Tourdeville

Closed for Christmas

2009-12-14T23:51:00.000-08:00

Tour de Ville will be closed for a Christmas revamp / restock starting 15 - 12.

We will be back open for business in the first week of January.

Merry Christmas !!!

The Colour of the Season

2009-12-09T19:07:00.000-08:00

Some new bikes.

Single Speed Cyclo Crosser: £ 495,-
Gazelle 1982, Campagnolo Nuovo Record: £ 995,-

December Frames sale ! ! !

2009-12-08T19:34:00.000-08:00

Tour de Ville is currently having a December clear out on cheap steel frame sets.

Prices start at £ 25,-

Nothing smaller than 53 and nothing bigger than 59....

See you soon.

Bonavia Cycles London

2009-12-08T19:27:00.000-08:00

Our top notch mechanic Ross has finally decided to share his work online with the rest of the world.

Ross has consistently been building frames by hand in SE1 since 2005.

So if you are thinking about getting a 100% custom track, road or touring frame that's hand made in London, look no further.

For now all the contact and information goes through his blog, Bonavia.

Did I mention he makes lugged stems and racks to?

Pure Sweet Hell

2009-12-08T08:59:00.000-08:00

A new film / documentary about cyclo cross racing in the states and, refreshingly, not a Rapha product placement in sight.

PURE SWEET HELL tells the story of cyclocross, a sport that has emerged as bike racing's punk rock cousin. Told from an insider's perspective, the filmmakers traveled to 'cross competitions throughout North America, dug up vintage photos and film footage, and followed 'cross luminaries Justin Robinson, Gina Hall, Barry Wicks and Rick Hunter. Shot entirely on Super 8 and supported by experimental rock music, PURE SWEET HELL surfaces both the strong community behind the solitary sport and the grace that arises amidst all of its grit.

More information about the film can be found at http://www.cyclocrossfilm.com . Purchasing info is available there.

Ow so funny....

2009-12-08T08:32:00.000-08:00

Low budget parody movies. Funny 'cos it's true, as the saying goes.....

Muddy Hell Tees

2009-10-30T05:38:00.000-07:00

We have got some cool tees printed up for tomorrows Muddy Hell cyclo cross. The front graphic is a bit to light in this post but the tees look awesome.

Thanks Niki for the great design (and Wayne for the artwork).

Available in very limited edition for sale tomorrow (or if you win....)

Congratulations Luk

2009-10-29T20:30:00.000-07:00

The International Federation of Bike Messenger Associations (IFBMA) is pleased to announce that Zurich messenger Luk Keller has been awarded the 2009 “Markus Cook Memorial Award” (MCA) for Services to the International Messenger Community. The IFBMA has awarded the Markus Cook Award (MCA) since 1998 to the person who has inspired and empowered the wider messenger community, and who put all messengers before themselves.

For over ten years messengers around the world have benefited from Luk’s commitment to community. He was one of the organizers of one the most influential Cycle Messenger World Championships, CMWC 1999, the race that brought “Goldsprint” roller racing to the international messenger community. Luk has also been a driver behind many other major events such as the Swiss Messenger Championships and the X Days Side Show.

But Luk is much more than an ordinary race organizer. Human Powered Rollercoaster champion, Dirk Dijkhuis notes that Luk “organizes races to benefit other people.”

Nothing demonstrates that more than the annual Global Gutz benefit race which was created by Luk and others in 2000. Global Gutz is a race that occurs simultaneously around the world so that messengers can race against the each other without leaving their city. Funds raised from the race are used to send the winners to the current year’s CMWC. The base for Global Gutz organizing has passed around the world over the years, returning to Zurich this year as Luk took the reigns of organization once again in 2009.

After a very successful CMWC 2009 in Tokyo. The Tokyo Bike Messenger Association (TKBMA) found themselves about $34,000 in debt. Luk stepped forward to again to benefit others. He announced the “Tokyo Fundraiser Cup” which challenged messenger communities to organize local fundraisers to help erase the TKBMA’s debt. The city that raises the most money will receive a trophy as the most supportive city and two free registrations for the 2010 Cycle Messenger World Championships in Panajachel Guatemala.

As fellow 2009 Markus Cook Award nominee, Steve Froehlich said, this year has once again shown the world that, Luk “is the spirit of our community.”

Cyclo Cross tips by Niels Alberts

2009-10-29T18:55:00.000-07:00

2 days before the Cyclo cross on the Koppenberg, of Tour of Flanders fame, world champion Niels Albert gave some useful cyclo cross tips to Belgian tv station Sporza.

For all the video's click here.

El Capitane and Figo Vengeance

2009-10-29T18:27:00.000-07:00

We've published about this exhibition before but no pictures up until now. Here are some great pictures of the bikes that we made up for the show 'Vengeance is mine' by Stevie Gee provided by Stem Agency. Spray work is by Deathspray Customs.

For the whole photo shoot of the show check out this link.

116 to Sea and The Ride Journal Issue #3

2009-10-28T17:49:00.000-07:00

Keep your eyes peeled for a new exhibition by photographer Joe McGorty in collaboration with The Ride Journal. It's called '116 to sea' and covers the infamous Dunwich Dynamo ride.

It will take place at Exhibitx, The Pebbledash Gallery from 7-11 / 13-11 and it will coincide with the launch of issue#3 of The Ride Journal (Hooray!)

Ladies who cycle / Velotica

2009-10-28T11:54:00.000-07:00

Sounds Saucy.

