July 4th 1976

     I came across this amazing photo while going through some literature the other day. The back is dated July 4th 1976. Pictured in the center is Bill Woodul. He pioneered independent support in North American road racing in the 1970's and 80's. He and his iconic bubble top Dodge Tradesman van were fixtures at most events of that era. He is no longer with us, but his contributions and legacy remain.

Awesome customer's bike: 1975 Team Raleigh Track

     We have been getting to work on some awesome bikes here at the shop recently. This one takes the cake. A friend and customer of ours recently purchased this 1975 Team Raleigh pista frame and fork. He brought it to us for the rest of the build. I was able to obtain the necessary parts at a couple of recent swap meets. It is built with Campagnolo Nuovo Record pista cranks and bottom bracket, low flange Campagnolo pista hubs laced to Mavic Module E 700C clincher rims. Brooks pro saddle and Campagnolo Nuovo Record seat post. The frame and fork came with the Campagnolo Nuovo Record head set. It also sports an alloy Cinelli 1A stem and Cinelli Criterium bars. MKS black cage "con denti" pedals with Christophe toe clips and white leather toe straps.
     These are some of my favorite pista bikes. I always loved the fork crown and the drilled rear drop outs. Great color scheme as well. The head lugs are nicely filed with long thin points and the BB shell has the nice long reinforcing tangs. I believe this is built with Reynolds 531 tubing as 753 was not available untill 76' and it takes a 27.2 seat post and most older 753 tube sets used 27.4. Plus it feels heavy like a 531 built frame. Overall great machine and great owner. Happy to help out!

Steve's 1975 Schwinn Paramount track

     Steve is one of our employees here at Via Bicycle. He works at the front end of the shop handling diagnosis and sales. It is a multi- faceted position with many responsibilities. He has proven himself to be a valuable asset to the shop time and time again. He recently purchased this Paramount frame set and put it together very sensibly. We like being able to hook our employees up with cool bikes. The frame set had been kicking around the shop for several months. I was originally thinking about buying it because it was produced the year I was born, 1975. But I already own too many bikes, so I am glad he got it.
     He set it up with mostly Campagnolo Nuovo Record Pista components, except the bottom bracket, crank dust caps, and chain ring. He uses Crank Bros. pedals and 3TTT stem with Nitto steel track bars.
A well used Concor saddle rounds out the assembly.
     The bike has a lot of patina, a trait I personally love. Steve cleaned it up a bit and painted some of the more corroded areas. The result is a nice around town / work bike. I hope he gets many miles and enjoyment out of it! Enjoy!