexed thumbshifters

-Shellacked Cork Grips

-Soma Fabrications Champs Elysees stainless front rack

-Wald basket

 

Custom "Raspberry Beret" 53cm Town-Style

Prince’s music remains difficult to find for free on the internet, and it’s a hard thing to complain about when you consider his musical talent and incredible writing.  So when I was trying to find a good video to link here, I was thwarted.  That’s okay though, because we all know the song and the fact that if it was warm she wouldn’t wear much more. Brilliant.

When this frame came back Champion Powdercoating the Raspberry Beret connection was instantly obvious.  We thus attempted to build it up in a way that would accentuate the frame’s color; everything else on the bike exists pretty much in deference to the Raspberry.  Comparatively boring is the fact the the bike is nicely equipped with all new parts, including a simple and reliable 3-speed drivetrain, comfortable saddle, and nice-looking gumwall tires.

To be sure, there are lots of different raspberries out there.  You’ve got black raspberries (not too common here, though blackberries are presently in season and if you’re hungry, head on up to McLaren Park to pick some), golden raspberries, and even yellow raspberries.  But I think it’s probably safe to say that when Prince was writing the song, he was picturing the lady in a beret just about the color of the bike you see here.

Though the bicycle does not come with a beret included, we can recommend a number of fine fashion establishments nearby where you could find an appropriate one.  I guess that’s about all you’ll need, then, especially if it’s warm.

$725

SOLD!!!!

Custom "Turbo Banana" Touring Rig, 56cm

Though there are indeed hundreds of types of bananas that we humans eat, they are all crosses of only two wild banana species.  This makes bananas quite susceptible to disease, which led big fruit companies (primarily Dole) to buy up vast acreage in the tropics as a hedge against future outbreaks.  Those interested in reading more about this subject should check out this book.

Even if you don’t have a particular affinity for the ubiquitous fruit, this brilliantly yellow bicycle may just suit your fancy.  Been thinking about getting a Surly Long Haul Trucker or Cross Check, but want something with a whole lot more character?  Then this rig might just be perfect for you.  In fact, the stem/handlebars have been lifted directly from a brand new Cross Check, and feature 3X10 bar end mounted shifters.

You’ll note that there are plenty of rack and fender mounts, as well as a light mount on the fork.  A good quality set of wheels (Shimano hubs/Sun CR18 rims, 36 spoke) should hold up well as the miles float by.  Be sure to only wear Banana Boat sunscreen while you’re out there crushing those miles, however….

A good fit for somebody about 5’9″ to 5’11”.  Come check it out!

$1050.

 

 

Trek 830 Antelope 18"

Another fine-looking utilitarian machine from Pedal Rev.  This one features a good solid steel frame (paint in good shape), plenty of tire clearance, and various new parts.

This particular Trek 830 Antelope would make great urban transportation for somebody about 5’4″ to 5’8″. Come check it out today!

$425

Custom 17" Red Specialized Hardrock w/Drop Bars @Pedal Revolution Refurbished Bicycle Update

We’ve got a nice Specialized that we’ve converted into a all-rounder, featuring a relatively upright riding position with Shimano bar end shifting.  Most of the parts on this build are new, and if you’re into the color red and are looking for a comfortable do-it-all rig, this one could be a great fit for you.

This bike would be great for some long-distance touring too; the long chainstays are on par with a Surly Long Haul Trucker, and the bike’s solid enough to handle most anything you could throw at it. If you’re in the 5’4″ to 5″8″ range, come check it out today!

$750

Van Dessel Cyclocross 56cm @ Pedal Revolution Refurbished Bicycle Update

Today’s new addition in the Pedal Rev refurbished bike rack is this interesting-looking Van Dessel.  It’s been nicely set up for general-purpose cyclocross duty, with a single-chainring setup and some Kenda ‘cross tires.  Also has new WTB saddle and Salsa handlebars.

 

 

 

This Van Dessel should be a good fit for somebody about 5’9″ to 5’11”.  Come check it out today!!