More information here and here

"An open invitation to all "Ladies Who Cycle" in Greater London to join our club and come down to our first gathering of like-minded ladies who ride.
We are making a calendar in celebration of the freedom the bicycle gave women in the early parts of last century. 1890's-1930's.
This Calendar is a celebration of those two gifts of life adjoined at the groin......A woman and her bicycle.
Backdrop will be Victorian. We will provide vintage ladies bikes. Costume need not be strict, more a recreation of those bygone times, a recycling of the ideals and the aesthetics. The feel is very much a romantic notion of life and the sexual freedom the bicycle gave women.
There will be a dressing up box, although best to bring your own outfit.
Hair and makeup will also be available.
The photo booth is private so you and your friends can have fun within it......The calendars will be printed up before Christmas through www.photobox.com
Please RSVP ladieswhocycle@gmail.com to let us know you are interested and we look forward to seeing you astride your bike!!
PS If you MUST bring a man, have him in appropriate attire.
May you ride Happily Ever After
Milena and Karta
www.TWOnFRO.com

New winter opening hours

2009-10-24T04:10:00.000-07:00

Tour de Ville is switching to new opening hours this winter. This coming Sunday and Tuesday we will be closed. After that, normal opening hours are:

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 - 19:00
Wednesday: 10:00 - 19:00
Thursday: 10:00 - 19:00
Friday: 10:00 - 19:00
Saturday: 10:00 17:00
Sunday: Closed

New Mags & Fixed Book

2009-10-21T19:01:00.000-07:00

We have restocked on some of our magazines. Newly arrived are Cog Mag issue #6 and #7 at £ 5.75 and the new Fixed issue #4 still being distributed for free. Big props for Andy and the boys and on to the next issue.

Also recently released is this new book by Max Leonard and Andrew Edwards. We've borrowed them some bikes for a shoot so we got a preview and it's a really nice reading and good looking book.

All aspects are being covered from the very beginning to the more recent Fixedgear antics.

Check out the website www.fixedgearbook.com for more details. We'll be stocking them asap.

Good Weekend

2009-10-20T18:28:00.001-07:00

It's starting to look like a really good Halloween weekend. Of course there is the Rollapaluza 'Muddy Hell' cyclo cross on Saturday, but people can warm up on Friday with this;

Top Gear Flemish style (with bikes)

2009-10-20T17:23:00.000-07:00

Wicked little video after some young junior rider got his 15 minutes of fame tailing a truck on the Belgian freeway.

Check it out here.

Tour de Ville rides the ATB Classic 2009

2009-10-14T17:06:00.000-07:00

There is a big tradition of sportive cyclo cross rides in Holland and Belgium during the 'winter' off season. Usually these rides are pretty local attracting about 400-500 riders every Sunday.

At the beginning of the season there is the big 'ATB Classic' Scherpenheuvel - Hapert this is both the longest and most epic of all of them. At 90km this is more than double the distance of the standard off road sportives.

The start is traditionally in Scherpenheuvel (Sharp hill), the biggest Catholic Maria pilgrimage in Belgium. This town in the heart of Flemish Brabant yearly attracts more than 1 million pilgrims, many coming to get their bike blessed by the local bishop for prosperity for the coming racing season.

From the cobbled square the 1500 riders start, after being blessed by the Bishop, for the 90km north on their way to the finish in Holland at Cafe 't huuske' in Hapert.

First time we rode this one was in 2002 and we've been waiting to get back and do it again ever since. Located one week before Rollapaluza's Muddy Hell, this should be a perfect preparation. Even though it's not a 'race' a lot of the local amateurs and other fanatics are keen to finish first in the cafe and take the honour of receiving the first medal. Among these guys is always former world cyclo cross champion Henk Baars, still going strong.

Being held on the 25th of this month it should be a great ride so keep posted for more updates.

Cyclo cross update, GVA Namen and SP

2009-10-13T18:27:00.000-07:00

The first races in the GVA and the Super prestige cup have been held last weekend and it proved a turning point in the domination so far of current world champion Niels Albert.

The Saturday match of the GVA trophy was described as the hardest cyclo cross course in Belgium and showed, again, a dominant Albert taking the win, 5 out of 5 so far this season.

Sven Nys came in second though and took advantage of his growing form on the Sunday Super Prestige race in Ruddervoorde taking the win in front of Albert. Extra moral came from the fact that Nys had to catch up with Albert first before dropping him and making his way to the finish solo.

For videos check out:

GvA Namen

01. Niels Albert in 1u05'15"
02. Sven Nys op 42"
03. Zdenek Stybar (Tsj) 2'02"
04. Klaas Vantornhout 2'22"
05. Bart Aernouts 2'50"
06. Kevin Pauwels 3'21"
07. Erwin Vervecken 3'45"
08. Gerben de Knegt (Ned) 3'52"
09. Dieter Vanthourenhout 4'10"
10. Radomir Simunek (Tsj) 4'20"

SP Ruddervoorde

1. Sven Nys in 59'23"
2. Niels Albert op 40"
3. Zdenek Stybar (Tsj) 59"
4. Sven Vanthourenhout 1'05"
5. Klaas Vantornout 1'12"
6. Radomir Simunek (Tsj) s.t.
7. Bart Aernouts 1'16"
8. Dieter Vanthourenhout s.t.
9. Enrico Franzoi (Ita) 1'23"
10. Kevin Pauwels 1'32"
11. Gerben de Knegt (Ned) 1'48"
12. Erwin vervecken 2'00"
13. Rob Peeters 2'09"
14. Jan Verstraeten 2'13"
15. Eddy van Ijzendoorn (Ned) 2'24"

More new bikes

2009-10-13T17:38:00.000-07:00

Some more new custom bikes recently build for customers.

Hey Buddy !

2009-10-13T17:36:00.001-07:00

Awesome.

Big man's Rossin

2009-10-08T18:21:00.000-07:00

A big statement of a bike for a big man.

Vintage new old stock Italian Rossin frame with all Italian components.

Cycleshow 2009

2009-10-07T06:38:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again when the pro season is winding down and everybody starts to look forward to the new 2010 season.

If you don't want to miss a thing when it comes to the latest trends and technologies in the cycling world then head down to Earl's court this weekend for the Cycleshow 2009.

In their own words: "Whether you're a commuter, you ride on dirt, track or road, or simply enjoy a bike ride at the weekend with your family and friends, the Cycle Show is not to be missed."

Amen to that. More information can be found at www.cycleshow.co.uk

Heras finally grabs World title

2009-10-06T19:41:00.000-07:00

3 times victor of the Vuelta d'Espange and former EPO convict has finally clinched the victory in the World folding bike championships.

After being 'flickt' last year by those darn Brits, this year he managed to leave a field of fully suited riders behind to claim first prize....a Brompton folding bike.

We hope to see him back along side Lance again in the 2010 Tour de France.

Rapha @ L'Eroica 2009

2009-10-06T17:57:00.000-07:00

Last week we received a slightly distressed last minute call from the Rapha HQ with the question if we could provide them with 4 bikes for this years L'eroica ride.

