Maxi-Car Hubs History & Image Gallery

Célestin Auguste Ripet patented the use of special annular bearings in bicycle bottom brackets and hubs in 1933. Rousson & Chamoux were already producing a wide range of hubs, pedals, chainrings and crank arms under the trademark name RFG by then. (RFG stood for “Roulement Francais Garanti”). These two manufacturers would eventually merge three decades…

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Ernesto Colnago Photo Gallery

Ernesto Colnago was perhaps the greatest racing bicycle designer, builder and mechanic of the 20th century.  He started in 1945 at the prestigious Gloria Bicycle Company when just 13 years old. After apprenticing there, Colnago enjoyed a relatively brief racing career himself that ended with a horrible crash. This led to him opening a bicycle…

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Ernesto Colnago: Fortune in Fracture and Ferrari

Bicycle racers face immense danger every time they swing their leg over the top tube, from broken bones to outright death. Some might even argue a severe bone break can be worse than death itself, for it can spell the end of one’s racing career.

Tech Specs: 1984 Colnago Super Pista

FRAME: Colnago Super Pista Columbus Tubing Minimalist Lugs Clover Head Lug Engraving Dual Colnago Seat Stay Engravings Chrome Stay Ends FORK: Colnago Super Pista Columbus Tubing “C” Clover Engraving Elegant Square Crown Minimalist Pointed Tangs HEADSET: Campagnolo Record, 1″ diameter HANDLEBAR: TTT Pista, deep drop, 39cm length STEM: TTT Pista, steep angle, 115mm length SADDLE:…

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Idéale Saddles: Behind the Leather Curtain

Idéale saddles are among the least understood classic bicycle components given their standout prominence and frequent exorbitant value. The dizzying array of models produced under the Idéale marque continues vexing even the most ardent collectors, who seem to enjoy the punishment received when combining obscurity of fact with broad product offerings and potential stratospheric price…

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Cycles Alex Singer: Ageless Grace

“Alex Singer” sounds like a name you might more associate with the fumbling lead character in a classic Woody Allen movie than with what many consider the most revered bicycle builder and outfitter ever. Yet this tiny shop, first opened by its namesake founder some 80 years ago in Paris, France — which still occupies the…

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Brooks England: The Eternal One

“Whilst not giving an extra guarantee beyond the legal terms, we emphasise the fact that Brooks Products are made throughout of the best material to be obtained, which, combined with experience and careful workmanship, and constant testing, is the best and safest guarantee that can be given.” The Brooks Book for Cyclists, 1907