$625

Motobecane Super Touring 58cm, Custom Town-Style

From what I can gather, 1980 seems to have been a fairly tumultuous time.  Americans were being held hostage in Iran as their home country watched helplessly on (at least for the most part).  The Soviets were invading Afghanistan, beginning the decades of political instability and human misfortune in that country; in response, Jimmy Carter boycotted the 1980 Moscow Summer Olympics.  And the U.S. economy wasn’t doing too well; Reagan was about to perform his trickle-down on America and swell the ranks of the billionaire class. On a more positive and politically unrelated note, the Lakers won the NBA championship and Magic Johnson played a real nice Game 6.

Not too sure what was going on over in France, but I do know that Motobecane was still making bicycles.  They’d file for bankruptcy in 1981, but this fine Super Touring was ushered off the production line just in time for your cycling enjoyment.  Relatively thorough online research leads me to conclude it is indeed a 1980 model.

This bike came to us in a pretty unorthodox fashion.  A gentleman called the shop a while back and I (Todd) picked up the phone.  He explained that he had an old Motobecane he wanted to donate, but would be shipping it to from out-of-state. I tried to suggest that it might not be worth his trouble, but he wasn’t sure what to do with it and wanted the bike to go to good use.  So I thanked him and said sure, ship it on out.

As it turned out this was one of the better-quality Motobecane frames of that era, built with heat-treated steel tubing and a derailleur hanger.  We replaced the damaged original fork with a chrome one, and it’s been built up nicely for stylish around-town use.  Nearly all the parts, including the brakes and wheelset, are new.  Favorites of mine include the comfortable Soma Oxford handlebar and excellent Suntour ratcheting bar-end shifter.

The bike would be a great fit for somebody about 5’10” to 6′.  Come check it out today!!

$600

SOLD!!!!!

 

Schwinn Sierra 8 Speed Nexus Internally Geared Hub 21" @Pedal Revolution Refurbished Bike Update

This Schwinn Sierra began life as an early era mountain bike and has all the characteristics that made the bikes of that time so versatile: Steel frame, relaxed geometry, long wheel base, low-ish bottom bracket, rack and fender mounts. Early mountain bike design borrowed a lot from classic touring bikes and were designed to be comfortable for off-road touring rather than the popular type of “shredding” style riding done today on contemporary mountain bikes. These early bikes were so robust that a few decades later the frames are still going strong. We love receiving donations of these bikes and rebuilding them as dependable utility commuter bikes. In fact, a current inclination among many San Francisco bike couriers is to use a rebuilt early era mountain bike for delivery, rather than the tried and true fixed gear or steel road bike. They are more comfortable for long days in the saddle, cheap to repair and replace, can accommodate heavy loads, aren’t flashy looking (theft deterrent!), and can take a beating!

This one got the unique treatment of an internally geared Shimano Nexus 8 speed wheelset plus all the other goodies that we love - Continental Touring tires, WTB saddle, upright Wald handlebar, new brakes, and full fenders for the rainy days to come.

21″ fits a taller individual of  about  5’11”- 6’2″.

$450 SOLD

Custom Gitane 63 cm Town-Style 3 speed @ Pedal Revolution Refurbished Bicycle Update

Are you or someone dear to you between 6’1″ and 6’4″, dig the color orange, and in the market for a unique town-style bicycle that rides like a dream? If any of this rings true, you’d best come in to Pedal Rev to check out this Gitane.

According to the original sales paperwork provided by the gentleman who kindly donated it to us, this bike cost $165 way back in 1972.  It still had all the original parts on it, and the paint is in great shape for its age.  But cycling has come a long way since then and major changes were on order; in fact, the frame, seatpost, and matching original Zefal pump are the only items that weren’t replaced.

Cool details on this bike include a new polished 3-speed wheel, some vintage Suntour Cyclone cranks, and some pretty wide Nitto handlebars that’ll be well suited to the larger individual who ends up putting miles on this rig.