Luckily we had bikes / frames / parts in all required sizes. Some last minute changes had to be made to gears and tyres to make them suitable for the strict L'eroica rules and more specifically the white 'strada bianci' with their steep nasty hills.

From what we gathered the delegation had a good time, zero punctures and only minor mechanical difficulties.

The 4 bikes ridden were an all Italian Bianchi, a Dura ace equipped Koga Miyata, a fully panthographed Gazelle and a tiny triple (period correct!) equipped Red Rossin.

These bikes will be auctioned via the Rapha website over the next 2 weeks. We'll keep you posted, for now here's a picture of our brave heroes.

Cyclo cross worldcup Treviso (It)

2009-10-05T11:47:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday was the kick off for the new World Cup cyclo cross series with the first race in Treviso, Italy.

The race was dominated from the start by the young world champion Niels Albert who found a course that was perfectly suited for him, hard and fast. Below is a video of the last lap. A recap of the full race can be found here.

Muddy Hell 31 - 10 - 2009

2009-10-05T11:14:00.000-07:00

I know we are really late but we just wanted to focus your attention again to the Halloween Muddy Hell cyclo cross organized by members, and with the help of, the Rollapaluza CC. Sponsored by yours truly.

By the looks of it almost all the categories are fully booked already so we hope it's going to be a blast. Find all the race info here

There's even a big crew from Tour de Ville Eindhoven coming over to London. The biggest representation since the ECMC in 2003 so London, brace yourselves...

To keep you in the spirit we're gonna try and update our blog weekly with videos from the latest pro cross racing in Europe.

eBay • Gios 'Torino' Super Record

2009-10-02T07:10:00.000-07:00

We currently have our beautiful, almost like new, Gios 'Torino' Super Record for sale on eBay.

Because eBay only allows 12 pictures we have added some additional detail shots on here.

It's a real shame but you can't keep'em all.....

Vengeance is coming pictures

2009-10-02T04:25:00.000-07:00

Just 2 quick shots of last weeks Stevie Gee show with our bikes. More to follow soon...

BFF Polo Prizes

2009-09-30T18:49:00.000-07:00

As a sponser it's really nice to see some feedback from event organizers after you have sponsored them in some way.

We where very happy to see that some of our awesome lycra collection went to these gents from Manchester, who looked like this cycling attire was the long lost piece missing from their collection.

Bos signs with Cervelo, Cavendish beware

2009-09-30T18:12:00.000-07:00

Top sprinter Theo Bos has recently signed a new contract with the Cervelo test team for 2010. This move will see him join hands with another (former) Dutch sprinter, Jean Paul van Poppel, who is one of the team managers.

Van Poppel won a total of 10 Tour de France stages in the late eighties and early nineties and has so far proven to be a very good team manager. If this turns out well, Bos is going to give Cavendish a serious run for his money from 2010 onwards. Expect sprinting duels between those 2 lengths ahead of the rest of the field.

The rest won't be on the photo.....

GENESIS @ Chapter one gallery

2009-09-30T18:00:00.000-07:00

Erosie is back in town with another exhibition, part of the Genesis show, at the newly opened Chapter one gallery in Soho.

Should be well worth checking out if you are in the area.

GENESIS @ Chapter one gallery

THURSDAY 1st OCTOBER, 2009 6-9PM

‘Genesis’ showcases new and original artwork by six of Europe’s most inspiring and influential artists - Stefan Marx, Mike Swaney, Erosie, Merijn Hos, Samuel Francois and Mudwig Dans - many for the first time in London.

There will be limited edition signed screenprints by Stefan Marx and Erosie and an exclusive catalogue available.

Tonight! Don't forget

2009-09-24T05:18:00.000-07:00

Besides the Bicycle Film Festival there's also the opening of Stevie Gee's new show at Jaguar Shoes tonight.

VENGEANCE IS COMING!

You are officially invited to my first ever solo show.

VENGEANCE IS COMING!

The true life mythical documentation of a long forgotten race that was doomed from the start, relayed from memory with historical accuracy and embellishment by Stevie Gee..

THURSDAY 24th SEPTEMBER, 7PM TILL LATE

DREAMBAGSJAGUARSHOES, 32 KINGSLAND ROAD. E2

The show includes an exclusive fixed bicycle collaboration with Tour de ville classic bike shop and Death Spray Custom as well as limited edition screen prints and a tee shirt.

Make the 7PM opening and you can get to the Barbican in time to catch the 8:30 showing of Breaking away, featuring that gangly bad guy from Home ALone 1 on a bicycle.

New old bikes Pt. 2

2009-09-24T04:59:00.000-07:00

More pictures featuring some of the new classic bikes that we have in stock. The Gios might as well be new (not bad for a bike from 1974) and will be listed on eBay tonight.

World's TT and Cancellara

2009-09-24T02:35:00.000-07:00

Fabian Cancellara, Spartacus, will probably live up to his expectations this afternoon and become World Champion on the individual time trial in Mendrisio.

The first time I watched this phenomenon in action was on tv during the 1999 world's in Treviso. Cancellara, still in the juniors categorie, was set to battle it out with Dutch hope Bobbie Traksel (now Vacansoleil) for the World Junior time trial title. Traksel had beaten him the week before with 3 seconds during the GP des Nations, the no longer organized 'unofficial' WC for time trialists, and he looked like he might be able to pull in the gold.

On that Tuesday in Treviso Traksels dreams where shattered as Cancellara passed the previously started rider after no more than 9 of the 26 kilometers. I had to skip school to go and watch it that afternoon but it was worth it to see this man in action. He rode as a natural back then, coping with the pressure, and his style hasn't changed much over the years...

New old bikes Pt. 1

2009-09-21T07:20:00.000-07:00

Some of the new bikes we currently have in stock.

P.o.a.

Don't shoot the messenger

2009-09-19T07:18:00.000-07:00

Check out the photo essay on Issuu made by Annalisa Brambilla about the London courier scene.

Takes us back to the 'old' days.

Don't shoot the messenger

Building a RIH

2009-09-19T01:52:00.000-07:00

Last month we had some pictures of a RIH bike build up by one of our customers. They are the second 'dutch pride' after Gazelle but on a more custom basis.

Here are 2 excellent movies featuring Wim van der Kaaij showing us how a RIH frame is made from start to finish.

New Bikes

2009-09-15T04:10:00.000-07:00

Just some pictures of bikes that we have recently build up for customers...

BBF London 2009

2009-09-15T02:04:00.000-07:00

It's right around the corner, this years edition of the Bicycle Film Festival.

The usual mix of fun and games so make sure you catch at least one day of entertainment. Tickets usually sell pretty fast so make sure you book yours before it's too late.

Vengeance is coming !

2009-09-11T03:09:00.000-07:00

We're providing some frames and parts as part of this collaboration with artists Stevie Gee and Deathspray customs.

Make sure you go and check it out !!

DRESS CODE; SAILORS AND NATIVE AMERICANS. MEN DRESS STRONG, LADIES DRESS SEXY.
While Stevie Gee was working in a San Francisco boxing gym three years ago, he met an old seaman known as "El Capitane". El Capitane relayed an incredible story to Stevie about a long forgotten cycling race that took place along the West Coast of America in 1957. 66 people started the race but only a Native American Sioux medicine man known as "Figo Vengeance" and El Capitane himself actually finished it.
Stevie was so inspired and aroused by the stories he heard that he started to create images filled with salty sea dogs, wild busty women, whisky fuelled fights and native American shamans. This is the exhibition of that work.
The show includes an exclusive fixed bicycle collaboration with Tourdeville classic bike shop and Death Spray Custom as well as limited edition screen prints and a tee shirt.
Since graduating from Central St.Martins in 2004, Stevie has produced works for a client list that includes Death Spray Custom, Parlophone, Polydor and Fence Records, Paul Smith, Lovebox, El Mars, Volkswagen, Science skateboards, Nokia and lots of magazines.
Stevie has often been likened to a modern day Ernest Hemingway with his masculine, rugged appearance and manly hobbies coupled with his sensitive creativity. He is a big hit with both ladies and men alike.

Yard

2009-08-31T09:52:00.000-07:00

We don't make much use of it yet but our Yard can get pretty busy. Now all we need is a porch.

EHBPC 2009 sign-up.

Things to come.

2009-08-31T09:20:00.000-07:00

We've build up this nice Diamant frame in the style (very loosely) of the French Porteur / messenger bikes.

Pretty happy with the result.

For sale in our shop now.

Top tube: 55 cm/cc
Seat tube: 52 cm/cc

Pretty OT

2009-08-31T09:06:00.001-07:00

Ok so it's not about bikes this time, only about the best band from Holland (make that the world) at the moment. Aux Raus.

We've been waiting for this album ever since coming across their first album (This is how this works) in August of last year.

Some people will call them Eurotrash (some people even call me Eurotrash...) but you can listen to their
new album 'The brick is in the air' here and judge for yourself.

There's also a great live performance from the last Lowlands festival online here.

Enjoy!

Frames we've sold

2009-08-29T02:45:00.000-07:00

Earlier in the year Mick Peel aka busyman bicycles visited our shop looking for a track frame for his brother Ged, down under.

He settled for the RIH and after a couple of months they finally completed it, sick.

Make sure to check out Mick's blog for more pictures of the bike and to admire his great craft in reworking vintage saddles into custom one of's.

From the U.S.A.

2009-08-08T16:38:00.000-07:00

Tour de Ville has sponsored Christine D'Ercole with 2 sets of discontinued, vintage Shimano Dura Ace track cleats...D'ercole's pedal system of choice. D'ercole, who hails from Brooklyn, New York cleaned up at the Trexlertown Atlantic Regional Masters & ELITE Track Championships 2009 taking Masters Gold for the 2Km, Match Sprints, Silver in the 500 Meter Time Trial and Gold in the Elite Qualifier Scratch Race. D'Ercole successfully qualified for the National Championships to be held in Colorado Springs next week. We wish her good luck!

Willy DeVille 1953 - 2009

2009-08-07T19:29:00.000-07:00

With sadness, Willy DeVille is no more...

Bradley Wiggins interview

2009-08-04T06:08:00.000-07:00

Nice interview with London's Tour revelation Bradley Wiggins in today's Guardian.

New shop pictures

2009-07-29T10:10:00.000-07:00

After people had been asking us I realized that we didn't actually have that many pictures of our shop on the website. Luckily John Autry and his pal visited our shop recently (all the way from the U.S.A.) and took some very nice pictures.

Find all of them here.

So if you haven't visited our place yet or if you live on the other side of the globe (I'm talking about you here Andy White) this is your chance to check us out.

I must say that some of them reminded me an awful lot of this:

Velobase.com

2009-07-29T08:28:00.000-07:00

I've recently spent a great deal of time on www.velobase.com

"your vintage cycling database" or in their own words:

"The goal of VeloBase.com is to provide a comprehensive database of vintage cycling knowledge for reference during everything from restorations to general maintenance to researching the cycling history through the equipment of the time. All of the content on the site was added by its members, truly making it the cycling community's database."

Off course there are others like Classic Rendezvous, Wooljersey (temporarily down) and Bulgier.net but I've found Velobase the easiest to use so far.

The catalog of parts is pretty comprehensive and it will allow you to really start nerding out about the correct model / type / year of your vintage bike build.

Enjoy!

Helmets do save Lives !

2009-07-28T04:53:00.000-07:00

We don't mean to drag that old cow out of the ditch again, besides we don't even sell helmets, but they do save lives.

Here are two stunning recent examples that especially highlight the fact that being confident, experienced and able on the public road doesn't always mean you won't need one.

Pro cyclists generally don't come any more experienced than 37 year old German Jens Voigt. Luckily he is ok but look what happened at 55 mph.

This story is just so out there we don't even know what to say....

Just remember to watch out for firefighters and bumps in the road.

Stephan Vanfleteren does Mt. Ventoux at night

2009-07-26T03:50:00.000-07:00

Belgian photographer Stephan Vanfleteren moves through the Belgian cycling world like a modern day Robert Frank.

A selection of his work was on display in London in 2007 at the Honduras gallery. A lot of that work can also be viewed on his website.