Some ergonomic Portland Design Works grips are comfortable on the hands, and the retro-look Tektro brake levers control new dual-pivot calipers that’ll bring this orange whip to a stop in no time.

Come on by and take it for a test ride!

$725

Specialized RockHopper Commuter 19.5" @Pedal Revolution Refurbished Bike Update

Another rebuilt gem from yester-year. Cool grey and aqua color scheme on this classic steel Rock Hopper frameset. Rebuilt by Pedal Revolution for heavy duty commuter use with new drivetrain, wheels, upright bars, shifters, brakes, saddle, and burly Continental Touring Plus tires.

19.5″ (fits 5’9″- 6′).

$375.

Specialized Expedition Commuter Bike 17" @Pedal Revolution Refurbished Bike Update

Another great deal to be had! A nice condition Specialized Expedition commuter bike rebuilt with new wheels, drivetrain, tires, saddle, pedals, and cables/housing.

17″ fits 5’5″ - 5’10”

$300. SOLD

Univega "Davey Jones Green" MTB Commuter 19" @Pedal Revolution Refurbished Bike Update

The rain and a chill in the air have slowed things down here at the shop and the fine mechanics at Pedal Revolution have been keeping busy building up a huge assortment of custom used bikes….almost too many to post! We have a good assortment of affordable commuter bike options as well as some nicer road, touring, and city bike rebuilds. Stop in and pay us a visit to see our latest offerings.

Here is a great deal of the day: A rebuilt Univega Alpina Uno set up for commuter duty with durable Continental City Ride tires. $325 for this bombproof steel framed utility bike!

19″ and an ideal fit for a rider 5’9″ - 6’1″.

Surly Straggler SRAM Apex Build @Pedal Revolution New Bike Update

Surly Straggler! One of Surly’s newest models takes the much loved Cross Check platform and ramps it up with disc brakes and integrated shifters. A perfect blend of new contemporary and classic proven technology, this do-it-all bike has all the modern road and “adventure” bike features like a full SRAM Apex road component group, Hayes cable actuated disc brakes, and chubby Surly Knard 70o/650 x 41 tires. Like it’s sister bike the Cross Check, the Straggler has all the rack and fender mounts you could ever need to set it up for a wet weather commute or as a fully loaded touring rig. You could even slap some 28mm road slicks on it and head out on a century or a heavy road ride with the spandex crowd.

This Straggler (pictured) is the Mint colored version in a 650b wheel size. A cool new addition is the option of the 650b wheel size in the smaller frame sizes to accommodate the smaller rider and give better wheel/geometry fit and less toe overlap. The bike is also available in a Shimano 105 kit version for those Shimano-philes out there.

$1425.

Powdercoated Custom Step-Through Commuter 50cm @Pedal Revolution Refurbished Bike Update

Who says “Mixte” style bikes need to be dainty and pastel colored? We had this one powdercoated in a stylish finish we’ve come to refer to as “Scorched Earth Brown”. Full custom rebuild job on this one and it rides like a dream. All the good stuff and Pedal Rev favorites are represented: 1×7 “just enough” drivetrain, Mavic/Shimano road wheelset, Panaracer Pasela tires, WTB comfort saddle, Velo Orange Milan handlebars, Soma Sutro stem, and leather grips. Understated and awesome.

50cm and an ideal fit for a rider 5’3″ - 5’6″.

$850.

Raleigh "Sports" Brown Townie 57cm @Pedal Revolution Refurbished Bike Update

Super custom rebuild on this gem of a Raleigh frameset. A ground-up build with all parts replaced on this made in England frame including a Tange chrome fork, Sturmey Archer 3 speed internally geared wheelset, MKS touring pedals, Dual pivot brake calipers, Soma oxford bar, and leather grips and saddle. Reconfigured to give a more upright seating arrangement, this bike is a go-to city bike for daily use. Slap a basket and some fenders on it and you’ve got a reliable grocery getter/rain bike.