For the Belgian Tour de France tv show 'Vive Le Tour' Vanfleteren wanted to cycle up the Mt. Ventoux, at night.

Intrigued by the moment that darkness turns into light again he wanted to arrive at the top by dawn.

Watch the video short here.

Tour de Ville in August issue Procycling

2009-07-24T07:08:00.000-07:00

Tour de Ville features in this months (August) issue of ProCycling.

To settle the debate once and for all they have teamed up with Francais de Jeux's sport physiologist Fred Grappe to measure the difference between a vintage road bike and the modern day equivalent.

We supplied them with a vintage Pinarello Super Record to be tested by 6 top French riders.

For the results of the test go:

New bikes

2009-07-24T03:08:00.000-07:00

We've got 2 new complete bikes on offer here at Tour de Ville.

A very nice Gazelle from the early eighties with a full Shimano Dura Ace group set and a Colnago Team Wordperfect replica with a Suntour groupset. The Colnago was ridden by the Dutch Wordperfect team from the early nineties. They only sponsered the team for 1 year and after that the sponsering was taken over by Rabobank.

Gazelle: £ 895,-
Colnago: £ 795,-

Mont Ventoux

2009-07-24T02:45:00.000-07:00

The legendary Mont Ventoux, being described in literature as "the road to hell" as early as the 14th century, will be the final of this years Tour de France. The yellow jersey seems pretty much taken but the places 2/5 in the GC are in for a serious reshuffle.

To get in the mood, here's a nice documentary about the famous climb and it's history.

A combination of Dutch and French but well worth watching even if it's just for the amazing images and historic footage.

Besides the historic footage there's also an interview with Eddy Merckx.

For everybody who wants to watch Saturday's stage live there will be a screening at the Haggerston bar. Details can be found in an earlier July entry.

Exit the Killer

2009-07-22T09:14:00.001-07:00

Exit for Danilo Di Luca after a positive test for Cera during this years Giro D'Italia which he finished second after Denis Menchov.

Now it's only a matter of time until we will see Alberto Contador in a similar Jesus pose...

Rotterdam FixedGear

2009-07-22T09:04:00.000-07:00

The guys from the Maas-city visited London just when I was in Holland.....

Damn, sorry we missed each other guys.

For everybody else who missed them, you can read their report here <--

Rigida DP18

2009-07-21T05:49:00.000-07:00

Some pictures of our new Rigida DP18 rims.

Aren't they shiney!

4. Internationales Festival des Fahrrad videos

2009-07-15T10:39:00.000-07:00

Bicycle- & Filmfans!

We call on all cyclists and movie makers: Send your films to the 4th
International Cycling Video Festival in Herne, Germany! We are looking
for inventive, political, ecological, humorous, sportive, artful (or
whatever) movie shorts about cycling and more. There are rather few
rules:

- Entries must be linked with cycles or cycling

- running time should not extend twenty minutes

- all films must be sent by DVD.

The best film will clean up the award Goldene Kurbel - "Golden
Crank", the most important film award according to cycling films!

Entry deadline is August 15, 2009.

The Festival takes place at 2nd of October 2009, its venue is the
former machine works and now cultural centre "Flottmannhallen" in
Herne, Ruhrgebiet, Germany.

http://www.cyclingfilms.de

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Cycling_Video_Festival

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"The bicycle has a soul" (Mario Cipollini)

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4th International Cycling Video Festival

2nd to 4th of October 2009 | Germany | Herne | Flottmannhallen

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Contact data

Schloss Wielert | Im Wielert 10

DE 44807 Bochum | Germany

info@cyclingfilms.de | http://www.cyclingfilms.de

New rims

2009-07-15T10:28:00.000-07:00

We've come back from our most recent trip with a very wide selection of nos rims.

Big choice in machined and un-machined rims, mainly clincher.

Highlights are the Mavic CXP 30 and 33 and the Rigida Smooth Polished vintage DP18s.

Variety of models is a bit to wide to list here but we'll try and upload some pictures in the next couple of days.

If you want to be quick just visit our shop.

Spotted in the wild

2009-07-15T09:04:00.000-07:00

Gazelle 10 speed

2009-07-15T06:38:00.000-07:00

Recently we have been building up some vintage nos frame sets with new modern components.

Here's a really nice Gazelle that rolled out to one of our customers.

Ventoux stage screening

2009-07-15T03:47:00.000-07:00

Central London CTC invite you to watch the Ventoux stage of Le Tour on
Saturday 25th July at The Haggerston, 438 Kingsland Rd, E8 4AA (corner
with Richmond Rd).
From 1pm, coverage starts 2pm.
Limited off street bike parking - it's Dalston, you need The Big
Lock. Near Dalston Overland, various buses.
Coffee, beer, soft drinks, locally caught bagels.

Tour de Ville victory in ECMC Teamrace

2009-05-31T10:23:00.000-07:00

Tour de Ville Eindhoven has always brought a big contingent to the ECMC and CMWC over the years and I am happy and very proud to announce they have taken the title in the team dispatch race at this years messenger championship in Berlin.

Full results

Tomorrow will see the final of the main race and I can't wait to see the results.

215 / HeloVelo

2009-05-31T06:28:00.000-07:00

Our friend Karta Healy has opened up a new shop all the way on the west side of town (W11). We want to wish him good luck with his bespoke funky urban cycling clothing.

All though we haven't been to check it out yet I'm sure I'll be as amazing as his collection is.

TWOnFRO

215 Westbourne Park Road, W11

Old leather

2009-05-31T03:55:00.000-07:00

With Brooks still going strong and Cinelli and Selle San Marco re-releasing their classics from years gone by there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to vintage saddle comfort.

At Tour de Ville we try and stock every model because we know the right vintage isn't always available...

Boy's got a new toy

2009-05-31T03:24:00.000-07:00

Robin was very pleased with the Benotto track bike we built him. So where we....

Rossin Record

2009-05-28T03:47:00.000-07:00

We are currently selling our Rossin Record on eBay.

Below are some more detailed shots for the people that followed up the eBay link. For everybody else, check out the specs in the eBay add.

Books, books, books

2009-05-20T11:21:00.000-07:00

We have a big new selection of excellent cycling books. Perfect for a sunny day in the park when you are feeling to lazy to do some riding for yourself.

Titles include:

Sneaker freak

2009-05-20T09:39:00.000-07:00

We have installed a new shoe cabinet in our shop to showcase all the rad cycling shoes that we have on offer.

Besides that we had to because the new QP cycling shoes have just arrived. Great shoes based on a classic Italian design but with a nomal sole.

They come in 5 different versions and all are limited.

Price is £ 79,95 and they come in sizes 41 to 45.

Trespassers of the wold unite

2009-05-14T09:28:00.000-07:00

Even though we are from small towns, Tour de Ville is sooo very Urrrban. That's why we want to bring the following exhibition to the attention.

Don't miss it. Especially our peeps from Eindhoven! Can't wait to hook up again with Erosie, the man responsible for our amazing looking yard and the other guys from Lighttown.

Gallery Nelly Duff in Shoreditch London will host the exhibition of the infamous Toasters, that you’ve probably seen somewhere in a city or small village all over the world…It will be the celebration of the last 10 years on the streets for The Toasters and 15 of their fellow trespassers, some of Europe’s most influential street artists like Mr. Jago, Will Barras and some of our homies from Eindhoven city…CrackRock, Late, Butch, Erosie, Phet15, Space3 REPRESENT!

More info on Nelly Duff's website

(need a ladder there Jeroen?)

Cyclescheme

2009-05-11T10:07:00.000-07:00

Tour de Ville is now officially signed up for Cyclescheme, the government plan that allows you to buy a bike tax free through you employer.

For more information check out the Cyclescheme website or visit our shop for a quote.

Hey Tom, how do you spell New York?

2009-05-09T17:07:00.000-07:00

Tom Boonen did it again. After a recent 3rd victory in Paris - Roubaix he added a second out of competition positive for cocaine.

Poor Tornado Tom. As part of his rehab we suggest Tom watches this video and sticks to vitamins from now on ('cos they are goood).

eBay Bianchi

2009-05-06T13:05:00.000-07:00

We are currently selling our early eighties Bianchi Specialissima with a full new old stock Campagnolo Athena group set on eBay.

Because you are only allowed 12 pictures we have added some detail shots from the bike on our website. For the specs we would like to direct you to the eBay add.

Around town

2009-05-06T12:03:00.000-07:00

A lot of people are under the impression that we specialize in fixed gears and maybe a couple of classic road bikes. We like all classic 2 wheeled business though and we have a broad selection of very classy around town bikes. There is a small selection below but we have loads more from the late seventies, early eighties. All bikes are new and most of them come with a 3 speed Sturmy Archer hub, mudguards and dynamo lights.

Rudge (Britain's best bicycle !) £ 549,-

Superia £ 495,-

Superia Touriste Luxe £ 495,-

Bianchi Ladies £ 495,-

Superia £ 495,-

Fixed issue 3.

2009-05-06T11:56:00.000-07:00

Now in stock (for gratis as usual)

Big shout out to Andy and the guys for keeping it up!

New LCEF caps

2009-04-30T14:55:00.000-07:00

We have some great new caps in to support the London Courier Emergency Fund. Price is £ 7.50

Get them while they last...

COG

2009-04-28T08:46:00.000-07:00

We are finally getting our new shipment in from COG magazine.

Issues 2 through to 5 will be available. Next to that we will also get a bunch of the COG photo books in. Haven't seen them yet but the preview looks very good.

What COG themselves have to say about the photobook:
Over 100 pages of photographs from throughout the first four issues along with new, unseen images. Bi-lingual captions*, silkscreened hardcover signed edition of 2500 copies.
All this in a 12"×9" high-quality offset printed book.

Contributors: Andy Zalan, Tommi Hyvönen, Seng Chen, Andrew DeCoste, Yohei Morita, David R. Munson, Dani Sparrow, David Malosh, Kentaro Sugawa, Pai-commune, Tobias Romaniuk, Sexysushi, Edwin Toone, Mikey Tnasuttimonkol, Tomoaki Maeda, Kyle Johnson, Andrew MacDonald, Cate Hrobsky, Kim Ungerman, Christopher Olaf Berg, Jeff Curtes, Ed Glazar, James LaLonde, Andy White, Raymond McCrea Jones, Wille Yli-Luoma, Walter Lai, Christopher Dilts, Monmon, Teisuke Morimoto, Drew Bayley, Kay Tkatzik, Peter DiAntoni, Eric Von Munz.

*Japanese and English

Briek Schotte

2009-04-25T06:47:00.000-07:00

As the part of the season consisting of the spring classics ends with a bang we want to pay homage to a man who was referred to as the last of the Flandriens, Briek Schotte.

‘Iron’ Briek Schotte (1919 – 2004)

and the Tour of Flanders

Briek Schotte was the archetypal and
last of the Flemisch flandriens. A term used
mostly for Belgian riders of the period
between the first and the second world war.
Riders who were always giving all they had,
rain or shine, spare tubes round the neck,
mud on their faces and excelling on the cobbled
roads of Belgium and the north of France.
Not particularly graceful riders
but men with an amazing stamina who never gave up.

A man made out of cast iron with an amazing record in the Tour of Flanders, Schotte participated from 1940 on to 1959. A record number of 20 times, being the youngest participant in 1940 and the oldest in 1959.
In total he was represented an amazing 45 times. The last 25 in the function of team manager. As a rider Schotte won twice, in 1942 and 1948. He ‘won’ another 4 editions in his role as manager for the flemish Flandria team. Navigating Belgian riders like Foré, Godefroot, Leman and the dutch rider Dolman to victory. Asked after his racing tactics he would answer “ride fast when you have to, and don’t when you don’t have to”.

Back in the days of Briek Schotte the Tour of Flanders, and cycling in general, was a world apart from the modern editions of the tour of Flanders. There were only 3 of the steep, sharp Flemish hills on the road instead of the 15plus that the riders have to conquer nowadays. There was no need for them either. Almost half of the course led the riders over cobbled and sandy roads. The asphalt in between wasn’t much better either. Mechanical failure was a much bigger problem and drove him to give up early in several editions. There was no such thing as a team car following the riders with spare wheels and they had to carry their own tubes round their neck in case they had a puncture. He managed to ride himself onto the podium in eight editions. A record he shares as to this day with that other Belgian cycling legend Johan Museeuw.