57cm fits 5’10” - 6’1″

$525. SOLD

 

"Cerulean Blue" 44cm Custom Mixte @ Pedal Revolution Refurbished Bicycle Update

Another beautiful Mixte is now available at Pedal Revolution!! This one started its life (like many others) as a Centurion frame from the 1980s-nice quality, light Japanese-made steel.  We had it powder-coated the “Cerulean Blue” you see in the pictures and proceeded to build it up with all new parts.

The above picture shows the cool textured paint effect!!

It’s a true Mixte, with parallel tubes running straight from the headtube to the rear dropouts.  Nice looking lugs here.

We’ve set up the cockpit of the bike with a Soma Sutro stem, a Velo Orange Milan handlebar, and a set of comfortable leatherette grips.  Ergonomic Shimano brake levers (adjusted for smaller hands!!) control dual-pivot Tektro brakes for quick and effortless stopping on any hill this fine city can offer.  A Handsome single-ring crankset is mated to wide-range 12-34 gearing.

This bike would be a great fit for someone about 5′ tall.  Come in and check it out today!

$750 SOLD!!!

Trek Valencia Commuter Bike 15.5" @Pedal Revolution Refurbished Bike Update

Trek Valencia Hybrid Commuter bike. A great everyday bike for the daily ride, outfitted with disc brakes and fenders for solid stopping power and worry free riding in wet weather.

15.5″ - great fit for a 5’1″ - 5’5″ individual.

$600.

Pedal Revolution Used Bike Update: Schwinn Sierra Drop Bar Mountain Tour Bike

Pedal Revolution Used Bike Update: Schwinn Sierra Drop Bar Mountain Tour Bike

It’s truly astounding the number of 80’s and 90’s vintage mountain bikes Pedal Revolution receives in donation (thank you generous benefactors). They are testament both to the number of these bikes sold during the original mountain bike boom and the quality of construction of these frames (FYI: their iron like strength, resilience, and durability is largely due to them being actually made of steel!).

By the standards of today, bikes like this Schwinn Sierra are terrible bikes for serious single-track mountain biking (ps. the flip side is also true that the super fun trail riding bikes of today are the absolute worst transportation bikes due to technological suspension overkill and lack of utilitarian features).  However, with some parts changes and updates these original off road specialty machines can be transformed into excellent city and transportation steeds.

Just to mix things up from the rote Pedal Revolution older mountain bike becomes city bike genesis (street slicks replace knobby tires, new drive train parts, etc), a drop bar was added to this bike to give it some long ride and bike tour potential.

The orange bar wrap gives the bike some seasonal fall flair.  Front and rear fork eyelets add more easy fender and rack options.

Suntour Bar end shifters are just fantastic.  They were on some very cheap back in the day bikes (the Schwinn Sierra was not originally cheap or equipped with these).  Every micro friction shift with these units is an utter delight.  They are what I (Joel) use on my own touring bike!

This is a great all-purpose bike for someone about 6′ tall.  The large tires and strong frame with plenty of accessory mounts make a great bike for carrying large loads on bike trips around the city or across the country!

Schwinn Sierra 23″ : $550

 

"Purple Panic" 17" Specialized RockHopper Custom Refurbished Bicycle @Pedal Revolution Used Bike Update

Specialized RockHopper “Purple Panic” Custom rebuilt used bicycle fitted out for daily use. All new components adorn this gem of a 17″ frameset. 1×7 drivetrain, quick and durable Pasela Panaracer tires, Soma Sutro stem and Ahearne bar, psychedelic pedals, etc. So much goodness in this little bike. Perfect size for someone 5’5″ -5’9″.

$485.

Custom Powdercoated Fuji Mixte 1×7 @Pedal Revolution Refurbished Bikes Update

This gem was completed and put on the floor last week at Pedal Revolution. A classic lugged steel Fuji mixte with a new powdercoat and all new parts. We built it up as a 1×7 for a perfect amount of gears for everyday use. Panaracer Pasela tires, Soma bars and stem, shellac’d cork grips and a Brooks saddle complete the picture.

50cm

$825. SOLD.