During the second world war derailleurs, which were just invented, where to expensive and therefore prohibited. Schotte rode to victory on a fixed gear. More than 250 kilometers at a gear ratio of 49x17. A ratio which is nowadays used by a lot of urban riders and makes a pale comparison to the 53 x 11 used by most of the modern professionals.

Schotte first started racing as a professional in 1939 and his first victory was a remarkable one. In the Tour of the West in France he was leading the general classification after the first three stages. Because of the outbreak of the second world war the race was dismissed and Schotte was declared winner.
The second world war played a big part in his career. Similar to riders as Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali he was robbed of some of his best, most fruitful years during the war.

Schotte didn’t only shine in the Tour of Flanders but also won classics like Paris – Tours (1946 and 1947) Paris Brussels (1946 and 1952) and Gent – Wevelgem (1950 and 1955). He won his first world title in 1948, shouting the now famous words on the radio “Mother, mother, if you can hear me, I have won and I’m world champion”. The second world title was won in 1950 in the Belgian town of Moorslede not far from his hometown. Unleashing and unseen national celebration.

1948 was his best year overall. Becoming the first winner of the overall year classification, a prize given to the most consistent rider of the year. Having already won the final stage in the Tour de France of 1946, he finished second after the unbeatable Italian legend Gino Bartali who at his old age made a great comeback after the interruption of the second world was. This was manly thanks to the 2 apocalyptic stages in the Alpes. Schotte who wasn’t really a climber but profited under the Siberian weather conditions that tortured the riders during these 2 days. Having stages over several snowed climbs where riders had to wrestle themselves a way to the top over muddy roads. Roads that would hardly stand the comparison with goat trails, driving well established riders like Frenchman Robic (winner in 1947) to desperation. Descending from the Col du Galibier he had no less than 4 punctures and was carrying only 2 spare tubes. With the help of 2 other riders who gave him a spare tube and having to literally tear the tubes of his wheel with his teeth because of his frozen hands he continued and finished a respectable 26 minutes behind Gino Bartali at the finish in Paris.

After his active career as a rider and team manager Briek Schotte stayed a well respected figure and living legend in the Belgian cycling world. He was often present at one of the big races in Belgium like the one day race that was named after him, and never missing out on an edition of his beloved Tour de Flanders. It was during the 88th edition in 2004 just before the peloton passed by his monument on the route that he passed away, giving a final salute to his race.

Vigorelli

2009-04-25T06:29:00.000-07:00

Most of you will be familiar with the name Vigorelli, the velodrome in the heart of Milan. A legendary venue that also houses the evenly legendary Italian frame builder family of Masi.

Check out the current issue of ProCycling for a great article about the track and it's history.

There have been some plans to restore it or even rebuild but as of yet the future of this derelict iconic place is unknown.

Hopefully it will end up something like this

Flemish style Tour of Flanders

2009-04-09T03:24:00.001-07:00

To celebrate and watch in a way that only true Flemish people could come up with.

Watch the video here

Amazing...

Maybe we can free up some of the Team Tour de Ville budget for 2010.

Behind Bars limited edition prints

2009-04-07T05:24:00.000-07:00

We have the new Behind Bars prints in at Tour de Ville.

There is a choice of 4 hand printed, numbered and signed limited edition prints.

Each print has a run of 50 in a size 74cm x 49cm, hand pulled two colour screen prints on 225 gsm stock paper.

Price is £ 55,-

For more info check out the Behind Bars website

Re-live the Tour of Flanders 2009

2009-04-07T05:19:00.000-07:00

With this link you can check out videos of all the climbs of last Sunday's Tour of Flanders in hi-def stream.

We've tried it and it works excellent.

Have fun!

The Ride Issue 2

2009-04-03T15:31:00.000-07:00

Tour de Ville is receiving the new issue of the ride this Saturday. A truly excellent bit of reading just like issue 1, but better.

My favorite quote so far is from renowned American frame builder Richard Sachs;

"...These people get some tubes and a jig and they think they're instantly a frame builder. Well, they're not. Not until they make 500 frames and show, after a decade or two, that they hold up..."

Amen to that.

Find out more about The Ride on their website.

De Ronde

2009-04-03T15:21:00.001-07:00

Are you ready? We are...

Nokere - Koerse

2009-03-19T17:54:00.000-07:00

Ozzies the world over can rejoice as Graham Brown won the Belgian semi classic Nokere - Koerse last Wednesday.

British rider Ben Swift (Katuhsa) finished second on the tricky cobbled uphill finish.

We managed to catch the race last year on our way back to London and the atmosphere on the final kilometer is amazing.

Result: 64th Nokere Koerse

01. Graeme Brown (Aus) 4h25'11"
02. Ben Swift (GBr) - same time
03. Sébastien Chavanel (Fra)

04. Björn Coomans
05. Denis Galimtsjanov (Rus)
06. Maxime Vantomme
07. Dennis Pohl (Dui)
08. Michael Reihs (Den)
09. Aleksej Markov (Rus)
10. Niko Eeckhout

49. Frank Vandenbroucke (!)

Lost glory or the future of Herne Hill

2009-03-18T09:48:00.002-07:00

Is this the way Herne Hill is heading?

The pictures below are of the old and (obviously) abandoned outdoor velodrome of Roeselare in Belgium.

The velodrome was founded by Odiel DeFraye, the first Belgian Tour de France winner in 1912, just after the first world war. In 1925 the earth track was replaced by the current 163m concrete one.

The velodrome is (typically) situated behind a cafe that has fallen into equal disrepair since the closure of the track.

Legendary names like Briek Schotte, Rik Van Steenbergen, Marcel Kint and Patrick Sercu have all raced here. After a big regeneration in the sixties by Albert Sercu, the father of Patrick, the velodrome has been steadily falling into disrepair during the nineties.

Being granted a listed status in 2002 has fueled a renewed interest and there is now a private initiative to make the track suitable for racing purposes and youth development projects once again. History is repeating itself here because the man leading the redevelopment has a little son who aspires to be a track racer in the future...

Special wheel build for Jacqui

2009-03-11T09:20:00.000-07:00

What do you call this? A radial crows foot?

Shot from the rear campy to Mavic set of wheels we are building for Jacqui.

RIH & KOGA

2009-03-11T05:57:00.000-07:00

Some of our bikes have been used for a photo shoot last weekend for an upcoming book set to be released in October of this year.

The preview shots look very promising.

The end of an era

2009-03-06T09:25:00.000-08:00

As we have come to the end of the cyclo cross season it is time to say goodbye to Richard Groenendaal.

In a way this is also the end of an era with cyclo cross races becoming faster and faster all the time. Groenendaal was one of the last tough guys who preferred the much slower, muddier and harder races.

His father Rein Groenendaal has also been a pro cyclo cross rider since 1978 and the two rode some races together in the early nineties. This means that next winter will be the first since 1977 without a Groenendaal on the starting list.

Richard Groenendaal has had many wins throughout his career but the highlight must have been the world title won in his backyard in Sint Michielsgestel, Holland in 2000.

Career:
Name: Richard Groenendaal
Born: 13 juli 1971, Den Bosch
Teams: Rabobank (1996-2007), AA Drink
National titles elite: 8
World titles: 2 (1989 juniors and 2000 pro)
World cup wins: 13.
Overall world cup wins: 1998, 2001, 2004
Superprestige wins: 20
Overall Superprestige wins: 1998 en 2001

Finally here is a video of the 2000 World championships. There was a lot of commotion round this particular race because Sven Nys was riding for the Belgian team but was a team mate of Groenendaal for Rabobank. He was caught between orders by his boss, Rabobank, and his national team. Result: 1 happy Dutchman, 2 unhappy Belgians.....

And they're off....

2009-03-06T08:29:00.000-08:00

Last weekend was the start of the 'North European' racing season with the Belgian double Omloop het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne - Brussel - Kuurne.

A powerfull Rabobank, Quickstep and Cerveló but a failing Silence lotto was the outcome of this first weekend with wins for Thor Hushovd on Saturday and a Tom Boonen on form in Sunday's K-B-K.

Check out the 2 video's below for a short recap of the races.

Omloop het Nieuwsblad

Kuurne - Brussel - Kuurne

In other news, a remarkable come back (again) by Frank vandenBroucke in the highly regarded (and I can personally testify to that) Beverbeek Classic (1.2). In Hamont, Belgium.

Watch the video here

We at Tour de Ville wish him all the best. Again...

Beryl Burton - Personal best

2009-03-06T06:19:00.000-08:00

Tour de Ville is stocking the re-release of Beryl Burton's autobiography 'Personal best'.

Beryl Burton paved the way for generations of female British track racers that came after here. Winning the world road championships twice, world pursuit title no less than 5 times and setting numerous time trial records.

Combining a full time racing career with working on a rhubard is enough for us to be interested...

Price 19.95

Goodbye Bruno

2009-03-06T05:08:00.000-08:00

Bruno Walrave, one of the best derny pacers ever on the track, ended his career last week during the final night of the six days in Hasselt.

Coinciding with his 70th birthday and 40 years as a derny pacer he decided to call it a day.

If there would be a world championship jersey for derny riders he would have amassed quite a few. The video below is of the world championships in 1976 where Walrave leads Dutchman Gaby Minneboo to the victory. One of 15 in total.

Knog, just in

2009-02-12T09:17:00.001-08:00

We have received our first shipment of Knog lights today. Currently we are stocking the Frog, Beetle and Skink in a variety of colours.

Models are new and improved for 2009.

Also new in stock are Andrew Lang's amazing Cycloc bicycle storage wall mounts. Very easy to use, stylish and easy to install. They use the weight of the bike to hold and store it virtually anywhere and at any angle.

New Lucas Brunelle vid - ECMC 2008 Eindhoven

2009-02-11T04:30:00.000-08:00

Yihaa!

New year and a great new video from the ECMC alleycat 2008 by Tour de Ville in Eindhoven (Netherlands).

Click here to download this video (55mb)

Valentine's day; Spread the love

2009-02-10T15:21:00.000-08:00

This Saturday the 14th Tour de Ville will see the start of the Kamasutracat. For more information please click on the flyer below.

Start is at 13:00 and all proceeds go to the LCEF.

On the same day James Anderson will host an all day bike wash to raise money for the Land aid charity. Between the 5th and 11th of March he will join the Cycle2Cannes ride which various other riders to try and raise money for a variety of homeless charities.

His aim is to raise 3000 pounds before and during the ride so he will need all the love he can get this Valentine's day. Find more about James here: http://www.justgiving.co.uk/jamesanderson01

Tour de Ville Press

2009-02-10T10:23:00.001-08:00

Some websites that we have been reading for a long long time have mentioned us recently. Here are some links with various pictures and comments on our store.

Please do check out the websites if you are not familiar with them, they're definitely worth it.

www.trackosaurusrex.com

www.fuccit.com

www.urbancyclechic.com

www.urbanvelo.com

Opening hours and contact details

2009-02-04T19:27:00.000-08:00

Our current opening hours are:

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 - 19:00
Thursday: 10:00 - 19:00
Friday: 10:00 - 19:00
Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00
Sunday: 11:00 - 16:00

You can find us here

Tour de Ville
50 Lamb Lane
E8 3PJ
Hackney, London

Contact.
Jos: 078 77 60 29 26
Keith: 078 67 80 46 00

Or alternatively Info@tourdeville.co.uk

Fixed Gear Backflip!!

2009-02-04T19:14:00.000-08:00

Amazing fixed gear back flip.

Rollapaluza XII -- Kingspin 2

2009-02-04T18:30:00.000-08:00

A great night out last Friday, thoroughly enjoyed by the Tour de Ville crew with special guests Tom and Laura from Tour de Ville, Eindhoven.

Tom, riding for team Old Gits, managed to qualify but was knocked out during the 1/4 final.

It did mean there was time for some serious re-hydration and watching some amazing action on the rollers.

Some pictures and a great video by Danzel HERE

For full results check out the Rollapaluza website.

Tweed Run

2009-02-04T18:17:00.000-08:00

The Tweed Run was a great succes and the chaps and chappetes honored our shop with a brief visit.

We hope they enjoyed it as much as we did.

Thanks M.J.S. for the pictures